Reading VS Cambridge

Reading and Cambridge are similarly sized business centres with 23,946 and 21,513 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 Business and domestic software development and Buying and selling of own real estate.

Key Figures

Reading
Active23,946
Total26,367
2020s Growth50.8%
Oldest Co.1865
Cambridge
Active21,513
Total23,405
2020s Growth52.6%
Oldest Co.1893

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
23,946
21,513
Total Registered
26,367
23,405
Dissolved Companies
38
22
2020s Growth Rate
508%
526%
ReadingCambridge

Company Formation by Decade

Reading
Pre-1990
671
1990s
952
2000s
2,712
2010s
8,870
2020s
13,162
Cambridge
Pre-1990
641
1990s
775
2000s
2,407
2010s
7,259
2020s
12,323

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Reading or Cambridge?

Reading has 23,946 active companies compared to 21,513 in Cambridge — 2,433 more.

Which is growing faster, Reading or Cambridge?

Cambridge has a higher 2020s company formation rate (52.6%) compared to Reading (50.8%).

What industries do Reading and Cambridge 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.. Reading is uniquely strong in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Other information technology service activities, while Cambridge stands out in Dormant Company and Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c..