Cambridge and Preston are similarly sized business centres with 21,513 and 19,784 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 Buying and selling of own real estate and Dormant Company.
Cambridge has 21,513 active companies compared to 19,784 in Preston — 1,729 more.
Preston has a higher 2020s company formation rate (60.1%) compared to Cambridge (57.3%).
Both cities share these top industries: Buying and selling of own real estate, Dormant Company, 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. Cambridge is uniquely strong in Business and domestic software development and Information technology consultancy activities, while Preston stands out in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Development of building projects.