London dwarfs Leeds in scale with 1,007,380 active companies versus 47,811 — a 21.1x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Leeds 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 Buying and selling of own real estate.
London has 1,007,380 active companies compared to 47,811 in Leeds — 959,569 more.
London has a higher 2020s company formation rate (61.5%) compared to Leeds (56.0%).
Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Buying and selling of own real estate, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c.. London is uniquely strong in Business and domestic software development and Other, while Leeds stands out in Development of building projects and Other human health activities.