Bristol VS Cardiff

Bristol and Cardiff are similarly sized business centres with 54,999 and 30,508 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

Bristol
Active54,999
Total60,778
2020s Growth52.5%
Oldest Co.1871
Cardiff
Active30,508
Total67,837
2020s Growth136.9%
Oldest Co.1881

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
54,999
30,508
Total Registered
60,778
67,837
Dissolved Companies
5,779
37,329
2020s Growth Rate
525%
1,369%
BristolCardiff

Company Formation by Decade

Bristol
Pre-1990
2,578
1990s
2,165
2000s
7,272
2010s
19,885
2020s
28,878
Cardiff
Pre-1990
977
1990s
849
2000s
3,331
2010s
20,909
2020s
41,771

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Bristol or Cardiff?

Bristol has 54,999 active companies compared to 30,508 in Cardiff — 24,491 more.

Which is growing faster, Bristol or Cardiff?

Cardiff has a higher 2020s company formation rate (136.9%) compared to Bristol (52.5%).

What industries do Bristol and Cardiff have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Buying and selling of own real estate, Development of building projects, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management. Bristol is uniquely strong in Dormant Company and Other service activities n.e.c., while Cardiff stands out in Business and domestic software development and Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet.