Birmingham VS Glasgow

Birmingham and Glasgow are similarly sized business centres with 88,677 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 Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Buying and selling of own real estate.

Key Figures

Birmingham
Active88,677
Total105,508
2020s Growth72.8%
Oldest Co.1864
Glasgow
Active67,891
Total78,629
2020s Growth63.1%
Oldest Co.1871

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
88,677
67,891
Total Registered
105,508
78,629
Dissolved Companies
16,831
10,738
2020s Growth Rate
728%
631%
BirminghamGlasgow

Company Formation by Decade

Birmingham
Pre-1990
2,436
1990s
1,885
2000s
7,048
2010s
29,580
2020s
64,559
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, Birmingham or Glasgow?

Birmingham has 88,677 active companies compared to 67,891 in Glasgow — 20,786 more.

Which is growing faster, Birmingham or Glasgow?

Birmingham has a higher 2020s company formation rate (72.8%) compared to Glasgow (63.1%).

What industries do Birmingham and Glasgow have in common?

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 Glasgow stands out in Hairdressing and other beauty treatment and Information technology consultancy activities.