Birmingham is the larger business hub with 88,677 active companies, compared to 23,069 in Southampton. 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 Freight transport by road.
Birmingham has 88,677 active companies compared to 23,069 in Southampton — 65,608 more.
Birmingham has a higher 2020s company formation rate (72.8%) compared to Southampton (58.2%).
Both cities share these top industries: Buying and selling of own real estate, Freight transport by road, 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 Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Other human health activities, while Southampton stands out in Development of building projects and Information technology consultancy activities.