Edinburgh VS Cambridge

Edinburgh is the larger business hub with 56,473 active companies, compared to 21,513 in Cambridge. 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 Business and domestic software development and Buying and selling of own real estate.

Key Figures

Edinburgh
Active56,473
Total61,282
2020s Growth41.4%
Oldest Co.1871
Cambridge
Active21,513
Total23,405
2020s Growth57.3%
Oldest Co.1893

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
56,473
21,513
Total Registered
61,282
23,405
Dissolved Companies
4,809
1,892
2020s Growth Rate
414%
573%
EdinburghCambridge

Company Formation by Decade

Edinburgh
Pre-1990
1,055
1990s
1,838
2000s
6,782
2010s
28,248
2020s
23,359
Cambridge
Pre-1990
641
1990s
775
2000s
2,407
2010s
7,259
2020s
12,323

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Edinburgh or Cambridge?

Edinburgh has 56,473 active companies compared to 21,513 in Cambridge — 34,960 more.

Which is growing faster, Edinburgh or Cambridge?

Cambridge has a higher 2020s company formation rate (57.3%) compared to Edinburgh (41.4%).

What industries do Edinburgh and Cambridge have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Business and domestic software development, Buying and selling of own real estate, Dormant Company, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management. Edinburgh is uniquely strong in Development of building projects and Other service activities n.e.c., while Cambridge stands out in Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c. and Residents property management.