Reading Tech Cluster to help boost Thames Valley tech firm growth
A recent economic forecast by EY highlighted how critical the technology sector is to growth in the UK economy. It predicts that the sector will “top the growth charts…”. The report also says Reading will be the fastest growing metropolitan area outside of London (2.2%). Due to its strength in technology, education and professional services.
For decades leading local and international technology companies have called the region home. Strong academic, transport and infrastructure links combined with a skilled workforce have attracted firms to start or expand in the region. These successful firms make the region prosperous and a great place to work, innovate, live and learn.
The Reading Tech Cluster’s mission is to connect the region’s technology firms with the vital help they need for long-term success: investment, expertise, events, community, resources, services, academia, skills and representation.
Dr Keith Arundale, co-founder and director of the Reading Tech Cluster: “Reading and the wider region is in a unique position to build on its history of success in the tech sector. But growth and success needs help. Looking around the UK and at other successful tech-based regional economies, shows that building a great company is about the vision and hard work of founders supported by the wider community. It’s early days but our mission is to ensure that Reading and the Thames Valley has the help it needs to build a vibrant, successful and globally respected tech sector.”
The region is known as the home of leading international IT, telco and services firms like Microsoft, Oracle, Verizon, Cisco and Huawei but it is also home to growing firms across diverse sub-sectors including cloud services, AI, fintech, agritech; cybersecurity; climate and cleantech, med and biotech as well as the professional services and investment firms supporting them.
Michael Cooper, co-founder and director of the RTC: “Other tech clusters around the country have played a pivotal role in bringing together entrepreneurs and founders with the diverse range of help they need to continue the growth of their firms. As the expression says, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’, we believe it takes a town and a committed community to build a world-leading technology firm.”
The Reading Tech Cluster was founded in April 2024 and incorporated as a not-for-profit company in May 2025. Its directors are leaders active in the tech sector across academia and business. They are supported by an advisory group of regional experts across the tech, professional services, finance, academic, governmental and regional development sectors.
The cluster will open its doors to members at its first event – the Investment Summit taking place at the Henley Business School, University of Reading on 4 July 2025, find out more here. Local companies interested in joining can register their interest here.
At the Summit, 12 pre-selected regional scale-up companies will present proposals to an audience of potential investors, professional service firms and other stakeholders.
The Summit will be opened by the University of Reading Vice Chancellor, Professor Robert Van de Noort CBE, DL. Other speakers will include Yuan Yang (MP for Earley and Woodley), Dan Williams (CEO of measurable.energy, a successful Reading based scale-up eliminating wasted energy in buildings) and a representative from the venture capital unit of the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA). A panel of representatives from local VC firms, law and accounting firms, small and large tech companies will also be featured. Companies interested in applying to part can find more information here.
If you want to get involved in the work of the Reading Tech Cluster, are interested in the Investment Summit and/or becoming a member please contact us here.