Why Reading is a Thriving Hub for Modern Businesses, and How Offices Are Evolving With It.

Why Reading is Attracting Businesses in Droves

Reading has a lot to offer modern businesses, not least its well-connected location. Not only is it just a 25-minute train journey to London Paddington, the new Elizabeth Line has upped Reading’s game even further in terms of easy travel into the heart of the capital. 

And it’s not just London either - Reading is situated along the M4 corridor, is a stones-throw from Heathrow Airport (with services like Rail-Air providing easy transfers), and is also linked by train to many other business hubs across the country, such as Manchester, Oxford, Birmingham and more. This makes it a great HQ location for companies with national reach.

Geography aside, Reading is at the heart of the Thames Valley, often dubbed the UK’s answer to Silicon Valley. Global names like Microsoft, Oracle, and Huawei all have a strong presence here, so it’s no wonder more and more businesses are following suit.

The Rise of Commercial & Residential Developments in Reading

As more businesses settle in, Reading’s skyline is changing to match. In recent years we’ve seen a wave of Grade A office buildings, mixed-use developments, and contemporary office refurbishments added to the town’s footprint. In 2024, Reading was among the three sub-markets with the highest volumes of take-up of office space across Greater London and the South-East - and that’s the second year running it’s been at the top, with more developments to come in 2025. 

Spaces like Green Park and One Station Hill are leading the charge — but even older buildings are being revived to meet the demands of today’s flexible workforce. At Glenside, we specialise in office fit-outs that bring these spaces to life — blending design, practicality, and sustainability to create inspiring environments.

It’s not only commercial developments that are the driving force behind Reading’s growth, either. In recent years, there has been a plethora of residential and leisure developments as more young professionals choose to plant roots here. And it’s showing no signs of stopping, with plans for 2025 that could see thousands of flats built. What does this mean for businesses? Even more top talent to choose from within the region, of course. 

Why Now is the Time to Invest in a Reading Office

Reading is well and truly on the rise and has become a recurring name on The Sunday Times’ “best places to live in the South-East” list, with thanks to its London links, business credentials and reputation as an academic powerhouse. This ongoing kudos means the population is growing and smart businesses? They’re getting in early, as further developments are yet to come.



So, with its sought-after location and growing reputation as a tech and innovation hub, could Reading be the place for your next commercial move? Whether you're expanding, relocating, or refreshing your current space, consider Glenside for your office design and fit-out requirements in Reading - our vast showroom is located on Commercial Road, just a stones-throw from the Select Car Leasing (formerly Madjeski) Stadium with easy access to the M4.

How Offices Are Evolving With Reading’s Growth

As Reading continues its transformation into a thriving hub for tech, innovation, and enterprise, the nature of office space here is evolving just as rapidly. The influx of new businesses, from global giants to fast-growing start-ups, is creating a vibrant, competitive environment where workplace design has become a strategic priority.

Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all office layouts. In Reading, businesses are no longer just looking for a place to work — they’re seeking spaces that support agility, collaboration, and employee wellbeing. With the rise of hybrid working models and a greater emphasis on sustainability and technology, today’s office must do more than house desks and meeting rooms — it must reflect a company’s values, culture, and ambition.

We’re seeing increased demand across Reading for high-spec, flexible office spaces that:

• Reflect their brand identity
• Adapt to different working styles
• Incorporate smart technology
• Support sustainable practices

At Glenside, we’re proud to be part of that journey. Whether it’s a full office refurbishment or a custom fit-out for a new space, Glenside partners with companies to turn their vision into a reality. We understand the local market, and we know how to design spaces that future-proof your workplace while helping you attract and retain top talent.

Let’s Build the Future of Work, Together

At Glenside, we believe great offices are about more than desks and meeting rooms — they’re about culture, productivity, and potential. If you’re ready to upgrade your workspace in line with Reading’s incredible growth, we’d love to help.

Get in touch today to chat about your project, or explore how we can support your journey to a better, smarter, more inspiring office.