Southampton and York are similarly sized business centres with 23,069 and 16,685 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 16,685 in York — 6,384 more.
Southampton has a higher 2020s company formation rate (58.2%) compared to York (48.9%).
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 York stands out in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Dormant Company.