Southampton and Preston are similarly sized business centres with 23,069 and 19,784 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 19,784 in Preston — 3,285 more.
Preston has a higher 2020s company formation rate (60.1%) 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 Preston stands out in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Dormant Company.