Companies in the region

A Magnet for Multinationals

The Thames Valley is now the UK's most successful commercial centre outside London. Many of the world's biggest multinational corporations have been attracted to the area. These include 3M, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Novell, BMW, Cisco, Oracle, Fujitsu Siemens, BT, Gillette, Panasonic, Sharp, Siemens, Black and Decker, Sony, Syngenta, Lonza, BG, John Lewis Partnership & Jacobs Babtie.

From 1991 to 1996 a total of £17.59 billion was invested in property and infrastructure development within the Thames Valley region. This investment has paid dividends. The region has also benefited from a series of major inward investments, focused both on establishing new European headquarters and on the expansion of existing facilities. It will profit from future government investment schemes which will greatly improve transport infrastructure and communications. For example, a new junction at J11 is planned which will vastly upgrade the existing infrastructure.

The Reading Area

The Reading area has also been the destination for relocations by international companies such as Verizon and by smaller companies, often heading west out of London, in search of a better working environment and standard of living.

The pull of Reading continues, maintaining a thriving economy and vibrant community.

Major Employers in the Berkshire area

3M UK Holdings plc
Manufacture & distribution of coated materials

AWE plc
Operation of facilities of the atomic weapons establishment on behalf of the Ministry of Defence

Bayer plc
Marketing of own manufactured chemical products

British Gas plc
Distribution and supply of gas

ECC International Ltd
China clay producers

Foster Wheeler Ltd
Technology services for the construction industry

Fujitsu Siemens
Developing and selling complete information system and services

Hewlett-Packard Ltd
Manufacture & marketing of computer products

Honeywell Ltd
Manufacture & sale of environmental control devices

Microsoft
Computer software designers a n manufacturers

Motorola Ltd
Production of radio and cellular communications

Oracle Corporation UK Ltd
Computer software products for data management

Panasonic
Electrical appliance manufacture

Powell Duuffryn plc
Ownership and operation of seaports

Prudential
Insurance business

Siemens plc
Manufacture & sale of electrical products

Thames Water Utilities Ltd
Water and sewage services

Vodafone Group plc
Provision of mobile telecommunications