About the blade
Sitting proudly as the capital of the Thames Valley, Reading is a global technology town with international businesses and an international community. Set within stunning countryside and on the doorstep of one of the greatest capital cities on earth, London, Reading is a place of rich history and HQs, culture and connectivity, leadership and learning - radiating regional influence. Reading has international resonance for knowledge-based commercial sectors: in IT, bio-pharma, fin-tech, medi-tech and food-tech; critical drivers of innovation and growth in the global economy.
A place to grow
The town and region are consistently ranked at the top of the ‘Good Growth for Cities’ index which measures quality of life and economic indicators. It is home to well known, international businesses such as Oracle, Verizon, Microsoft, P&G, Bayer and Virgin Media. This is a place that’s a magnet for overseas investment, boasting the highest concentration of foreign owned business in the country. The creative sector is one of the UK’s fastest growing areas of economic activity and the Reading region is emerging as a hotspot for film, media and creative activity with Shinfield Studios at the Thames Valley Science Park.
A place to unwind
Whilst Reading is big on business it is also big on ‘space’, something which is increasingly important for society today. It is home to an attractive mix of urban areas and green space, both inside and outside the town, and blue space literally flows through every part of its landscape, with the River Thames and Kennet just minutes from The Blade. There’s loads to do too as the area boasts many outdoor leisure attractions, such as Forbury Gardens, Caversham Lakes and the Thames Lido, which make it a great place to live and play. The Oracle centre contains plenty of options for shopping and leisure and even provides a chance to dine out on the banks of the River Kennet.
Want to know more or keen to explore? Click here to Visit Reading
