Nottingham is the larger business hub with 42,731 active companies, compared to 19,784 in Preston. 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 Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Buying and selling of own real estate.
Nottingham has 42,731 active companies compared to 19,784 in Preston — 22,947 more.
Nottingham has a higher 2020s company formation rate (61.8%) compared to Preston (60.1%).
Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Buying and selling of own real estate, Development of building projects, Dormant Company, Management consultancy activities other than financial management. Nottingham is uniquely strong in Information technology consultancy activities, while Preston stands out in Other service activities n.e.c..