Edinburgh VS Bristol

Edinburgh and Bristol are similarly sized business centres with 56,473 and 54,999 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

Edinburgh
Active56,473
Total61,282
2020s Growth41.4%
Oldest Co.1871
Bristol
Active54,999
Total60,778
2020s Growth52.5%
Oldest Co.1871

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
56,473
54,999
Total Registered
61,282
60,778
Dissolved Companies
4,809
5,779
2020s Growth Rate
414%
525%
EdinburghBristol

Company Formation by Decade

Edinburgh
Pre-1990
1,055
1990s
1,838
2000s
6,782
2010s
28,248
2020s
23,359
Bristol
Pre-1990
2,578
1990s
2,165
2000s
7,272
2010s
19,885
2020s
28,878

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Edinburgh or Bristol?

Edinburgh has 56,473 active companies compared to 54,999 in Bristol — 1,474 more.

Which is growing faster, Edinburgh or Bristol?

Bristol has a higher 2020s company formation rate (52.5%) compared to Edinburgh (41.4%).

What industries do Edinburgh and Bristol 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. Edinburgh is uniquely strong in Business and domestic software development and Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet, while Bristol stands out in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Residents property management.