Manchester is the larger business hub with 98,153 active companies, compared to 21,513 in Cambridge. While size differs, comparing their industry profiles, formation trends, and growth rates reveals what makes each city's business environment distinctive. Both cities share strength in Buying and selling of own real estate and Dormant Company.
Manchester has 98,153 active companies compared to 21,513 in Cambridge — 76,640 more.
Manchester has a higher 2020s company formation rate (72.2%) compared to Cambridge (57.3%).
Both cities share these top industries: Buying and selling of own real estate, Dormant Company, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c.. Manchester is uniquely strong in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Other human health activities, while Cambridge stands out in Business and domestic software development and Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c..