Liverpool VS Reading

Liverpool and Reading are similarly sized business centres with 43,508 and 23,709 active companies respectively. This close match makes their industry mix, growth trajectory, and formation history all the more interesting to compare. Both cities share strength in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Buying and selling of own real estate.

Key Figures

Liverpool
Active43,508
Total55,775
2020s Growth60.3%
Oldest Co.1864
Reading
Active23,709
Total27,876
2020s Growth51.3%
Oldest Co.1865

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
43,508
23,709
Total Registered
55,775
27,876
Dissolved Companies
5,101
1,941
2020s Growth Rate
603%
513%
LiverpoolReading

Company Formation by Decade

Liverpool
Pre-1990
1,077
1990s
989
2000s
4,437
2010s
15,631
2020s
32,863
Reading
Pre-1990
702
1990s
952
2000s
2,719
2010s
8,793
2020s
14,375

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Liverpool or Reading?

Liverpool has 43,508 active companies compared to 23,709 in Reading — 19,799 more.

Which is growing faster, Liverpool or Reading?

Liverpool has a higher 2020s company formation rate (60.3%) compared to Reading (51.3%).

What industries do Liverpool and Reading have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Buying and selling of own real estate, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c., Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate. Liverpool is uniquely strong in Development of building projects and Other, while Reading stands out in Business and domestic software development and Information technology consultancy activities.