Northampton and Preston are similarly sized business centres with 21,899 and 19,784 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 Buying and selling of own real estate and Development of building projects.
Northampton has 21,899 active companies compared to 19,784 in Preston — 2,115 more.
Northampton has a higher 2020s company formation rate (62.3%) compared to Preston (60.1%).
Both cities share these top industries: Buying and selling of own real estate, Development of building projects, Dormant Company, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c.. Northampton is uniquely strong in Freight transport by road and Information technology consultancy activities, while Preston stands out in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Other service activities n.e.c..