Sheffield VS Bradford

Sheffield and Bradford are similarly sized business centres with 33,989 and 21,876 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 Management consultancy activities other than financial management.

Key Figures

Sheffield
Active33,989
Total39,081
2020s Growth60.5%
Oldest Co.1862
Bradford
Active21,876
Total25,733
2020s Growth76.5%
Oldest Co.1869

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
33,989
21,876
Total Registered
39,081
25,733
Dissolved Companies
5,092
3,857
2020s Growth Rate
605%
765%
SheffieldBradford

Company Formation by Decade

Sheffield
Pre-1990
1,214
1990s
1,050
2000s
3,920
2010s
12,335
2020s
20,562
Bradford
Pre-1990
471
1990s
359
2000s
1,409
2010s
6,750
2020s
16,744

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Sheffield or Bradford?

Sheffield has 33,989 active companies compared to 21,876 in Bradford — 12,113 more.

Which is growing faster, Sheffield or Bradford?

Bradford has a higher 2020s company formation rate (76.5%) compared to Sheffield (60.5%).

What industries do Sheffield and Bradford have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Buying and selling of own real estate, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c., Other human health activities, Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate. Sheffield is uniquely strong in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Development of building projects, while Bradford stands out in Freight transport by road and Other service activities n.e.c..