Side-by-side comparison of business activity in Manchester and Birmingham. Manchester hosts 97,939 active companies from 115,596 total registered, while Birmingham has 88,502 active from 104,868 total. Birmingham shows a stronger 2020s growth rate.
Manchester has 97,939 active companies compared to 88,502 in Birmingham — 9,437 more.
Birmingham has a higher 2020s company formation rate (72.7%) compared to Manchester (72.1%).
Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Buying and selling of own real estate, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c., Other human health activities. Manchester is uniquely strong in Dormant Company and Information technology consultancy activities, while Birmingham stands out in Freight transport by road and Take-away food shops and mobile food stands.