Southampton VS Cambridge

Southampton and Cambridge are similarly sized business centres with 23,069 and 21,513 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 Information technology consultancy activities.

Key Figures

Southampton
Active23,069
Total26,760
2020s Growth58.2%
Oldest Co.1871
Cambridge
Active21,513
Total23,405
2020s Growth57.3%
Oldest Co.1893

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
23,069
21,513
Total Registered
26,760
23,405
Dissolved Companies
3,691
1,892
2020s Growth Rate
582%
573%
SouthamptonCambridge

Company Formation by Decade

Southampton
Pre-1990
786
1990s
913
2000s
2,754
2010s
8,871
2020s
13,436
Cambridge
Pre-1990
641
1990s
775
2000s
2,407
2010s
7,259
2020s
12,323

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Southampton or Cambridge?

Southampton has 23,069 active companies compared to 21,513 in Cambridge — 1,556 more.

Which is growing faster, Southampton or Cambridge?

Southampton has a higher 2020s company formation rate (58.2%) compared to Cambridge (57.3%).

What industries do Southampton and Cambridge have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Buying and selling of own real estate, Information technology consultancy activities, 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 Freight transport by road, while Cambridge stands out in Business and domestic software development and Dormant Company.