Edinburgh VS York

Edinburgh is the larger business hub with 56,473 active companies, compared to 16,685 in York. While size differs, comparing their industry profiles, formation trends, and growth rates reveals what makes each city's business environment distinctive. 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
York
Active16,685
Total18,051
2020s Growth48.9%
Oldest Co.1869

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
56,473
16,685
Total Registered
61,282
18,051
Dissolved Companies
4,809
1,366
2020s Growth Rate
414%
489%
EdinburghYork

Company Formation by Decade

Edinburgh
Pre-1990
1,055
1990s
1,838
2000s
6,782
2010s
28,248
2020s
23,359
York
Pre-1990
788
1990s
591
2000s
2,406
2010s
6,109
2020s
8,157

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Edinburgh or York?

Edinburgh has 56,473 active companies compared to 16,685 in York — 39,788 more.

Which is growing faster, Edinburgh or York?

York has a higher 2020s company formation rate (48.9%) compared to Edinburgh (41.4%).

What industries do Edinburgh and York 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 Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet, while York stands out in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Residents property management.