Nottingham VS Reading

Nottingham and Reading are similarly sized business centres with 42,731 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

Nottingham
Active42,731
Total48,690
2020s Growth61.8%
Oldest Co.1865
Reading
Active23,946
Total26,367
2020s Growth55.0%
Oldest Co.1865

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
42,731
23,946
Total Registered
48,690
26,367
Dissolved Companies
5,959
2,421
2020s Growth Rate
618%
550%
NottinghamReading

Company Formation by Decade

Nottingham
Pre-1990
1,295
1990s
1,300
2000s
4,908
2010s
14,779
2020s
26,408
Reading
Pre-1990
671
1990s
952
2000s
2,712
2010s
8,870
2020s
13,162

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Nottingham or Reading?

Nottingham has 42,731 active companies compared to 23,946 in Reading — 18,785 more.

Which is growing faster, Nottingham or Reading?

Nottingham has a higher 2020s company formation rate (61.8%) compared to Reading (55.0%).

What industries do Nottingham 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, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other business support service activities n.e.c.. Nottingham is uniquely strong in Development of building projects and Dormant Company, while Reading stands out in Business and domestic software development and Other information technology service activities.