The Knight Frank Guide to Reading for Businesses

A dynamic and fast-growing business hub, Reading is one of the UK’s most sought-after locations for companies looking to establish a strong presence outside of London.

Reading has long been considered the archetypal commuter town, providing swift access to London and other major conurbations in the surrounding Home Counties and Thames Valley areas. But now, a thriving technology sector underpinned by excellent commercial infrastructure has cemented the UK’s largest town as a key commercial centre – and a destination for signifi cant private investment – in the South.

The town is home to a diverse range of industries, from fi nance to digital innovation, its strategic location along the M4 corridor – often referred to as the ‘UK’s Silicon Valley’ – has made it a hotspot for global corporations and ambitious start-ups alike.

Getting there

Reading’s exceptional transport links make it one of the most accessible business locations in the UK. Reading Station is a major railway hub, offering:

● Direct services to London Paddington in just 23 minutes via the Elizabeth Line and Great Western Railway, making it a prime location for businesses needing access to the capital

● Frequent connections to Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, and Manchester, ensuring strong links to key regional markets

For international travel, Heathrow Airport is just a 30-minute drive away, providing fl ights to key global business destinations.

Reading also benefits from proximity to the M4 motorway, offering direct road access to London, Bristol, and South Wales. The town’s well-developed bus network and expanding cycle routes ensure convenient local commuting.

Meet the Neighbours

Reading’s diverse business landscape offers an array of commercial districts tailored to different industries.

● Thames Valley Business Park: Home to major international corporations, including Microsoft, Oracle, and EY, this business park is a key hub for the technology and financial sectors

● Green Park: A modern business campus housing global firms such as Huawei and CGI. Its emphasis on sustainability and green spaces makes it a desirable location for forward-thinking companies

● Reading Town Centre: With a mix of corporate offices, retail, and leisure facilities, the town centre is ideal for professional services firms, consultancies, and co-working spaces

● Shinfield & Winnersh Triangle: These emerging business districts are attracting high-growth companies, particularly in life sciences, engineering, and tech

On your doorstep

Reading’s food and drink scene is growing rapidly, offering a mix of high-end dining, casual eateries, and independent coffee spots – perfect for business lunches and after-work socials.

For fine dining, The Reading Room offers a refined experience with modern European cuisine. Clay’s Kitchen is a standout for contemporary Indian dishes, while London Street Brasserie provides stylish riverside dining.

Casual dining options, meanwhile, include The Corn Stores, a beautifully restored venue offering seasonal British dishes, and Honest Burgers, a local favourite for high-quality fast food.

When it comes to drinks, Reading’s craft beer scene is thriving, with The Grumpy Goat and Double-Barrelled Brewery offering excellent selections of locally brewed ales. For cocktails, Milk is a stylish bar with an inventive drinks menu, while The Roseate Reading provides an elegant setting for client meetings over afternoon tea or even a tipple.

Retail in Reading is centred around The Oracle, a major shopping and leisure destination featuring high-end brands, independent boutiques, and a riverside dining quarter. Harris Arcade and Caversham’s independent shops provide unique fi nds and specialist retailers.

Places of interest

Reading offers a balance of modern commerce and rich history, creating an inspiring environment for businesses and professionals.

The town’s riverside setting along the Kennet & Avon Canal provides scenic walking routes, perfect for a break from the offi ce or informal business discussions. Just a short stroll from the centre, Forbury Gardens offers a peaceful green space, home to the iconic Maiwand Lion statue and frequent outdoor events.

For arts and culture, Reading Museum showcases the town’s rich heritage, including a full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry. Nearby, the historic ruins of Reading Abbey, founded by Henry I, provide a fascinating glimpse into the town’s medieval past.

Business travellers and conference attendees benefit from Reading’s excellent event venues, including the Hexagon Theatre for corporate functions and the state-of-the-art Green Park Conference Centre.