London dwarfs Belfast in scale with 1,007,380 active companies versus 21,880 — a 46.0x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Belfast may be smaller, but its industry mix and growth patterns offer unique advantages. Both cities share strength in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Business and domestic software development.
London has 1,007,380 active companies compared to 21,880 in Belfast — 985,500 more.
London has a higher 2020s company formation rate (61.5%) compared to Belfast (51.7%).
Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Business and domestic software development, Buying and selling of own real estate, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other. London is uniquely strong in Information technology consultancy activities and Other business support service activities n.e.c., while Belfast stands out in Development of building projects and Dormant Company.