Edinburgh VS Leeds

Edinburgh and Leeds are similarly sized business centres with 56,473 and 49,027 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
Leeds
Active49,027
Total57,146
2020s Growth61.3%
Oldest Co.1873

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
56,473
49,027
Total Registered
61,282
57,146
Dissolved Companies
4,809
8,119
2020s Growth Rate
414%
613%
EdinburghLeeds

Company Formation by Decade

Edinburgh
Pre-1990
1,055
1990s
1,838
2000s
6,782
2010s
28,248
2020s
23,359
Leeds
Pre-1990
1,751
1990s
1,522
2000s
5,385
2010s
18,438
2020s
30,050

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Edinburgh or Leeds?

Edinburgh has 56,473 active companies compared to 49,027 in Leeds — 7,446 more.

Which is growing faster, Edinburgh or Leeds?

Leeds has a higher 2020s company formation rate (61.3%) compared to Edinburgh (41.4%).

What industries do Edinburgh and Leeds 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.. Edinburgh is uniquely strong in Business and domestic software development and Dormant Company, while Leeds stands out in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Other human health activities.