Southampton VS Bradford

Southampton and Bradford are similarly sized business centres with 23,069 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 Freight transport by road.

Key Figures

Southampton
Active23,069
Total26,760
2020s Growth58.2%
Oldest Co.1871
Bradford
Active21,876
Total25,733
2020s Growth76.5%
Oldest Co.1869

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
23,069
21,876
Total Registered
26,760
25,733
Dissolved Companies
3,691
3,857
2020s Growth Rate
582%
765%
SouthamptonBradford

Company Formation by Decade

Southampton
Pre-1990
786
1990s
913
2000s
2,754
2010s
8,871
2020s
13,436
Bradford
Pre-1990
471
1990s
359
2000s
1,409
2010s
6,750
2020s
16,744

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Southampton or Bradford?

Southampton has 23,069 active companies compared to 21,876 in Bradford — 1,193 more.

Which is growing faster, Southampton or Bradford?

Bradford has a higher 2020s company formation rate (76.5%) compared to Southampton (58.2%).

What industries do Southampton and Bradford have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Buying and selling of own real estate, Freight transport by road, 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 Development of building projects and Information technology consultancy activities, while Bradford stands out in Other human health activities and Sale of used cars and light motor vehicles.