Reading VS Oxford

Reading is the larger business hub with 23,946 active companies, compared to 11,030 in Oxford. 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 Business and domestic software development and Buying and selling of own real estate.

Key Figures

Reading
Active23,946
Total26,367
2020s Growth55.0%
Oldest Co.1865
Oxford
Active11,030
Total12,265
2020s Growth52.7%
Oldest Co.1866

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
23,946
11,030
Total Registered
26,367
12,265
Dissolved Companies
2,421
1,235
2020s Growth Rate
550%
527%
ReadingOxford

Company Formation by Decade

Reading
Pre-1990
671
1990s
952
2000s
2,712
2010s
8,870
2020s
13,162
Oxford
Pre-1990
453
1990s
475
2000s
1,488
2010s
4,041
2020s
5,808

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Reading or Oxford?

Reading has 23,946 active companies compared to 11,030 in Oxford — 12,916 more.

Which is growing faster, Reading or Oxford?

Reading has a higher 2020s company formation rate (55.0%) compared to Oxford (52.7%).

What industries do Reading and Oxford have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Business and domestic software development, 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.. Reading is uniquely strong in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Other information technology service activities, while Oxford stands out in Development of building projects and Dormant Company.