Manchester VS Bristol

Manchester and Bristol are similarly sized business centres with 98,153 and 54,999 active companies respectively. This close match makes their industry mix, growth trajectory, and formation history all the more interesting to compare. Both cities share strength in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Buying and selling of own real estate.

Key Figures

Manchester
Active98,153
Total116,352
2020s Growth72.2%
Oldest Co.1871
Bristol
Active54,999
Total60,778
2020s Growth52.5%
Oldest Co.1871

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
98,153
54,999
Total Registered
116,352
60,778
Dissolved Companies
18,199
5,779
2020s Growth Rate
722%
525%
ManchesterBristol

Company Formation by Decade

Manchester
Pre-1990
2,361
1990s
2,106
2000s
8,176
2010s
32,829
2020s
70,880
Bristol
Pre-1990
2,578
1990s
2,165
2000s
7,272
2010s
19,885
2020s
28,878

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Manchester or Bristol?

Manchester has 98,153 active companies compared to 54,999 in Bristol — 43,154 more.

Which is growing faster, Manchester or Bristol?

Manchester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (72.2%) compared to Bristol (52.5%).

What industries do Manchester and Bristol have in common?

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 Bristol stands out in Development of building projects and Residents property management.