Location and amenities are both key features of Reading boast for businesses. It's become well-established as the capital of the Thames Valley, and thanks to its proximity to London (25 minutes by train), and the types of business that settle here, Reading is fast becoming well known in the tech industry - in addition to its more traditional occupier base of professional services and pharmaceuticals.
According to research from Savills, Reading is a very popular choice for those that need access to all the amenities of London, but would rather not pay London prices for their office space. Reading is one of the leading office centres outside of London, as Savills research shows it's seen a greater level of office take-up since 1991 than any other center in the region.
What does the town center have to offer?
Reading town center is certainly well connected.
Reading station is one of the busiest in the UK, with direct routes to London, Bristol and the South West, and Birmingham.
Major companies that have set up an office in Reading include Visa, Deloitte, Capita, Siemens and Prudential, meaning you'll be within close proximity of successful professional finance and technology corporates.
Amenities
The town center also features plenty in terms of post-work facilities too. There's an abundance of restaurants and bars that are ideal for all occasions, from client meetings to Christmas parties. The Oracle Shopping Centre is home to a variety of restaurants and bars too.
Reading town center is also home to Forbury Gardens - a Victorian green space that's just the thing for a spot of fresh air on your lunch break.
Transport Links
Reading is home to several major business and science parks located outside of the city center. One of the main benefits of setting up your office out of Reading city centre is its accessibility. From here, you'll have access to the M4 at J10, J11 and J12. Access to the business parks is also possible by bus, as well as being close to Theale and Winnersh train stations.
Business Parks
The business parks include the lakeside Arlington Business Park, the 195-acre Green Park, the versatile Thames Valley Science Park featuring professional offices and laboratories, the international Thames Valley Park and Winnersh Triangle that's home to businesses such as Atos and Virgin Media.
Which companies are based in this location?
Beyond the city center is a popular location for pharmaceutical and technology companies. Here you'll find big corporates such as Microsoft, as well as businesses such as Oracle, Jacobs, Becton Dickenson, Huawei and Bayer.
While well-established companies have set up a base here, start-ups and small companies will find themselves within close proximity of corporates with a mature workforce, making the area ideal for access to clients, facilities and a general professional atmosphere.
Amenities
The business parks in this area also accommodate for out of work amenities. Across the parks, you'll find a gym, places to eat and drink as well as a network of events for occupiers to get involved in. Events include a range of topics from upcoming tech talks to photography competitions.
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