London dwarfs Leicester in scale with 1,032,530 active companies versus 42,383 — a 24.4x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Leicester may be smaller, but its industry mix and growth patterns offer unique advantages. Both cities share strength in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Buying and selling of own real estate.
London has 1,032,530 active companies compared to 42,383 in Leicester — 990,147 more.
London has a higher 2020s company formation rate (68.3%) compared to Leicester (65.9%).
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.. London is uniquely strong in Business and domestic software development and Residents property management, while Leicester stands out in Freight transport by road and Other human health activities.