Southampton VS Bournemouth

Southampton and Bournemouth are similarly sized business centres with 23,069 and 14,210 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.

Key Figures

Southampton
Active23,069
Total26,760
2020s Growth58.2%
Oldest Co.1871
Bournemouth
Active14,210
Total16,046
2020s Growth55.9%
Oldest Co.1864

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
23,069
14,210
Total Registered
26,760
16,046
Dissolved Companies
3,691
1,836
2020s Growth Rate
582%
559%
SouthamptonBournemouth

Company Formation by Decade

Southampton
Pre-1990
786
1990s
913
2000s
2,754
2010s
8,871
2020s
13,436
Bournemouth
Pre-1990
629
1990s
541
2000s
1,820
2010s
5,106
2020s
7,950

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Southampton or Bournemouth?

Southampton has 23,069 active companies compared to 14,210 in Bournemouth — 8,859 more.

Which is growing faster, Southampton or Bournemouth?

Southampton has a higher 2020s company formation rate (58.2%) compared to Bournemouth (55.9%).

What industries do Southampton and Bournemouth have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Buying and selling of own real estate, Development of building projects, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c.. Southampton is uniquely strong in Freight transport by road and Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet, while Bournemouth stands out in Dormant Company and Management of real estate on a fee or contract basis.