Reading: KPMG 'in best position possible' following town-centre move

KPMG's move to the centre of Reading puts the firm 'in the best position possible' to grow as part of a vibrant business community, says its regional chair.

KPMG has moved its Thames Valley business to the centre of Reading and expects to grow its team significantly in the next three years.

The firm has had a presence in the Thames Valley since the 1970s when it was based in the centre of Reading on Station Road. It relocated to Arlington Business Park, Theale, in 1995. Just before Christmas, KPMG moved into the top two floors of 2 Forbury Place – a stone’s throw from Reading Station.

Andrew Morgan, KPMG’s South Region chair and Reading office senior partner, commented: “This is an incredibly exciting development for the region’s business, and we plan to have a further 200 people at 2 Forbury Place over the next three years.

“It is important to us to be based in a location that will help us to attract and retain talent – and with everything that Reading has to offer on our doorstep, along with its vibrant business community, we’re in the best position possible.”

Morgan added: “2 Forbury Place really is stunning. Key for us is flexibility, and the space has been designed to ensure that all our teams and clients can work better together. There are no rigid seating plans, and the focus isn’t about sitting at one desk all day.

“The office takes our sense of community into account with plenty of space to eat and take time out – and we’ve been enjoying the views over Reading and the surrounding countryside to the north. At the heart is our restaurant, which features a fantastic mural hand-painted by artists.”

2 Forbury Place recently won a national award for the ‘best commercial workplace’ and was the first in Reading to be awarded Wired Score 'platinum' rating, the highest level in the international digital connectivity rating scheme.

As one of the UK firm's largest regional teams, KPMG's Reading office employs nearly 600 professionals who work with listed and privately-owned companies across a range of sectors including manufacturing, retail, public sector, private equity and business services. The firm has a strong reputation for supporting Thames Valley’s thriving information technology and communications businesses. The Reading office is one of five in the firm’s ‘South Region’ – and the proximity to the station provides direct train links to the offices based in Bristol, Cardiff, Plymouth and Southampton.