London dwarfs Bristol in scale with 1,007,380 active companies versus 53,876 — a 18.7x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Bristol 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 53,876 in Bristol — 953,504 more.
London has a higher 2020s company formation rate (61.5%) compared to Bristol (48.7%).
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, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management. London is uniquely strong in Other and Other service activities n.e.c., while Bristol stands out in Development of building projects and Dormant Company.