Reading Tech Cluster Continues to Grow with Two New Sponsors
Reading Tech Cluster (RTC) is pleased to announce two new corporate sponsors: the UK government’s economic development bank, the British Business Bank, and international legal practice Osborne Clarke. Their support brings the total number of RTC sponsor companies to 18.
The RTC continues to seek additional partners from across the technology sector and organisations that contribute to its regional growth. Companies or individuals interested in becoming a member or sponsor can contact the RTC team via the website.
Stuart Handley, director, Reading Tech Cluster and managing director of sponsor Raise Communications Ltd said: “We are delighted by the support the RTC is receiving from the tech community and those that work with them. Everyone we speak to recognises the importance of connecting up the local tech sector with peers and the expert advice it needs to drive growth. Our corporate partners play a vital role in helping our work. If you are based in the region and want to get involved, we would love to hear from you.”
The RTC is here to help Reading and the Thames Valley be the best place to start, grow or locate a technology firm in the UK. RTC’s mission is to connect tech firms with the vital help they need for success.
Sue Elliott, Senior Manager, South East, British Business Bank commented “The British Business Bank is delighted to support the Reading Tech Cluster (RTC). We look forward to working with all the RTC partners to help create and maintain a solid platform to ensure Reading and Thames Valley innovators are well placed to grow and thrive. RTC’s aim to drive regional competitiveness through investment, expertise and connections, aligns with the Bank’s strategic objective of backing innovation to ensure these innovative businesses can access the right capital to start, scale and stay in the UK.”
Justin Starling, Partner, Osborne Clarke LLP “We’re proud to support Reading Tech Cluster. As one of the Thames Valley’s largest law firms and a long-standing tech sector specialist we are, and have for many years been, committed to supporting tech businesses of all sizes from early and growth stage through to multinational, locally and beyond.”
The RTC thanks all its corporate sponsors for their generous support:
• Activate Learning Education Trust
• Blake Morgan LLP
• Boyes Turner LLP
• British Business Bank
• EY Reading
• GCS
• Henley Business School, University of Reading
• Insider Media
• Openshaw & Co
• Osborne Clarke
• Pulsant
• Raise Communications
• REDA (Reading’s Economy & Destination Agency)
• Thames Valley Society of Chartered Accountants
• The FSE Group
• The Skills and Business Hub (formerly Berkshire LEP)
• Undertwok Creative
• Xantho Ventures Ltd
Click here for more information about how to join or contact us to become a sponsor here.
More information on the new sponsors
British Business Bank
The British Business Bank is the UK government’s economic development bank. Established in 2014, its mission is to drive economic growth by helping smaller businesses get the finance they need to start, scale and stay in the UK. Its remit is to design, deliver, and manage a range of products through over 200 delivery partners, helping to increase both the supply and diversity of finance available to smaller businesses.
The British Business Bank’s core programmes support £23bn1 of finance to almost 64,0002 smaller businesses.
British Business Bank plc is a public limited company registered in England and Wales, registration number 08616013, registered office at Steel City House, West Street, Sheffield, S1 2GQ. It is a development bank wholly owned by HM Government. British Business Bank plc and its subsidiaries are not banking institutions and do not operate as such. With the exception of BBB Investment Services Limited they are not authorised or regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority or the Financial Conduct Authority. BBB Investment Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. A complete legal structure chart for the group can be found at www.british-business-bank.co.uk.
The support described above does not constitute or imply any endorsement, warranty or recommendation by the UK government, the British Business Bank plc, its subsidiaries or any other party in respect of Reading Tech Cluster or its products or services.
1 Figures as at end March 2025.
2 Figures as at end March 2025, does not include Start Up Loans.
Osborne Clarke
Osborne Clarke’s emerging companies and venture capital team advises founders, spin-outs and investors on building tech-enabled businesses – from formation through growth to exit. They are recognised for market-leading spin-outs, technology transfer and IP commercialisation, and for structuring complex venture financings and strategic partnerships across software, AI, data and deep tech. We work closely with world-class universities and research institutions.
Find out more: https://www.osborneclarke.com/services/corporate/emerging-companies-and-venture-capital