Derby VS Preston

Derby and Preston are similarly sized business centres with 20,965 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 Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Buying and selling of own real estate.

Key Figures

Derby
Active20,965
Total23,477
2020s Growth62.7%
Oldest Co.1867
Preston
Active19,784
Total22,698
2020s Growth60.1%
Oldest Co.1893

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
20,965
19,784
Total Registered
23,477
22,698
Dissolved Companies
2,512
2,914
2020s Growth Rate
627%
601%
DerbyPreston

Company Formation by Decade

Derby
Pre-1990
468
1990s
537
2000s
2,230
2010s
7,087
2020s
13,155
Preston
Pre-1990
500
1990s
584
2000s
2,570
2010s
7,153
2020s
11,891

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Derby or Preston?

Derby has 20,965 active companies compared to 19,784 in Preston — 1,181 more.

Which is growing faster, Derby or Preston?

Derby has a higher 2020s company formation rate (62.7%) compared to Preston (60.1%).

What industries do Derby and Preston 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, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c.. Derby is uniquely strong in Freight transport by road and Information technology consultancy activities, while Preston stands out in Dormant Company and Other human health activities.