Leeds and Leicester are similarly sized business centres with 49,027 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 Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Buying and selling of own real estate.
Leeds has 49,027 active companies compared to 42,383 in Leicester — 6,644 more.
Leicester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (65.9%) compared to Leeds (61.3%).
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.. Leeds is uniquely strong in Development of building projects and Take-away food shops and mobile food stands, while Leicester stands out in Freight transport by road and Other service activities n.e.c..