6 Coworking Spaces in Reading for IT and Tech Services
While one of only five UK cities where 10% or more of the population works in IT, in Reading, one in three work within digital tech. If you're starting a new tech business or expanding an existing one, it offers the ability to be a participating member in one of the UK’s tech hubs.
One of the key reasons why IT and tech companies thrive here is due to the abundance of coworking space in Reading.
They provide amenities like high-speed internet and a conducive environment for networking and collaboration. These entrepreneurial environments foster innovation, productivity, and new commercial opportunities.
In this article, find out why Reading is the ideal location for your new or expanding IT or tech business. Plus, discover our top six choices for shared office space in Reading.
Why the tech industry is thriving in Reading
Reading's IT and tech sector is experiencing significant growth, attracting top professionals and tech entrepreneurs. This is due to its appealing quality of life, family-friendly atmosphere, and opportunities for career progression.
The local digital ecosystem is a magnet for both startups and established UK and multinational tech companies. It offers cost advantages over London while maintaining easy access to the capital's opportunities and international markets via nearby Heathrow Airport.
This balance of benefits makes Reading a dynamic hub for tech industry success and thus, coworking spaces in Reading are often in demand. However, there are many other reasons why the city’s tech industry is thriving.
1. Entrepreneurial hotspot
Reading is often highlighted as one of the top cities in Britain for launching a business, surpassing well-known hubs like Oxford and Cambridge. This is based on its vibrant business environment, supportive community, and strategic location.
Reading businesses fare better here than elsewhere in the country, with firms in the city having the highest rate of survival in the whole of the UK. This is attributed to the quality of the workforce, the relative prosperity of the area, and the support available for local businesses.
This robust foundation creates an ideal environment for business growth and longevity.
2. Economic strength
Reading and its county of Berkshire are recognised as having one of the UK's most robust and successful regional economies.
Its economy, the fastest-growing in the Thames Valley over the last two decades, benefits from a diverse commercial landscape. This mitigates the risk across economic downturns.
A major part of Reading’s economic strength comes from the variety of digital and high-tech sectors that are based here. This has led the Centre for Cities to label Reading as one of the top five performing innovation economies in Britain.
Another factor in Reading’s success story is its booming creative industries. The city is home to many well-known agencies that have succeeded both in the UK and internationally. There are many local collaborations too thanks to the work of groups like the "Reading Freelancers and Creatives" network.
3. Concentration of tech businesses
Reading has the largest cluster of digital businesses outside London. The city's tech sector is also notably robust and houses over 1,500 tech companies that employ around 28,000 individuals.
Furthermore, within a 25-mile radius of Reading, the sector expands to encompass 56,300 professionals. This showcases the city's significant role in the UK's digital economy.
4. Silicon Valley of the UK
The sheer volume of tech businesses located in Reading and the surrounding areas has earned the area the title of the UK's "Silicon Valley". Investment in the area is ongoing, with developments like Green Park drawing attention from international organisations.
The business park, a 60-acre development on the bank of a lake, is where many of the city's tech firms set up an office. It's also home to a fintech cluster that's growing in scale, stature, and importance. This has drawn the likes of multinational corporations like Cisco to establish operations here.
Reading is also home to local tech leaders like Altitude Angel. This firm is a key player within the airspace management services industry for drones. Another leading local innovator is Ensygnia, who specialise in cyber security and identity management.
5. Excellent transport links
Reading is a prime strategic location for businesses. It offers quick and convenient access to London, Heathrow Airport, the Thames Valley, and major transport links like the M4. Bristol and Bath, two other major tech clusters, are just over an hour away by car or train.
The arrival of the Elizabeth Line has further boosted Reading's connectivity. It takes just 50 minutes to get from Reading Station to London Paddington, reinforcing the city's convenient transport links.
6. Strategic location
Key to Reading’s business appeal is its location in the UK. Its proximity to the capital opens up many new opportunities to find important new customers and suppliers. London-based investors will find it effortless to arrive at their HQ by both train and car.
Despite this proximity to the UK’s largest commercial hub, Reading’s living costs are 42% cheaper than in London.
This direct access to London’s vast market and resources, coupled with significantly lower operational costs, positions Reading as an ideal base for tech and IT companies. This environment fosters growth and innovation, making it a compelling commercial opportunity.
