Manchester dwarfs Brighton in scale with 98,153 active companies versus 17,054 — a 5.8x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Brighton 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.
Manchester has 98,153 active companies compared to 17,054 in Brighton — 81,099 more.
Manchester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (72.2%) compared to Brighton (51.1%).
Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Buying and selling of own real estate, Dormant Company, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management. Manchester is uniquely strong in Other human health activities and Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet, while Brighton stands out in Development of building projects and Residents property management.