Leicester VS Southampton

Leicester and Southampton are similarly sized business centres with 42,383 and 23,069 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 Freight transport by road.

Key Figures

Leicester
Active42,383
Total48,841
2020s Growth65.9%
Oldest Co.1885
Southampton
Active23,069
Total26,760
2020s Growth58.2%
Oldest Co.1871

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
42,383
23,069
Total Registered
48,841
26,760
Dissolved Companies
6,458
3,691
2020s Growth Rate
659%
582%
LeicesterSouthampton

Company Formation by Decade

Leicester
Pre-1990
903
1990s
983
2000s
3,791
2010s
15,235
2020s
27,929
Southampton
Pre-1990
786
1990s
913
2000s
2,754
2010s
8,871
2020s
13,436

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Leicester or Southampton?

Leicester has 42,383 active companies compared to 23,069 in Southampton — 19,314 more.

Which is growing faster, Leicester or Southampton?

Leicester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (65.9%) compared to Southampton (58.2%).

What industries do Leicester and Southampton have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Buying and selling of own real estate, Freight transport by road, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c.. Leicester is uniquely strong in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Other human health activities, while Southampton stands out in Development of building projects and Residents property management.