7. International opportunities
Reading's appeal to international businesses, bolstered by its quality talent pool and strategic accessibility, positions it as a prime location for IT and tech companies aiming for global reach.
This unique setting offers opportunities to engage with a worldwide client base. This international community includes the likes of tech giants like Microsoft, Oracle, and Intel.
Being close to these industry leaders doesn’t just elevate Reading's tech ecosystem. It also provides unparalleled networking and collaboration opportunities for local businesses aiming to expand their influence both in the UK and internationally.
6 coworking spaces in Reading for IT professionals
Regus offers flexible workspace in Reading at six different locations and the surrounding areas. For a guided tour of the centre below that appeals the most to you, please get in touch.
1. Forbury Square
Forbury Square is in the heart of Reading city centre. It overlooks the stunning Forbury Gardens which, like the city centre, has recently undergone a major restoration.
Reading train station is a few minutes’ walk away from the centre, connecting you to mainline services. You also benefit from access to the new Elizabeth Crossrail route that takes you straight into London. With its central position in the city, multiple bus routes can get you here too.
This five-storey building's floor-to-ceiling windows flood the coworking space with natural light. The centre is stylish, modern, and fully equipped with the latest technology.
Forbury Square is a short walk away from King Street, one of the city’s most attractive streets and its main shopping area. There’s also a great selection of bars and restaurants surrounding the centre. Nearby Reading Abbey Ruins and Forbury Gardens are great spots for relaxation.
Highlights include:
- Fully equipped meeting rooms
- Vending machines
- Showers
Information about Forbury Square
- Location: Forbury Square, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EU
- Starting cost: From £179 per month
- Opening hours: Private Office and Dedicated Desk access is 24/7 access; Memberships access during reception hours
- Nearby transport links: Reading Train Station (a four-minute walk away), Kings Road Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away)
2. 400 Thames Valley Park Drive
400 Thames Valley Park Drive is an excellent shared office in Reading, based on the stunning Thames Valley Business Park. This is only a 15-minute drive away from Reading itself, making it a great choice for those looking for space outside the city centre.
This is a great place for tech innovators who want state-of-the-art office facilities away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You’ll be in very good company here as you’ll neighbour the likes of Microsoft, Oracle, HP, and Computacenter.
There’s a free shuttle bus service to the park from the city centre. Car parking is provided by Thames Valley Business Park and there are a couple of Pod Point EV charging stations here.
Our centre is in a modern four-storey building. The internal decor is stylish, mixing modern functionality with more classical elements. The technology here is state-of-the-art with super-fast WiFi and broadband and a video conferencing suite.
Thames Valley Business Park is set on an 80-acre plot along the river. As well as its beauty, it boasts amazing wildlife and a true wetland habitat. For keeping fit, there’s a 5k run route and a 15-minute walking circuit on-site.
Highlights include:
- On-site sandwich and coffee bar
- Vending machines
- Sandwich service
Information about 400 Thames Valley Park Drive
- Location: 400 Thames Valley Park Drive, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 1PT
- Starting cost: From £119 per month
- Opening hours: Private Office and Dedicated Desk access is 24/7 access; Memberships access during reception hours
- Nearby transport links: Oracle Parkway Bus Stop (a six-minute walk away), Computacentre Bus Stop (a six-minute walk away)
3. 9 Greyfriars Road
9 Greyfriars Road is another great city centre location for IT and tech professionals. It's very easy for staff to get here, as well as clients and investors. There’s car parking on-site if you want to drive in and the train station is just a short walk away.
This state-of-the-art building was the first in the South East to earn a converted BREEAM rating.
The floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the coworking spaces and private offices with natural light. The interior design is modern and restrained, making it a welcoming and pleasurable place to work.
Being so central, there’s plenty to do after work on West Street.
If you want to take staff out to celebrate a big deal, there’s a great selection of pubs and restaurants in the vicinity. There’s also a supermarket close by and check out the excellent Farmer’s Market on Great Knollys Street.
