London dwarfs Manchester in scale with 1,032,530 active companies versus 98,153 — a 10.5x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Manchester 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 1,032,530 active companies compared to 98,153 in Manchester — 934,377 more.
Manchester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (64.2%) compared to London (61.8%).
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 Manchester stands out in Dormant Company and Other human health activities.