Belfast and Preston are similarly sized business centres with 22,934 and 19,784 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.
Belfast has 22,934 active companies compared to 19,784 in Preston — 3,150 more.
Belfast has a higher 2020s company formation rate (63.7%) compared to Preston (60.1%).
Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Buying and selling of own real estate, Development of building projects, Dormant Company, Management consultancy activities other than financial management. Belfast is uniquely strong in Business and domestic software development and Residents property management, while Preston stands out in Other human health activities and Other service activities n.e.c..