Good connections are important – whatever your business’ size or the sector you work in. Providing an easy to reach base for you and your team, and anyone who you want to meet with is an important factor. And it can be especially true if you’re relocating from London and want to ensure you can provide good transport links and meeting opportunities.

A well-connected office space is important when recruiting staff too. Post-pandemic it’s a major factor following extended periods where many teams worked from home, and are now transitioning back to an office space or enjoying a more hybrid pattern of working.

How connected is Reading?

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Reading is very well-connected to the rest of the UK, both in terms of transportation links and economic ties:

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·        Rail: Reading has a major railway station, which is one of the busiest outside of London. The opening of the Elizabeth Line has reduced commuting time to London, and as a key hub on the Great Western Main Line, there are frequent services to other major cities including Bristol, Cardiff, and Birmingham. There are also direct connections to over 250locations across the country. Reading Station is the 8th busiest station in the UK, and outside London the 3rdbusiest in the South East, with 12.4 million passengers using it each year, according to data released by the Office of Rail and Road. Reading's connectivity with London is key to its economic success, with 4.1 million passenger trips between the two every year. REDA's Visitor Information service at the station helps over 11,000 people a year too.

·        Bus network: Reading Council have recently approved plans to create a faster and more reliable bus network with six new bus lanes on key routes. £26 million is being invested into local bus services with the aim of attracting even more passengers, by speeding up journey times and increasing reliability. And it’s easier to use the bus network too with tap on tap off payment for buses now live.

·        Road: there are good road networks, with the M4 motorway passing just south of the town, offering easy access to London and the West of England. The A33 and A329 roads also provide good connections to nearby towns and cities across Berkshire and Hampshire.

·        Air: Reading is close to several major airports including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and London Luton. All are easily accessible by road or rail.

Are there good economic and cultural connections?

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From a business perspective Reading has strong economic links and has become a growing centre for successful companies. It’s central position in the Thames Valley corridor means it’s well renowned for both technology and innovation. The town is also home to the University of Reading, a prominent research facility. From a cultural perspective there’s plenty to enjoy with theatres, museums, and annual events including the Reading Festival, one of the largest music festivals in the UK.

If you’re keen to base your organisation in the heart of a well-connected location take a look at our available office space and grab a slice of The Blade.

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