London VS Cambridge

London dwarfs Cambridge in scale with 1,032,530 active companies versus 21,513 — a 48.0x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Cambridge may be smaller, but its industry mix and growth patterns offer unique advantages. Both cities share strength in Business and domestic software development and Buying and selling of own real estate.

Key Figures

London
Active1,032,530
Total1,160,969
2020s Growth68.3%
Oldest Co.1856
Cambridge
Active21,513
Total23,405
2020s Growth57.3%
Oldest Co.1893

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
1,032,530
21,513
Total Registered
1,160,969
23,405
Dissolved Companies
128,439
1,892
2020s Growth Rate
683%
573%
LondonCambridge

Company Formation by Decade

London
Pre-1990
24,094
1990s
27,122
2000s
80,708
2010s
323,398
2020s
705,647
Cambridge
Pre-1990
641
1990s
775
2000s
2,407
2010s
7,259
2020s
12,323

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, London or Cambridge?

London has 1,032,530 active companies compared to 21,513 in Cambridge — 1,011,017 more.

Which is growing faster, London or Cambridge?

London has a higher 2020s company formation rate (68.3%) compared to Cambridge (57.3%).

What industries do London and Cambridge have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Business and domestic software development, 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.. London is uniquely strong in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Other service activities n.e.c., while Cambridge stands out in Dormant Company and Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c..