Edinburgh VS Leicester

Edinburgh and Leicester are similarly sized business centres with 56,473 and 42,383 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 Information technology consultancy activities.

Key Figures

Edinburgh
Active56,473
Total61,282
2020s Growth41.4%
Oldest Co.1871
Leicester
Active42,383
Total48,841
2020s Growth65.9%
Oldest Co.1885

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
56,473
42,383
Total Registered
61,282
48,841
Dissolved Companies
4,809
6,458
2020s Growth Rate
414%
659%
EdinburghLeicester

Company Formation by Decade

Edinburgh
Pre-1990
1,055
1990s
1,838
2000s
6,782
2010s
28,248
2020s
23,359
Leicester
Pre-1990
903
1990s
983
2000s
3,791
2010s
15,235
2020s
27,929

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Edinburgh or Leicester?

Edinburgh has 56,473 active companies compared to 42,383 in Leicester — 14,090 more.

Which is growing faster, Edinburgh or Leicester?

Leicester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (65.9%) compared to Edinburgh (41.4%).

What industries do Edinburgh and Leicester 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 Leicester stands out in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Freight transport by road.