London dwarfs Reading in scale with 1,023,842 active companies versus 23,709 — a 43.2x difference. Despite the size gap, both cities play distinct roles in the UK economy. Reading may be smaller, but its industry mix and growth patterns offer unique advantages. Both cities share strength in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Business and domestic software development.
London has 1,023,842 active companies compared to 23,709 in Reading — 1,000,133 more.
London has a higher 2020s company formation rate (61.5%) compared to Reading (51.3%).
Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Business and domestic software development, Buying and selling of own real estate, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management. London is uniquely strong in Other and Other service activities n.e.c., while Reading stands out in Other information technology service activities and Residents property management.