London dwarfs Southampton in scale with 1,032,530 active companies versus 23,069 — a 44.8x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Southampton may be smaller, but its industry mix and growth patterns offer unique advantages. Both cities share strength in Buying and selling of own real estate and Information technology consultancy activities.
London has 1,032,530 active companies compared to 23,069 in Southampton — 1,009,461 more.
London has a higher 2020s company formation rate (68.3%) compared to Southampton (58.2%).
Both cities share these top industries: 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., Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate. London is uniquely strong in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Business and domestic software development, while Southampton stands out in Development of building projects and Freight transport by road.