Birmingham dwarfs Bournemouth in scale with 88,677 active companies versus 14,210 — a 6.2x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Bournemouth may be smaller, but its industry mix and growth patterns offer unique advantages. Both cities share strength in Buying and selling of own real estate and Management consultancy activities other than financial management.
Birmingham has 88,677 active companies compared to 14,210 in Bournemouth — 74,467 more.
Birmingham has a higher 2020s company formation rate (72.8%) compared to Bournemouth (55.9%).
Both cities share these top industries: 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, Other service activities n.e.c.. Birmingham is uniquely strong in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Freight transport by road, while Bournemouth stands out in Development of building projects and Dormant Company.