Bristol VS Oxford

Bristol is the larger business hub with 54,999 active companies, compared to 11,030 in Oxford. 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 Development of building projects.

Key Figures

Bristol
Active54,999
Total60,778
2020s Growth52.5%
Oldest Co.1871
Oxford
Active11,030
Total12,265
2020s Growth52.7%
Oldest Co.1866

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
54,999
11,030
Total Registered
60,778
12,265
Dissolved Companies
5,779
1,235
2020s Growth Rate
525%
527%
BristolOxford

Company Formation by Decade

Bristol
Pre-1990
2,578
1990s
2,165
2000s
7,272
2010s
19,885
2020s
28,878
Oxford
Pre-1990
453
1990s
475
2000s
1,488
2010s
4,041
2020s
5,808

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Bristol or Oxford?

Bristol has 54,999 active companies compared to 11,030 in Oxford — 43,969 more.

Which is growing faster, Bristol or Oxford?

Oxford has a higher 2020s company formation rate (52.7%) compared to Bristol (52.5%).

What industries do Bristol and Oxford have in common?

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