Office space in Reading

Reading is increasingly recognised as one of the UK's premier business locations, attracting a diverse profile of companies due to its strategic advantages. Significant investment and extensive regeneration over the past decade have transformed the town, making it an ideal destination for businesses seeking modern and affordable office space.

The town's infrastructure has been extensively upgraded, including a £900 million enhancement of Reading train station, which has improved connectivity and commuter convenience. Additionally, the anticipated completion of the Crossrail project will further bolster Reading's appeal by reducing travel times to central London. Furthermore, Reading's proximity to Heathrow Airport and the M4 motorway enhances its attractiveness for both domestic and international businesses, ensuring seamless connectivity.

Established as a major economic hub in the Thames Valley, Reading with its competitive rental rates and thriving business environment have attracted numerous multinational corporations, including Microsoft and Oracle, underscoring its importance in the technology sector.

So, if you're looking for flexible office space in Reading, you've come to the right place.

Demand for Flexible Office Space in Reading

The demand for flexible office space in Reading has been on a consistent upward trajectory, reflecting broader market trends towards hybrid working models. Businesses of all sizes, from startups to large corporations, are increasingly seeking adaptable workspaces that can accommodate changing needs.

This surge in demand is evident in the increased occupancy levels. It has been driven by the town's strategic location and excellent transport links - just a 25-minute ride to Paddington Station. Who wouldn't want a quick in-and-out of central London for client meetings and other business affairs?

Additionally, Reading has earned a prestigious reputation among investors internationally. It ranks 13th among non-capital cities worldwide. This small town in Berkshire stands alongside global hubs such as San Francisco, Düsseldorf, and Montreal.

The UK flexible office space market, valued at USD 1.85 billion in 2024, is expected to reach USD 2.84 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 8.95%. This trend aligns with the broader shift towards hybrid working, which has increased the need for flexible, well-equipped workspaces that can support both in-office and remote work.

Moreover, the Reading Business Improvement District (BID) has played a significant role in supporting the local business environment. BID initiatives focus on making Reading safer, more attractive, and better connected, contributing to the town's overall vibrancy and business-friendliness. As a result, Reading continues to attract a diverse range of businesses looking for flexible and modern office solutions.

What kind of office space you can find in Reading?

Reading offers a diverse range of office spaces available for lease, catering to various business needs. Here are some of the types of office spaces you can find in Reading:

Serviced Offices in Reading: These are fully furnished and managed office spaces that include utilities, maintenance, and administrative support. They are perfect for companies in the finance, legal, consulting, and technology sectors looking to establish a professional presence with minimal setup time.

Coworking Spaces in Reading: Ideal for freelancers, startups, and small teams, coworking spaces provide shared environments with facilities like high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and social areas.

Reading's Private Offices: These are dedicated spaces for particular types of businesses, ranging from small offices for one or two people to more extensive suites for bigger teams.

Prestigious Virtual Offices in Reading: These provide a business address and access to meeting rooms without the need for a physical office. This is an excellent solution for businesses that need a prestigious address and occasional office space for meetings with clients or teams without the overhead costs.

Reading Office Rent Price Guide

The cost of renting flexible office space in Reading ranges from £120-£400 per person, per month. This depends on the office type, size, location and amenities included.

Below is a breakdown of the average cost of renting a flexible office space in Reading city centre*

*Guide prices per person per month, excl. vat.

Most popular office locations in Reading

Reading boasts some of the most sought-after office locations, blending modern infrastructure with historic charm. The town offers a diverse range of office spaces, making it an ideal environment for thriving businesses and companies of all sizes.

Offices in Theale

Theale, located five miles southwest of Reading Town Centre, is a vibrant hub for both small and large businesses. The high street is home to various small enterprises, creating a bustling local economy. The area also features significant business parks such as Theale Business Park, Theale Technology Centre, and Arlington Business Park, which provide modern office spaces for companies.

Its strategic location beside the railway station on the London to Exeter line ensures excellent connectivity for commuters and businesses alike.