Highlights include:
- On-site parking
- Fully equipped meeting rooms
- Collaborative break-out areas
Information about 9 Greyfriars Road
- Location: 9 Greyfriars Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1NU
- Starting cost: From £199 per month
- Opening hours: Private Office and Dedicated Desk access is 24/7 access; Memberships access during reception hours
- Nearby transport links: Greyfriars Road (Stop FG) Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away), Reading Train Station (a six-minute walk away)
4. Green Park
Green Park is a stunning business park that’s surrounded and inspired by nature. Over 60 firms work from here, ranging from ambitious startups to multinationals like Cisco, Datto, and Thales. Your business can become part of this thriving tech community.
With four direct trains every hour from Reading, arriving here in comfort takes no time.
As you walk in, you’ll appreciate this high-tech workspace straight away. Past the large reception area is the expansive coworking space. This open-plan area is great for productivity and connects directly to the centre’s super-fast WiFi.
Running through the centre of Green Park is the picturesque Foudry Brook stream, an ideal place to relax and gather your thoughts on a busy day.
For something a bit livelier, spend an afternoon wakeboarding on one of the nearby lakes. For retail therapy, check out Reading Gate Retail Park, a few moment’s walk away.
Highlights include:
- On-site parking
- Outside seating area/terrace
- Sandwich service
Information about 4 Green Park
- Location: 200 Brook Drive, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 6UB
- Starting cost: From £149 per month
- Opening hours: Private Office and Dedicated Desk access is 24/7 access; Memberships access during reception hours
- Nearby transport links: 250 Brook Drive Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away), Reading Green Park Train Station (a nine-minute walk away)
5. Winnersh Triangle
Our Winnersh Triangle centre is in the village of Winnersh in the borough of Wokingham, about four miles southeast of Reading. It’s within the major development of Winnersh Triangle, a mixed-used commercial development.
It has readily become another important IT and tech cluster in the area. If you choose a shared office here, you can collaborate with software developers, data centres, and IT security firms.
The workspace here is stylish and contemporary, housed in a stunning glass building. You and your colleagues will find the coworking areas spacious, light, and conducive to networking.
The park surrounding this centre has great amenities including a state-of-the-art gym, café, restaurant, spa, and nursery. There’s even a country park nearby and the peaceful Black Swan and White Swan lakes.
Highlights include:
- On-site parking
- Bicycle storage
- Showers
Information about Winnersh Triangle
- Location: Wharfedale Road, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 5TP
- Starting cost: From £159 per month
- Opening hours: Private Office and Dedicated Desk access is 24/7 access; Memberships access during reception hours
- Nearby transport links: Winnersh Triangle Railway Station (a seven-minute walk away), Winnersh Triangle Railway Station Bus Stop (a seven-minute walk away)
6. Arlington Business Park Theale
The centrepiece of the stunning Arlington Business Park Theale is a striking large lake surrounded by 49 acres of green parkland. Home to another of the area’s many tech clusters, the park is home to brands including Nokia, Commvault, Hexagon Software, and Emerson.
The centre is a 21-minute drive from Reading or an eight-minute train ride. Heathrow is close by and access to the park is quick and straightforward via the M4.
You can enjoy the picturesque surroundings from the windows of the centre. The large floor-to-ceiling windows let natural light flood into the building’s variety of areas and spaces. Inside, the clean and minimal industrial design with exposed structural elements impresses.
Highlights include:
- Collaborative break-out areas
- Fully equipped meeting rooms
- Proximity to Heathrow Airport
Information about Arlington Business Park Theale
- Location: Arlington Business Park, Reading, RG7 4SA
- Starting cost: From £179 per month
- Opening hours: Private Office and Dedicated Desk access is 24/7 access; Memberships access during reception hours
- Nearby transport links: Arlington Business Park Bus Stop (a three-minute walk away), Theale Train Station (an 11-minute walk away)
Explore flexible workspaces in Reading with Regus
With Regus, you have access to a wide choice of shared workspace in prime locations in and around Reading. Become part of the thriving local IT and tech cluster at one of our six prestigious centres.
We're here to help you work your way. If business takes you around the UK and further afield, you can order a Day Pass at one of over 4,000 centres worldwide. Check availability for private offices, dedicated desks, and meeting rooms and book using the Regus app.
You can save even more money on every booking by becoming a Regus member. Choose Regus for your shared office in Reading. To find out more, get in touch with us today.