Reading VS Bournemouth

Reading and Bournemouth are similarly sized business centres with 23,758 and 14,289 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

Reading
Active23,758
Total27,876
2020s Growth51.3%
Oldest Co.1865
Bournemouth
Active14,289
Total17,319
2020s Growth50.4%
Oldest Co.1864

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
23,758
14,289
Total Registered
27,876
17,319
Dissolved Companies
1,792
1,184
2020s Growth Rate
513%
504%
ReadingBournemouth

Company Formation by Decade

Reading
Pre-1990
702
1990s
952
2000s
2,719
2010s
8,793
2020s
14,375
Bournemouth
Pre-1990
649
1990s
562
2000s
1,882
2010s
5,254
2020s
8,792

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Reading or Bournemouth?

Reading has 23,758 active companies compared to 14,289 in Bournemouth — 9,469 more.

Which is growing faster, Reading or Bournemouth?

Reading has a higher 2020s company formation rate (51.3%) compared to Bournemouth (50.4%).

What industries do Reading and Bournemouth have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., 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.. Reading is uniquely strong in Business and domestic software development and Other information technology service activities, while Bournemouth stands out in Development of building projects and Management of real estate on a fee or contract basis.