Reading

The UK’s best performing large economic area, and one of Britain’s largest urban areas yet to become an official city, Reading is considered the commercial capital of the Thames Valley – home to 13 of the globe’s top 30 brands.

From international IT giants like Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft and Verizon, to PepsiCo and ING Direct, they’re all headquartered here in Reading.

And it’s not just the big players getting in on the action, as the old manufacturing town has the second highest number of small and medium enterprises in the country and is ranked one of our country’s best places for start-up business.

Such development largely stems from the continued investment Reading has enjoyed; from £900 million for the train station upgrade to £50 million for a Science and Innovation Park, with huge office developments like Forbury Place lurking in the pipeline.

Reading’s workforce is reputed to be the second most productive nationwide, so you won’t struggle to find dedicated local tradesmen ready and willing to come to your aid.

From vehicle services in Tilehurst to decorators in Caversham and damp proofers in Norcot, consult our directory of local tradesmen in Reading.