Edinburgh VS Reading

Edinburgh is the larger business hub with 57,165 active companies, compared to 23,758 in Reading. While size differs, comparing their industry profiles, formation trends, and growth rates reveals what makes each city's business environment distinctive. Both cities share strength in Business and domestic software development and Buying and selling of own real estate.

Key Figures

Edinburgh
Active57,165
Total65,147
2020s Growth38.7%
Oldest Co.1871
Reading
Active23,758
Total27,876
2020s Growth51.3%
Oldest Co.1865

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
57,165
23,758
Total Registered
65,147
27,876
Dissolved Companies
3,316
1,792
2020s Growth Rate
387%
513%
EdinburghReading

Company Formation by Decade

Edinburgh
Pre-1990
1,061
1990s
1,845
2000s
6,826
2010s
28,424
2020s
26,397
Reading
Pre-1990
702
1990s
952
2000s
2,719
2010s
8,793
2020s
14,375

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Edinburgh or Reading?

Edinburgh has 57,165 active companies compared to 23,758 in Reading — 33,407 more.

Which is growing faster, Edinburgh or Reading?

Reading has a higher 2020s company formation rate (51.3%) compared to Edinburgh (38.7%).

What industries do Edinburgh and Reading have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Business and domestic software development, Buying and selling of own real estate, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c.. Edinburgh is uniquely strong in Dormant Company and Other, while Reading stands out in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Other information technology service activities.