Reading is the larger business hub with 23,946 active companies, compared to 11,494 in Exeter. 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 Buying and selling of own real estate.
Reading has 23,946 active companies compared to 11,494 in Exeter — 12,452 more.
Reading has a higher 2020s company formation rate (55.0%) compared to Exeter (54.1%).
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. Reading is uniquely strong in Business and domestic software development and Information technology consultancy activities, while Exeter stands out in Development of building projects and Dormant Company.