Reading a leading UK tech cluster

TechNation2018 Reading's status as a leading UK tech cluster is highlighted in the latest Tech Nation report.

The annual report series captures the strength, depth and breadth of digital tech activity in the UK. The first report was published in 2015 to help develop an understanding of the vibrant digital tech landscape in the UK. The 2018 Report continues to map the evolution of the UK tech sector.

The Reading data

Employment	42, 398 (digital tech jobs) / 58,109 employed in sector
Digital sector turnover	£13.5 billion
Tech concentration	8 times higher than average UK tech concentration
Type of tech sector	Balanced
Turnover by digital employee	£234,000
Productivity	£7bn GVA
Tech business births (from 2016)	283

Stats are based on the Reading Travel To Work Area

Background on Reading taken from Tech Nation 2018 report

Reading’s proximity to London and Heathrow airport has long attracted major multinationals, including Microsoft and Oracle. However, its startup community is now growing too, and tapping into the established expertise and resources available in the city.

In March 2018, the University of Reading opened the doors to its flagship Gateway building, the first part of the £35 million Thames Valley Science Park to open. It provides 70,000 square feet of flexible office and laboratory space for 20 technology-led companies, ranging from early-stage startups to global research and development centres. These include companies such as BioInteractions, Sage People and Clasado BioSciences.
Drones have the power to revolutionise business and transform lives. Altitude Angel, is leading that charge, with the long-term goal to enable millions of autonomous drones to fly – safely – without any human pilots. They have recently raised $4.5 million in Series A funding in order to expand into new territories. It says its Reading location is key to its success, allowing them to test their drone technology in the fields around the city centre.
DataSift, founded in 2010, is a privacy-by-design data and analytics platform and one of the shining lights of Reading’s tech scene. It was acquired by San Francisco based Meltwater in March 2018 and the acquisition is expected to cement the company’s status as a leading provider of AI-powered competitive intelligence

Case studies

Osokey

Osokey provide rapid data access and real-time global collaboration solutions for the oil and gas industry. We use the latest cloud based technologies combined with our extensive industry expertise to deliver customer focused solutions.

Why Reading

"The main benefits of being based in Reading are the excellent transport links connecting us with a global client base, a dynamic technology scene and the combination of an inspiring rural setting coupled with access to modern workspaces (without the London premium)." Rhian Burrell, Company Director

Donate The Change

As a modern day Robin Hood, Donate The Change is on a mission to improve society, globally. Our service provides real financial benefits for users, generated from brand and corporate partnerships, which they can then share with a charity of their choice, save for a rainy day or invest for their future by using our payment wearable products or cards.

Why Reading?

"Reading offers world-class talent, very reasonably priced office space and is perfectly positioned for business travel with M4, rail hub and proximity to Heathrow. For our visitors, there are plenty of hotels, a multitude of good quality restaurants for entertaining and lots of attractions for team building activities within a few miles of the centre. Earmarked as the UK’s Silicon Valley, it is the perfect place for our fin-tech business to develop." Mike Dunn, CEO