Edinburgh VS Sheffield

Edinburgh and Sheffield are similarly sized business centres with 56,473 and 33,989 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
Sheffield
Active33,989
Total39,081
2020s Growth60.5%
Oldest Co.1862

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
56,473
33,989
Total Registered
61,282
39,081
Dissolved Companies
4,809
5,092
2020s Growth Rate
414%
605%
EdinburghSheffield

Company Formation by Decade

Edinburgh
Pre-1990
1,055
1990s
1,838
2000s
6,782
2010s
28,248
2020s
23,359
Sheffield
Pre-1990
1,214
1990s
1,050
2000s
3,920
2010s
12,335
2020s
20,562

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Edinburgh or Sheffield?

Edinburgh has 56,473 active companies compared to 33,989 in Sheffield — 22,484 more.

Which is growing faster, Edinburgh or Sheffield?

Sheffield has a higher 2020s company formation rate (60.5%) compared to Edinburgh (41.4%).

What industries do Edinburgh and Sheffield have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Buying and selling of own real estate, Development of building projects, Dormant Company, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management. Edinburgh is uniquely strong in Business and domestic software development and Other service activities n.e.c., while Sheffield stands out in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Other human health activities.