Is Reading a Technology Hub?

November 12, 2024
News & Insights
Blade News
Reading has been considered a leading technology hub for some time, with claims that it’s Britain’s answer the Silicon Valley in the US. But how and why has the town achieved this impressive status? Here are some of the reasons:

The Business Environment

Reading offers a supportive business environment with various networking events, tech meetups, and incubators that help startups and established companies thrive. Currently the town is home to a fifth of privately owned, independent top 100 tech companies in the South of England by turnover. 

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Job Opportunities

Reading is a top ten location in which to develop career in technology, ranking seventh in the UK for the availability of tech jobs by Reading Today.

 

Infrastructure and Connectivity

Excellent transport links, including rail and road connections, make the town easily accessible, enhancing its

attractiveness to businesses and professionals in the tech sector. The Elizabeth Line offers a quick 30 minute journey into the heart of London, and Heathrow is just a short hop away. With close access to the capital, Reading offers easy access to clients, investors, and a broader business network while providing a more cost-effective base of operations. In addition Reading has a drones superhighway which has been launched by one of The Blade’s occupier’s Altitude Angel.  

 

Major Tech Companies HQs

The town is home to the headquarters or major offices of numerous global tech giants such as Microsoft, Oracle, and Hewlett-Packard. This presence helps attract a strong pool of tech talent as well as helping to foster a vibrant tech ecosystem. Reading is also closely connected to the Thames Valley which includes a cluster of tech companies, startups, and business parks dedicated to tech innovation.

 

University of Reading

The University of Reading contributes to the tech ecosystem by providing research, innovation, and a steady stream of talented graduates skilled in technology and related fields.

 

Quality of Life

The wider Reading area offers high quality of life with good schools, green spaces, and amenities, making it an attractive location for tech professionals and their families.

 

This combination of factors ensures that Reading continues to maintain its strong reputation as a tech hub in the UK, fostering innovation, attracting investment, and supporting a dynamic tech community.

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