Reading VS Bath

Reading is the larger business hub with 23,946 active companies, compared to 9,002 in Bath. 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 Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Business and domestic software development.

Key Figures

Reading
Active23,946
Total26,367
2020s Growth55.0%
Oldest Co.1865
Bath
Active9,002
Total9,835
2020s Growth46.5%
Oldest Co.1896

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
23,946
9,002
Total Registered
26,367
9,835
Dissolved Companies
2,421
833
2020s Growth Rate
550%
465%
ReadingBath

Company Formation by Decade

Reading
Pre-1990
671
1990s
952
2000s
2,712
2010s
8,870
2020s
13,162
Bath
Pre-1990
495
1990s
458
2000s
1,319
2010s
3,379
2020s
4,184

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Reading or Bath?

Reading has 23,946 active companies compared to 9,002 in Bath — 14,944 more.

Which is growing faster, Reading or Bath?

Reading has a higher 2020s company formation rate (55.0%) compared to Bath (46.5%).

What industries do Reading and Bath have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Activities of other holding companies n.e.c., Business and domestic software development, Buying and selling of own real estate, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management. Reading is uniquely strong in Other information technology service activities and Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet, while Bath stands out in Development of building projects and Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c..