Major digital tech multinationals including Microsoft, Oracle and Cisco Systems have long understood the benefits of Reading.
Close to, yet cheaper than, London and within easy reach of Heathrow airport, the town continues to attract companies from far afield. US company Datto, for example, has its EMEA HQ in Reading.
Many multinationals are based at Green Park, a successful business park which helps to drive activity in the cluster. The Thames Valley Science Park is also home to 70 companies ranging from early stage startups to global R&D centres.
Fostering growth in the cluster is GROW@GreenPark. The co-working space has more than 300 members, including Black Swan and Blue Array.
New talent is on tap from the University of Reading, which also runs the successful Enterprise Centre at the Thames Valley Science Park.
ConnectTVT goes from strength to strength. Last year, the platform for connecting the Thames Valley digital tech community launched its 50 Game Changers initiative, designed to celebrate the cluster’s unsung heroes.
Reading’s digital tech companies are attracting investment too. Last year, cyber security company SafeToNet landed £3 million in capital.
Cloud HR provider Fairsail is due to move to Thames Valley Science Park’s new site in autumn 2017, after being ranked among the UK’s fastest growing digital tech companies for the third consecutive year.
With a number of rail improvements in the pipeline too, could Reading’s digital tech economy be electrified along with its connections?
SafeToNet uses artificial intelligence and cognitive analytics to detect and block antisocial content on the web, and protect the vulnerable against cyber abuse in real time.
Our Reading location has helped us to develop crucial partnerships with the likes of Reading University, Cisco & EY. Thanks to the high-speed rail network, we have access to all corners of the country while avoiding London’s high rent prices, freeing up more money for development.
Altitude Angel’s platform delivers situation intelligence data to commercial drones – helping them to understand where they can fly, and who else is using the airspace. Our systems act as the foundation for the emerging global drone industry, providing the essential data and services required for it to flourish.
We’re based in the town centre and it’s an ideal location. Reading is extremely well-connected to the rest of the country, and visitors from London are about half an hour away from our headquarters. There’s an emerging digital tech startup scene in Reading, and we’re pleased to be a key part of it!