Reading VS Oxford

Reading is the larger business hub with 23,304 active companies, compared to 10,814 in Oxford. 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

Reading
Active23,304
Total28,019
2020s Growth51.4%
Oldest Co.1865
Oxford
Active10,814
Total13,092
2020s Growth48.5%
Oldest Co.1866

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
23,304
10,814
Total Registered
28,019
13,092
Dissolved Companies
2,897
1,410
2020s Growth Rate
514%
485%
ReadingOxford

Company Formation by Decade

Reading
Pre-1990
707
1990s
944
2000s
2,692
2010s
8,735
2020s
14,606
Oxford
Pre-1990
455
1990s
483
2000s
1,490
2010s
4,037
2020s
6,480

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Reading or Oxford?

Reading has 23,304 active companies compared to 10,814 in Oxford — 12,490 more.

Which is growing faster, Reading or Oxford?

Reading has a higher 2020s company formation rate (51.4%) compared to Oxford (48.5%).

What industries do Reading and Oxford 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 Oxford stands out in Development of building projects and Dormant Company.