Birmingham is the larger business hub with 88,677 active companies, compared to 21,513 in Cambridge. While size differs, comparing their industry profiles, formation trends, and growth rates reveals what makes each city's business environment distinctive. 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 21,513 in Cambridge — 67,164 more.
Birmingham has a higher 2020s company formation rate (72.8%) compared to Cambridge (57.3%).
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, Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet. Birmingham is uniquely strong in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Freight transport by road, while Cambridge stands out in Business and domestic software development and Dormant Company.