Theale has a rich history associated with pubs and the brewing trade, adding a unique cultural touch to the area. Moreover, it hosts prominent names in commerce, including PepsiCo, RBS, and Wrigleys, underscoring its importance as a commercial centre.

Offices in Green Park

Green Park is an eco-friendly business park renowned for its commitment to sustainability, highlighted by the UK's most visible wind turbine.

Spanning across 195 acres, it offers a vibrant business community set amidst beautiful green surroundings, providing scenic spots for lunch and relaxation. The park hosts a mix of global corporations like Cisco and Carson and Co, as well as smaller niche companies, fostering a diverse business ecosystem.

Located close to junction 11 of the M4 highway, Green Park is easily accessible for both employees and clients, making it ideal for businesses that prioritise environmental responsibility and convenience.

Offices in Town Centre

Reading's Town Centre is a bustling hub that hosts diverse companies, particularly in the technology, insurance, and finance sectors. Notable corporations such as Prudential and Yell have established their presence here, benefiting from the area's strategic advantages.

The Town Centre boasts excellent transport connectivity, offering businesses fast train links directly into London, which is essential for commuting and client meetings. Additionally, Broad Street features major department stores like John Lewis, Debenhams, and House of Fraser.

This combination of business and retail amenities makes the Town Centre an attractive location for companies.

The economy of Reading

Reading continues to be a robust economic hub with significant growth and development. According to recent reports, the town's economic strength remains evident. For instance, Reading has been recognised for its strong performance in various economic indicators. In 2021, Reading saw a productivity growth of nearly 8%, mainly due to its high-growth sectors compared to the UK city average.

Regarding the business landscape, Reading boasts a high number of businesses per capita, with approximately 474 businesses per 10,000 people. This ranks it 6th in the UK for productivity per hour and 5th amongst the fastest-growing UK cities. The town's unemployment rate remains low, contributing to its economic resilience.

Reading's appeal as a commuter town continues to grow, with significant investments in housing and infrastructure. Thousands of new homes are being planned to attract more people seeking affordable housing. This influx is expected to spur job creation and further economic expansion, with an impressive predicted GVA growth of 2.2%.

In terms of wages, Reading ranks 4th in the UK on average weekly wages, averaging salaries at £726 per week. Which is 9% higher than the national average of £661 in 2022. However, the UK's higher average was driven by solid performances in a small number of cities, with only 16 cities having an average weekly wage above the UK average

In summary, Reading's strategic initiatives and solid economic foundations continue positioning it as a leading economic centre in the UK, attracting businesses and investment worldwide.

Which businesses operate in Reading?

The information technology sector has a large presence in Reading, accounting for over 40% of all businesses in central Reading. As a result, it is rated as the number one employer in the tech cluster and is where you’ll find over 20% of the most successful private, independent tech companies in the south.

Some of the world’s most renowned finance, insurance and tech companies position themselves in and around the town centre. This is also Reading’s main shopping district featuring a number of retail centres, bars and restaurants, which produces an annual turnover of around £800 million.

Small businesses tend to gravitate towards the high street in Theale, which is located around 5 miles southwest from the town centre. You can also find a number of large business parks here such as Theale Technology Centre, Theale Business Park and Arlington Business Park. 

Energy and renewable companies and the biopharma and biotech sector have taken up residency at Green Park Business Park. It features a number of wind farms spread across 195 acres of commercial real estate, and possibly has one of the most visible wind turbines in the UK. 

Ready to rent an office in Reading?

If you’re looking to rent office space in Reading, get in touch with the Prime Office Search team today. Alternatively, you can browse our range of offices to rent in Reading online.

Our independent experts are ready to assist you with your Reading office search; we provide a personalised approach, working with businesses of all shapes and sizes, offering an effortless way to find offices to rent in Reading.

Whether you’re an Individual, a start-up business, SME or a large organisation looking for a serviced office, coworking space, virtual or managed office space in Reading, our team of experienced consultants will work closely with you, to find your ideal Reading office solution.