The town of Reading is a key commercial centre situated in the Thames Valley region, in the county of Berkshire. Reading is a popular commuter town due to its location forty miles from London. The information technology industry is a key player in the economy, and a large number of companies have opted to open offices in Reading. These include major corporations such as Deloitte, KPMGm PepsiCo, Wrigley, ING Direct, Ericsson and Holiday Inn. The service industry dominates much of the economy of Reading, while the retail sector is going from strength to strength.

Reading Borough Council provides information and advice for new business start ups as well as established enterprises. The council also aims to promote Reading’s economic development and assist with trading standards information, commercial and industrial property schemes, planning applications and licensing.

The Reading Chamber of Commerce is the oldest in the Thames Valley group and aims to connect businesses professional across a range of industries and promote growth in the Reading area. The group hosts regular meetings in Reading, specifically addressing policy issues affecting businesses in the district.

It is hoped that the new Crossrail service will stretch as far as Reading, which would improve its already excellent transport links with London. Reading train station provides services to a number of destinations including Basingstoke, Heathrow, Bristol, Hayes and Avon. Other train stations in the area include Earley station, Reading West and Tilehurst station.

Reading is a popular choice for visitors to the area and is home to a number of landmark buildings and attractions including Reading Minster, the Cole Museum of Zoology, the Museum of Berkshire Aviation and the Harris Botanic Gardens. The Reading Festival is hosted annually on the August bank holiday weekend and is the world’s oldest existing popular music festival.