Digital Technology

Reading is one of the UK's strongest locations for digital technology combining a deep corporate base, strong talent, excellent connectivity, and a proven track record of innovation.

As the engine room of the UK’s digital economy. Reading is strategically positioned as the capital of the Thames Valley - Europe’s largest technology cluster. 

Reading combines a dense concentration of digital businesses, world-leading infrastructure, and a highly skilled internationally focused workforce. From global technology giants to disruptive startups, Reading is where innovation thrives and digital transformation accelerates. 

Reading offers a rich and diverse technology landscape, established over 60 years ago with DEC and is home to companies specialising in: 

• AI
• Software & enterprise solutions 
• Cyber security & telecoms 
• Cloud computing & big data 
• Internet of Things (IoT) 
• Digital infrastructure & creative technology 

The UK’s leading tech cluster 

Reading boasts the highest digital density in the UK, with nearly twice the concentration of digital businesses compared to its nearest competitor (Tech Nation, 2017). Over 20% of the South of England’s top 100 privately owned tech firms by turnover are based right here. 

EY estimates that the digital sector accounts for 25% of Reading’s productivity. Much of that success is powered by an international talent pool with 29% of the workforce in tech businesses in Reading coming from outside the EU (Savills 2017). Nesta's The Geography of Creativity report (2016) highlighted the major growth in employment in the creative sector in Reading with the second highest growth in employment in the UK after London.  

The digital creative sector 

Reading’s digital strength is not limited to enterprise software and telecoms. The town is also a fast-growing hub for creative digital industries, with companies operating in gaming, media, design and immersive technologies, creating opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and innovation.  

Home to digital industry leaders & global brands 

Many of the world’s most influential tech companies have established their UK or European HQs in Reading. These organisations benefit from Reading’s global connectivity, talent pipeline, and business-friendly environment, making it the go-to location for digital investment and scale-up: 

• Nvidia – A world leader in AI computing, supporting industries from gaming to data science. 
• Microsoft – A global leader in software, cloud computing, and AI, with a major UK campus in Reading. 
• Oracle – One of the world’s largest enterprise software companies, specialising in database technology and cloud infrastructure. 
• Huawei – A global ICT provider with a significant UK R&D presence, focusing on telecoms and consumer technology. 
• Verizon – A major US-based telecommunications company delivering enterprise network and security solutions in the UK. 
• Ericsson – A key player in 5G infrastructure and mobile technology, with operations supporting telecom innovation.
• Atos – A multinational IT services and consulting firm, specialising in digital transformation and high-performance computing. 
• Datto – A provider of data backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity solutions, serving SMEs globally. 

With a powerful combination of global tech giants, high-growth SMEs, pioneering start-ups, and leading research institutions, Reading offers unparalleled opportunities for digital technology businesses to grow, innovate and lead.