Reading is an international hub for big businesses. The city offers a diverse range of large-scale multinational businesses alongside cutting-edge research and development organisations, which makes it an ideal location for startups and well-established enterprises to set up shop.
In this article, we take a look at everything that the city of Reading has to offer up-and-coming companies in different sectors, including its top-of-the-range office space for rent, particularly in and around Reading International Business Park.
Why choose to do business in Reading?
As a thriving modern city, there are many reasons why companies are choosing to base their operations in Reading. Reading boasts a range of multinational companies headquartered in the city, including Microsoft, Huawei, BG Group and Oracle Corporation, and there is good reason why these successful corporations have chosen to make Reading their home.
As well as being attracted to the area by the large international companies that already base operations in the region, Reading is a great place for startups just setting out, and larger companies expanding their horizons.
Transport and logistics
The city has excellent transport links to Heathrow and London. Its location makes it ideal for distribution and logistics, with the likes of Brakes, Harrods and Tesco (Europe’s largest distribution centre) all making a home for themselves in Reading.
Heathrow airport can be reached in under 40 minutes by car from Reading along the M4 motorway, whilst bus and train routes also make the UK’s busiest airport accessible in under an hour. There are also several well-established cycle routes around the city, making it a desirable location for the more environmentally conscious when travelling to work.
Recognition and accolades
Reading has received a number of accolades for being a good city to do business, most notably being named European Micro City of the Future 2012-14 by The Financial Times Foreign Direct Investment Magazine.
As a city winning such prestigious awards, basing operations locally is a great way for any new or expanding business to benefit from being thought of as similarly forward-thinking and innovational.
The local area
Reading offers a refreshing mix of both urbanised business areas, and wide-open countryside. The city of Reading is located near a number of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The North Wessex Downs stretches far to the west of Reading, whilst the Chiltern Hills can be found to the north and northwest. Having such large areas of countryside nearby is excellent for encouraging workers who enjoy outdoor pursuits in their free time, and helping your workforce maintain a healthy work/life balance.
As well to the expected array of amenities, coffee shops and restaurants that modern cities offer, Reading is also near to some of the world’s most famous racecourses, Ascot and Newbury, making it an attractive location for companies keen to entertain clients and plan exciting team bonding days..
The best office spaces in Reading
Reading is a popular location for thriving organisations because of the many purpose-built business centres Reading has to offer. Reading’s business parks are mainly located on the outskirts of the city, along the M4 and A33, making them readily accessible by car.
Waterside Drive, Theale, Reading
Arlington Business Park offers not only the best quiet spaces to focus on your work, but a real sense of community. Constructed around Arlington’s lake, this Reading business centre boasts a floating pavilion at its centre, on-site cafe and gym, and plenty of space for outdoor activities including table tennis tables, beehives and even an outdoor theatre space known as ‘The Bowl’, which is ideal for events, short presentations and teamwork.
Brook Drive, Reading
With a similar ethos to Arlington, Green Park is another business park in Reading that puts all-around wellness at the centre of what it offers. One of the premium office spaces to rent here, Brook Drive is located in an impressive building of modern design.
As well as high-speed internet access and other office facilities such as videoconferencing equipment, Brook Drive benefits from Green Park’s wide range of social activities including a summer carnival, nature walks and groups such as their environmental forum.
Green Park offers great bicycle and running trails, as well as a multipurpose sports centre and a nearby gym and swimming pool courtesy of Nuffield Health.
Greyfriars Road
Thames Valley Science Park is home to an array of modern offices that house the majority of the city’s technology industry. Home to tech giants such as Microsoft and Oracle, Greyfriars Road offers desirable office space to rent due to its close proximity to such experts in the technology field.
Enjoying connections with the University of Reading, Thames Valley creates links between companies and an abundance of intelligent, interested, enthusiastic and well-educated people who contribute significantly to the region’s workforce. If your company is in the film and media industry, you may also be drawn by the construction of the business park’s tv studio, set to open in 2022.
If you’re looking for office space for your business in Reading, suitable accommodation can be found at any of the city’s bustling business parks. Business parks are not always what you might be looking for, however. For a full range of offices to rent in Reading, in office blocks right across the city, take a look at Easy Office’s full range.