Living And Working In Reading

Reading is a large town in the county of Berkshire which is situated in south east England. It is the largest town without city status in the UK. Only around forty miles from London, it is popular with commuters due the excellent transport links -  both road and rail. The nearest international airport, Heathrow, is a little over twenty miles away. Reading is often described as a regional transport hub, international gateway for travel and a major transport interchange due to its close proximity to London.

Sitting on the junction of two rivers, the pretty River Kennett and the widely known River Thames, Reading had always been favourably placed for trade. For centuries the manufacturing of cloth was a major industry and as it went into a natural decline it was replaced with iron works and the brewing trade. By the nineteenth century, the town grew rapidly and was known mainly for various manufacturing (often known as the three B’s - breweries, bulbs and biscuits!)  helped significantly as many other areas were by the beginning of the railways and the Industrial Revolution.

Multicultural Reading is a diverse and prosperous town and with both the population and ethnicity on the rise, the town retains its sense of belonging. The economy of the town is flourishing, recognised for its dynamic and diverse business landscape. The town has established itself as a leading technology and innovation hub, attracting major tech firms and creating a vibrant ecosystem of startups and scaleups. This is further supported by Reading’s strategic location within the Thames Valley which provides excellent connectivity to many other areas. Reading benefits from a highly skilled workforce, thanks in part to the presence of the University of Reading which offers cutting edge research and development facilities and produces top tier graduates who fuel the local economy. The town’s strong education sector is complemented by thriving financial services, retail and healthcare industries.

Additionally, investment in infrastructure and regeneration projects have bolstered Reading’s economic prospects and notable transport improvements have enhanced accessibility and attracted businesses seeking efficient logistics and connectivity.

The bustling Oracle shopping centre, which has more than eighty shops, is interestingly named after the 17th century Oracle Workhouse which was built using funds from a local man named John Kendrick. Restaurants and cafes are plentiful and the nightlife here is incredible. There is also the ever popular Reading Festival which is held each summer and attracts many thousands of music fans. Reading is also big on arts and culture with a host of venues to enjoy.

Reading has over a hundred parks and play areas, numerous wooded areas and several nature reserves. Slightly further afield are the beautiful Chilterns and many lovely villages to inspire you. Nearby Henley on Thames is a charming market town made famous for its annual regatta and historic architecture while Windsor is also close by where you can visit the splendour of Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park

Overall, Reading is a fantastic place to live and work, offering a combination of urban vibrancy and natural beauty that really makes it stand out. Additionally, the town's rich cultural scene, diverse dining, exciting nightlife and extensive retail centres provides plenty to do for everyone. The town is able to balance work and leisure well and with its reputation for being one of the UK’s most economically dynamic and culturally engaging towns,  it is perfect for those seeking a fulfilling lifestyle combined with professional growth.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on August 15th between 10am - 2pm. The venue is the Penta Hotel, RG1 7RH. This luxurious and spacious 4 star hotel is conveniently situated within the town centre, only minutes from Reading railway station.