Birmingham is the larger business hub with 88,677 active companies, compared to 30,508 in Cardiff. 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 Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Buying and selling of own real estate.
Birmingham has 88,677 active companies compared to 30,508 in Cardiff — 58,169 more.
Cardiff has a higher 2020s company formation rate (136.9%) compared to Birmingham (72.8%).
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. Birmingham is uniquely strong in Freight transport by road and Other human health activities, while Cardiff stands out in Business and domestic software development and Development of building projects.