Reading VS Bournemouth

Reading and Bournemouth are similarly sized business centres with 23,946 and 14,210 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 Buying and selling of own real estate and Information technology consultancy activities.

Key Figures

Reading
Active23,946
Total26,367
2020s Growth55.0%
Oldest Co.1865
Bournemouth
Active14,210
Total16,046
2020s Growth55.9%
Oldest Co.1864

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
23,946
14,210
Total Registered
26,367
16,046
Dissolved Companies
2,421
1,836
2020s Growth Rate
550%
559%
ReadingBournemouth

Company Formation by Decade

Reading
Pre-1990
671
1990s
952
2000s
2,712
2010s
8,870
2020s
13,162
Bournemouth
Pre-1990
629
1990s
541
2000s
1,820
2010s
5,106
2020s
7,950

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Reading or Bournemouth?

Reading has 23,946 active companies compared to 14,210 in Bournemouth — 9,736 more.

Which is growing faster, Reading or Bournemouth?

Bournemouth has a higher 2020s company formation rate (55.9%) compared to Reading (55.0%).

What industries do Reading and Bournemouth have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: 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., Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate. Reading is uniquely strong in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Business and domestic software development, while Bournemouth stands out in Development of building projects and Dormant Company.