Reading One of UK's Best Tech Towns

The 2018 Tech Nation report lists Reading as one of the best tech towns in the country.

17:36 30 May 2018

Reading is one of the best towns for tech industry in the UK, the 2018 Tech Nation report has claimed. According to the report, tech businesses in the Reading cluster had a turnover of £13.6billion in 2017 with 283 digital tech business births in 2016 and 58,109 jobs in the digital tech in 2017.

 

Some of the largest tech companies in the area are Microsoft, Cisco Systems, Oracle, Huawei, and Symantec.

 

The report states: "Reading’s proximity to London and Heathrow airport has long attracted major multinationals, including Microsoft and Oracle.

 

"However, its startup community is now growing too, and tapping into the established expertise and resources available in the city."

 

In terms of productivity of local tech ecosystem, Reading ranked seventh while Heathrow and Slough ranked fourth behind Newbury.

 

The report named Louize Clarke, founder GROW@GreenPark and ConnectTVT, as one of the most influential people in the town by start ups.

 

She said: "The Tech Nation report shows that Reading has got pockets of excellence scattered right across the region but to be a real tech leader, we need to come together collectively and become a tech destination.

 

"To date, there's been little investment in our next generation of business.

 

 

"Reading could be transformed by a centrally located hub, where people can connect, collaborate and grow together. Our priority now is to create that obvious centre to attract investment, talent and innovation."