Cardiff VS Southampton

Cardiff and Southampton are similarly sized business centres with 30,508 and 23,069 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 Development of building projects.

Key Figures

Cardiff
Active30,508
Total67,837
2020s Growth136.9%
Oldest Co.1881
Southampton
Active23,069
Total26,760
2020s Growth58.2%
Oldest Co.1871

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
30,508
23,069
Total Registered
67,837
26,760
Dissolved Companies
37,329
3,691
2020s Growth Rate
1,369%
582%
CardiffSouthampton

Company Formation by Decade

Cardiff
Pre-1990
977
1990s
849
2000s
3,331
2010s
20,909
2020s
41,771
Southampton
Pre-1990
786
1990s
913
2000s
2,754
2010s
8,871
2020s
13,436

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Cardiff or Southampton?

Cardiff has 30,508 active companies compared to 23,069 in Southampton — 7,439 more.

Which is growing faster, Cardiff or Southampton?

Cardiff has a higher 2020s company formation rate (136.9%) compared to Southampton (58.2%).

What industries do Cardiff and Southampton have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Buying and selling of own real estate, Development of building projects, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c.. Cardiff is uniquely strong in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Business and domestic software development, while Southampton stands out in Freight transport by road and Other service activities n.e.c..