Sheffield VS Reading

Sheffield and Reading are similarly sized business centres with 33,167 and 23,221 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

Sheffield
Active33,167
Total42,080
2020s Growth54.8%
Oldest Co.1862
Reading
Active23,221
Total27,929
2020s Growth51.5%
Oldest Co.1865

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
33,167
23,221
Total Registered
42,080
27,929
Dissolved Companies
4,826
2,897
2020s Growth Rate
548%
515%
SheffieldReading

Company Formation by Decade

Sheffield
Pre-1990
1,193
1990s
1,056
2000s
3,862
2010s
12,324
2020s
23,121
Reading
Pre-1990
698
1990s
939
2000s
2,672
2010s
8,703
2020s
14,582

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Sheffield or Reading?

Sheffield has 33,167 active companies compared to 23,221 in Reading — 9,946 more.

Which is growing faster, Sheffield or Reading?

Sheffield has a higher 2020s company formation rate (54.8%) compared to Reading (51.5%).

What industries do Sheffield 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. Sheffield is uniquely strong in Development of building projects and Dormant Company, while Reading stands out in Business and domestic software development and Information technology consultancy activities.