Reading, Population 369,000, located roughly 40 miles to the west of London along the M4, in what is known as the Thames Valley. Although historically, the town was famous for cloth trade during Tudor times, in recent decade it has gone through a rebirth, becoming one of the most tech savvy areas of the country. With it's close proximity to London, and number of well regarded academic facilities, an increasing number of technology and insurance companies, such as Cisco, Ericsson, and Nvida, have made Reading their UK Headquarters. Some even dubbing the town, the 'Silicon Valley of England' (Although the Silicon Roundabout in East London might have something to say about that!)
Reading also boast two top flight sports teams. Reading FC and London Irish RFC, who both play at the Madjeski Stadium.