Liverpool VS Reading

Liverpool and Reading are similarly sized business centres with 43,636 and 23,946 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

Liverpool
Active43,636
Total51,713
2020s Growth67.8%
Oldest Co.1864
Reading
Active23,946
Total26,367
2020s Growth55.0%
Oldest Co.1865

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
43,636
23,946
Total Registered
51,713
26,367
Dissolved Companies
8,077
2,421
2020s Growth Rate
678%
550%
LiverpoolReading

Company Formation by Decade

Liverpool
Pre-1990
1,042
1990s
971
2000s
4,412
2010s
15,695
2020s
29,593
Reading
Pre-1990
671
1990s
952
2000s
2,712
2010s
8,870
2020s
13,162

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Liverpool or Reading?

Liverpool has 43,636 active companies compared to 23,946 in Reading — 19,690 more.

Which is growing faster, Liverpool or Reading?

Liverpool has a higher 2020s company formation rate (67.8%) compared to Reading (55.0%).

What industries do Liverpool 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. Liverpool is uniquely strong in Development of building projects and Hairdressing and other beauty treatment, while Reading stands out in Business and domestic software development and Information technology consultancy activities.