Edinburgh dwarfs Oxford in scale with 56,473 active companies versus 11,030 — a 5.1x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Oxford may be smaller, but its industry mix and growth patterns offer unique advantages. Both cities share strength in Business and domestic software development and Buying and selling of own real estate.
Edinburgh has 56,473 active companies compared to 11,030 in Oxford — 45,443 more.
Oxford has a higher 2020s company formation rate (52.7%) compared to Edinburgh (41.4%).
Both cities share these top industries: Business and domestic software development, Buying and selling of own real estate, Development of building projects, Dormant Company, Information technology consultancy activities. Edinburgh is uniquely strong in Other service activities n.e.c., while Oxford stands out in Residents property management.