Manchester VS Glasgow

Manchester and Glasgow are similarly sized business centres with 98,153 and 67,891 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 Buying and selling of own real estate and Information technology consultancy activities.

Key Figures

Manchester
Active98,153
Total116,352
2020s Growth64.2%
Oldest Co.1871
Glasgow
Active67,891
Total78,629
2020s Growth56.9%
Oldest Co.1871

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
98,153
67,891
Total Registered
116,352
78,629
Dissolved Companies
463
343
2020s Growth Rate
642%
569%
ManchesterGlasgow

Company Formation by Decade

Manchester
Pre-1990
2,361
1990s
2,106
2000s
8,176
2010s
32,829
2020s
70,880
Glasgow
Pre-1990
1,651
1990s
1,824
2000s
6,006
2010s
26,337
2020s
42,811

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Manchester or Glasgow?

Manchester has 98,153 active companies compared to 67,891 in Glasgow — 30,262 more.

Which is growing faster, Manchester or Glasgow?

Manchester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (64.2%) compared to Glasgow (56.9%).

What industries do Manchester and Glasgow have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: 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., Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate. Manchester is uniquely strong in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Dormant Company, while Glasgow stands out in Hairdressing and other beauty treatment and Other.