Glasgow VS Cardiff

Glasgow is the larger business hub with 67,891 active companies, compared to 30,508 in Cardiff. 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 Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Buying and selling of own real estate.

Key Figures

Glasgow
Active67,891
Total78,629
2020s Growth63.1%
Oldest Co.1871
Cardiff
Active30,508
Total67,837
2020s Growth136.9%
Oldest Co.1881

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
67,891
30,508
Total Registered
78,629
67,837
Dissolved Companies
10,738
37,329
2020s Growth Rate
631%
1,369%
GlasgowCardiff

Company Formation by Decade

Glasgow
Pre-1990
1,651
1990s
1,824
2000s
6,006
2010s
26,337
2020s
42,811
Cardiff
Pre-1990
977
1990s
849
2000s
3,331
2010s
20,909
2020s
41,771

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Glasgow or Cardiff?

Glasgow has 67,891 active companies compared to 30,508 in Cardiff — 37,383 more.

Which is growing faster, Glasgow or Cardiff?

Cardiff has a higher 2020s company formation rate (136.9%) compared to Glasgow (63.1%).

What industries do Glasgow and Cardiff have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., 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.. Glasgow is uniquely strong in Hairdressing and other beauty treatment and Other service activities n.e.c., while Cardiff stands out in Business and domestic software development and Development of building projects.