Edinburgh VS Reading

Edinburgh is the larger business hub with 56,473 active companies, compared to 23,946 in Reading. 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

Edinburgh
Active56,473
Total61,282
2020s Growth41.4%
Oldest Co.1871
Reading
Active23,946
Total26,367
2020s Growth55.0%
Oldest Co.1865

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
56,473
23,946
Total Registered
61,282
26,367
Dissolved Companies
4,809
2,421
2020s Growth Rate
414%
550%
EdinburghReading

Company Formation by Decade

Edinburgh
Pre-1990
1,055
1990s
1,838
2000s
6,782
2010s
28,248
2020s
23,359
Reading
Pre-1990
671
1990s
952
2000s
2,712
2010s
8,870
2020s
13,162

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Edinburgh or Reading?

Edinburgh has 56,473 active companies compared to 23,946 in Reading — 32,527 more.

Which is growing faster, Edinburgh or Reading?

Reading has a higher 2020s company formation rate (55.0%) compared to Edinburgh (41.4%).

What industries do Edinburgh and Reading 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.. Edinburgh is uniquely strong in Development of building projects and Dormant Company, while Reading stands out in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Other information technology service activities.