Life Sciences

Reading is quickly becoming a powerhouse in the UK’s life sciences sector, strategically positioned within the ‘Golden Triangle’ - the UK’s most dynamic area for life sciences, spanning London, Oxford, and Cambridge. The region offers a vibrant ecosystem for life sciences businesses, from pharmaceuticals to biotechnology and cutting-edge AI applications in healthcare. With world-class research facilities, a thriving business community, and a growing network of life sciences clusters, Reading is the ideal location for similar companies looking to expand or relocate.

State-of-the-art facilities & growing clusters

The opening of the Thames Valley Science Park has marked a significant milestone in Reading’s rise as a life sciences hub. The park provides flexible office and laboratory spaces for growing businesses, with prominent tenants such as Menarini Pharma and Proton Partners already in place. This development, alongside emerging pharma clusters across various business parks in the area, provides an ideal environment for companies in pharma, biotech, and related fields to expand and grow.

Green Park has become a key location for global life sciences and healthcare companies, attracting names like Bayer, PRA Health Sciences, Pierre Fabre, and Britannia Pharmaceuticals. Sanofi has also made a major move to Reading, establishing their operations at Thames Valley Park. Other notable life sciences companies, including IQVIA and BD, have also chosen Reading for their UK operations, positioning the area as a key destination for industry leaders.

Research excellence & innovation

Reading is home to the University of Reading, which plays a pivotal role in advancing life sciences research and education. The university’s Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics (CINN) and the Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research (ICMR) are world-renowned for their groundbreaking work in neuroscience, cardiovascular health, and metabolic diseases. These research institutions not only contribute to scientific advancement but also help foster innovation and collaboration with local businesses, creating a dynamic environment for research-driven growth.

Why Life Science businesses are choosing Reading

State of the art facilities
Developments such as Thames Valley Science Park and Green Park have made Reading a key location for global life sciences and healthcare companies
Join major businesses
Reading is home to some major players in the Life Science sector, with world-class facilities and research attracting top names in the industry
Access to leading research
The collaboration between academia, research institutions and industry partners makes Reading a unique location to grow and innovate in the Life Sciences sector
A hub for talent and collaboration
Reading’s proximity to London, Oxford, and Cambridge ensures access to top talent, while the University of Reading provides a pipeline of highly trained graduates in life sciences, AI, and related fields

Industry expertise and key sectors in Reading

Inspiration

R&D

Reading is a leading centre for R&D, with strengths in climate science, life sciences, engineering, powered by world-class institutions.
Life Sciences

Reading’s life sciences sector is thriving, driven by biotech, AI, and world-class research facilities.
Film

Reading is emerging as a major film hub, home to cutting-edge facilities like Shinfield Studios and Cine Valley.
Digital

A fast-growing digital hub, Reading excels in areas like AI, data analytics, and digital marketing.
ICT

With a high concentration of tech companies, Reading remains a key player in the UK’s ICT and telecoms landscape.
Professional Services

Reading is a rising centre for finance, legal, and consultancy services, backed by global firms and strong infrastructure.