Located just 40 miles west of London, Reading has long been one of the UK’s most important business hubs. Known for its excellent transport links, growing technology sector, and diverse economy,Reading is the heart of the Thames Valley—an area that has earned a reputation for being one of the most prosperous regions in the UK.
With a history steeped in commerce and trade,Reading has evolved into a modern and vibrant city, attracting businesses from around the world. Today, it’s home to major corporations, thriving startups, and a talented workforce, making it an ideal location for businesses to grow, innovate, and succeed.
Reading’s business roots go back to its historic position as a trading town. Its location on the River Thames made it an important commercial centre throughout the centuries, especially in industries like beer brewing, manufacturing, and textiles.Over time, the town evolved, and its modern economy has become diverse, including major industries such as technology, financial services, and communications.
Today, Reading’s high-tech cluster is thriving, driven by the presence of major tech companies and a vibrant digital ecosystem. Additionally, its proximity to London, combined with its own well-established business infrastructure, ensures that Reading continues to be a key player in the UK’s commercial landscape.
Reading offers a unique set of advantages for businesses, whether you’re a global enterprise or a local startup.Here are just a few reasons why it’s becoming a top choice for businesses looking to expand:
One of Reading’s biggest advantages is its proximity to London. With direct trains to London Paddington in just 25minutes, Reading is an excellent location for businesses that need fast access to the capital. This makes it an ideal location for companies who want to benefit from London’s talent pool and resources, without the high costs of being based in the capital.
Reading also benefits from access to major road networks, including the M4 motorway, which connects the town to London,Bristol, and the South West. For international businesses, HeathrowAirport is just 25 minutes away, offering a wealth of global connectivity.
Reading is often referred to as the ‘Silicon Valley of the UK’ due to its growing presence in the technology sector.The town is home to a thriving community of tech companies, from global players like Microsoft, Oracle, and Amazon to small startups pushing the boundaries in fields like cloud computing, AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
Reading’s Green Park Business Park and the Thames Valley Park are particularly well-known for their concentrations of IT, software development, and telecommunications firms. This has created a unique ecosystem where businesses in the technology sector can collaborate, share knowledge, and drive innovation.
Reading benefits from a highly skilled, diverse workforce. The town is home to top universities, including the University of Reading, which supplies businesses with talented graduates in fields such as engineering, business, computing, and life sciences. Additionally, Reading’s proximity to London means businesses can tap into the capital’s talent pool as well.
The town’s highly educated workforce is a key factor in its success as a business location, providing companies with access to skilled professionals who can drive innovation and growth.
Reading is also a key location for financial services and corporate headquarters. Many leading companies in the banking, insurance, and accounting sectors have chosen Reading as their base, including KPMG, Ernst & Young, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. The town has become a major financial hub, benefiting from both its proximity to London and the highly skilled professionals available in the area.
The presence of these companies has helped establish Reading as a centre for corporate services and a hub for business development, legal services, and consulting.
Reading provides a fantastic quality of life for its residents, with a wide range of housing options, leisure activities, and cultural attractions. The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, while also benefiting from a wide range of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.
Compared to London, property prices and living costs are significantly more affordable, making Reading an attractive location for employees and business owners alike.
Reading offers a range of business support services, including resources for startups, growth funding, and networking opportunities. The Thames Valley Berkshire LEP(Local Enterprise Partnership) is dedicated to supporting businesses in the region, helping companies access grants, advice, and business development opportunities.
In addition, Reading is home to a thriving business community, with numerous local networking events, professional groups, and incubators designed to help businesses grow and thrive.
Reading is home to some of the world’s most recognisable brands, particularly in the technology, financial services, and communications sectors. Here are just a few companies that call Reading home:
In addition to these big names, Reading is home to a vibrant community of tech startups and small businesses, particularly in the fields of digital innovation, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
Reading offers a fantastic location, a skilled workforce, and a vibrant economy—everything you need to grow and scale your business. Whether you’re in the technology, financial services, corporate, or logistics sector, Reading has there sources, infrastructure, and talent to help you succeed.
Its proximity to London, excellent transport links, diverse economy, and affordable living costs make it the perfect location for businesses looking to take advantage of the best the Thames Valley has to offer.
Reading offers everything you need to succeed—whether you're a global corporation or an emerging startup. Contact us today to find out how Reading can help your business thrive.
