REDA welcomes Heathrow investment to grow the Reading economy
13th February 2025
Nigel Horton-Baker, Chief Executive REDA, comments on the recent investment announcement in Heathrow Airport in the context of Reading’s long history of UK-leading connectivity.
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Heathrow investment
Heathrow provides a vital impetus to power Reading’s globally-focused economy and REDA welcomes the news that further investment will upgrade terminal buildings, enhance passenger experience and lay the groundwork for an expansion that will keep Heathrow as the world-leading airport. It is no accident that Reading has been an extremely attractive location for international businesses for decades with 235 currently based in the Reading area. The likes of Microsoft, PepsiCo, Sanofi and Reading’s new film studios see Reading’s location in the Thames Valley, close to Heathrow, as a key factor for basing themselves here.
Last month’s Centre for Cities report ranked Reading 2nd only to London for the size of its exporting base with an export value of goods and services per worker of over £140,000. The international technology, science and financial services sectors underpin that performance, enabled by an airport that facilitates fast and easy international business.
As part of this huge investment in Heathrow, REDA urges the Government and Network Rail to support the Western Rail Link which would reduce journey times from Reading to Heathrow to 26 minutes, have a direct impact on growing the Reading economy and reduce the environmental impact of road-based journeys to Heathrow from the whole of the south west of England.
A long history of transport connectivity
Connectivity has underpinned Reading’s economic success as long back as the 1840s when the new Great Western Mainline provided Huntley and Palmers with the tools to expand and export their famous biscuits around the world.
Reading’s connections to Heathrow, post war, started the 60 year-long association of US companies with Reading, starting with DEC in the 1960s and leading to Oracle, Microsoft and new entrants Egnyte following in those footsteps. Today, US film production companies make use of the UK’s largest film production facilities at Shinfield Studios to make international blockbusters. The location of the film studios on the M4 just 30 minutes from Heathrow is no coincidence.
Reading Station and its fast connections with London, The City and Docklands, provides the impetus for major corporates to move into the Station Hill development, while the new Green Park station supports the increasing popularity of Green Park business park and the nearby new housing developments.
The Elizabeth Line is often cited by businesses relocating to Reading as a key factor in their decision-making process. Being part of the Greater London transport system with direct trains to the City and Docklands shapes perceptions of Reading’s location and the ease of doing business between Reading and London.
Our forward-looking, award-winning bus company, Reading Buses, win accolades every year for its work to create an impressive network powered by the most sustainable energy sources available on the market.
Business visitors and leisure visitors alike are impressed by the ease with which they reach Reading and get around the town. The new Station Hill city centre gateway development, with its globally-influenced office building architecture, stunning landscaping and playful new public art will only further develop Reading’s reputation as the global business centre and city of the future in the south of England.
