Greater Reading

The Greater Reading area is rapidly becoming one of the UK's most desirable locations for businesses, offering exceptional infrastructure, access to prime talent, and a collaborative working environment, with opportunities for networking and growth. With a range of high-quality business parks and dynamic workspaces throughout the region, the Greater Reading region offers something for every type of business, from global corporations to innovative start-ups. 

Hollywood comes to Reading: Shinfield Studios

The UK’s largest new film and television studios, Shinfield Studios, officially completed in 2024. Located just south of Reading with direct links to the M4, the brand-new, state-of-the-art facility has been designed to accommodate the most ambitious and high-budget productions, featuring 18 soundstages, 38 workshops, contemporary office spaces, and a nine-acre filming backlot, making it a world-class destination for the film and television industries. With a focus on accessibility and sustainability, the studios provide cutting-edge, production-friendly facilities that not only support the creative sector but also boosts the local economy by connecting local crew with jobs and supporting new entrants into the workforce.

World class university – a powerhouse of research and innovation

The University of Reading, ranked 28th in the UK and 229th worldwide, is a powerhouse for research and innovation. With over 23,000 students and international research collaborations, the University is a vital resource for businesses, particularly those in sectors such as agriculture, food, health, environment, and technology. The University’s focus on research excellence and solving global challenges makes it a perfect partner for businesses looking to stay at the forefront of innovation.

A global leader in climate science, the University of Reading was awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2021 for its work on climate change and has recently won the accolade ‘most sustainable university 2025’. The University is home to the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts, making its Whiteknights campus the largest cluster of climate scientists worldwide. Professor Ed Hawkins MBE, a Reading climate scientist, created world-famous ‘Climate Stripes’ graphics that visually demonstrate the world’s climate changes, which have been featured at events like the Olympic Games and COP26. 

The Walker Institute, based at the University, drives interdisciplinary research to support the development of climate-resilient societies. Its work addresses key social, economic, and technological challenges, contributing to global strategies for climate resilience. 

World class office space: Business parks fit for HQs to start-ups

Greater Reading’s impressive business park portfolio offers a dynamic and flexible environment for companies of all sizes, providing high-quality office spaces and state-of-the-art facilities. Strategically located with excellent transport links, they attract leading global businesses and innovative startups alike, fostering a thriving business community which drives Reading’s booming economy.

• Green Park sits adjacent to the M4, south of Reading town centre. Covering 195 acres and offering 1.5 million square feet of workspace, Green Park has been nurturing growth for over 20 years. Home to major businesses like PepsiCo, Bayer, Thales, and Virgin Media, the park offers a highly flexible office space and first-class on-site amenities, all within an established, high-quality business environment. With over 7,000 people already working here, Green Park continues to be a hub for forward-thinking businesses looking for both flexibility and space to excel. 
• Thames Valley Science Park lies just south of Reading. Home to over 80 companies, ranging from early-stage start-ups to global R&D centres, the park provides a collaborative campus-style environment. Companies benefit from access to a highly skilled graduate pool, the latest in research and development facilities, and opportunities to partner with the University of Reading. The park is also home to the upcoming Cine Valley, a film, TV, and digital media hub, which will foster a new creative arts ecosystem. With the development of Shinfield Studios, the project promises to bring significant investment and create up to 3,000 jobs, reinforcing Reading's position as a key player in the global media industry. 
• Thames Valley Park, located on the River Thames in East Reading, is another premier business destination, known for its balance of commercial development and environmental sustainability. The Microsoft campus is one of the park’s standout tenants, offering a modern workspace in a beautiful, green environment. 
• Campus Reading International is an amenity-rich, next-generation community for every type of business. From creative studio offices, to expansive contemporary workspace Campus Reading International offers 375,000 sq ft of dynamic, intelligent and well-ness focused workspace. With a prominent position overlooking Junction 11 of the M4, Campus Reading boasts exceptional connectivity with a broad range of travel options.
• Arlington Business Park is adjacent to J12 of the M4 motorway, providing direct access to London and Bristol, as well as Reading town centre. Catering to companies looking for as little as 12 desks to 50,000 sq ft, Arlington Business Park offers a varitety of office space for businesses of all sizes - set within an eviable lakeside development boasting 49 acres of parkland, tree-lined paths and picturesque lake.

Escape to the countryside 

Reading's green spaces provide a peaceful escape from the bustle of city life, while still offering all the professional benefits of a booming business hub. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, the area boasts two rivers running through its centre, around 100 parks, 20 woodlands, and five nature reserves - all ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting.  

Just a short distance from the town centre, you’ll find scenic areas such as the Thames Path, the St James’ Way, and the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as well as plenty of picturesque villages like Sonning, Bucklebury and Henley on Thames, offering a perfect blend of urban and rural living. Whether you're looking to unwind after a busy day or enjoy outdoor team-building activities, Reading’s enviable proximity to the countryside adds an extra layer of appeal for both businesses and employees alike.