Edinburgh VS Glasgow

Side-by-side comparison of business activity in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Edinburgh hosts 56,464 active companies from 61,144 total registered, while Glasgow has 67,872 active from 78,225 total. Glasgow shows a stronger 2020s growth rate.

Key Figures

Edinburgh
Active56,464
Total61,144
2020s Growth41.3%
Oldest Co.1871
Glasgow
Active67,872
Total78,225
2020s Growth62.9%
Oldest Co.1871

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
56,464
67,872
Total Registered
61,144
78,225
Dissolved Companies
4,680
10,353
2020s Growth Rate
413%
629%
EdinburghGlasgow

Company Formation by Decade

Edinburgh
Pre-1990
1,053
1990s
1,828
2000s
6,751
2010s
28,173
2020s
23,339
Glasgow
Pre-1990
1,645
1990s
1,815
2000s
5,943
2010s
26,097
2020s
42,725

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Edinburgh or Glasgow?

Glasgow has 67,872 active companies compared to 56,464 in Edinburgh — 11,408 more.

Which is growing faster, Edinburgh or Glasgow?

Glasgow has a higher 2020s company formation rate (62.9%) compared to Edinburgh (41.3%).

What industries do Edinburgh and Glasgow have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Buying and selling of own real estate, Information technology consultancy activities, 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. Edinburgh is uniquely strong in Business and domestic software development and Development of building projects, while Glasgow stands out in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Hairdressing and other beauty treatment.