London VS Manchester

Side-by-side comparison of business activity in London and Manchester. London hosts 1,030,129 active companies from 1,155,104 total registered, while Manchester has 97,939 active from 115,596 total. Manchester shows a stronger 2020s growth rate.

Key Figures

London
Active1,030,129
Total1,155,104
2020s Growth68.2%
Oldest Co.1856
Manchester
Active97,939
Total115,596
2020s Growth72.1%
Oldest Co.1871

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
1,030,129
97,939
Total Registered
1,155,104
115,596
Dissolved Companies
124,975
17,657
2020s Growth Rate
682%
721%
LondonManchester

Company Formation by Decade

London
Pre-1990
24,006
1990s
27,000
2000s
80,019
2010s
321,266
2020s
702,813
Manchester
Pre-1990
2,353
1990s
2,090
2000s
8,071
2010s
32,481
2020s
70,601

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, London or Manchester?

London has 1,030,129 active companies compared to 97,939 in Manchester — 932,190 more.

Which is growing faster, London or Manchester?

Manchester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (72.1%) compared to London (68.2%).

What industries do London and Manchester 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.. London is uniquely strong in Business and domestic software development and Residents property management, while Manchester stands out in Dormant Company and Other human health activities.