Manchester VS Glasgow

Manchester and Glasgow are similarly sized business centres with 97,213 and 66,510 active companies respectively. This close match makes their industry mix, growth trajectory, and formation history all the more interesting to compare. Both cities share strength in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Buying and selling of own real estate.

Key Figures

Manchester
Active97,213
Total129,520
2020s Growth64.3%
Oldest Co.1871
Glasgow
Active66,510
Total84,577
2020s Growth56.9%
Oldest Co.1871

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
97,213
66,510
Total Registered
129,520
84,577
Dissolved Companies
17,680
9,576
2020s Growth Rate
643%
569%
ManchesterGlasgow

Company Formation by Decade

Manchester
Pre-1990
2,386
1990s
2,120
2000s
8,221
2010s
33,066
2020s
81,757
Glasgow
Pre-1990
1,679
1990s
1,833
2000s
6,029
2010s
26,100
2020s
47,681

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Manchester or Glasgow?

Manchester has 97,213 active companies compared to 66,510 in Glasgow — 30,703 more.

Which is growing faster, Manchester or Glasgow?

Manchester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (64.3%) compared to Glasgow (56.9%).

What industries do Manchester and Glasgow have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Buying and selling of own real estate, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c., Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate. Manchester is uniquely strong in Business and domestic software development and Dormant Company, while Glasgow stands out in Hairdressing and other beauty treatment and Other.