Southampton and Belfast are similarly sized business centres with 23,069 and 22,934 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.
Southampton has 23,069 active companies compared to 22,934 in Belfast — 135 more.
Belfast has a higher 2020s company formation rate (63.7%) compared to Southampton (58.2%).
Both cities share these top industries: Buying and selling of own real estate, Development of building projects, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c., Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate. Southampton is uniquely strong in Freight transport by road and Information technology consultancy activities, while Belfast stands out in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Business and domestic software development.