Reading UK exists to boost business and enhance visitor experiences in a way that improves the quality of life of all in the Reading region

Reading UK was established in 2007 as a Community Interest Company (CIC). It operates as a private sector led partnership with the public sector to create opportunities and remove barriers to growth in Reading, enhance opportunities for all and improve the reputation of Reading at all levels.

Reading UK exists to drive growth for Reading to create an economy which is competitive and attractive to global business, which boasts a vibrant 24/7 retail, arts, cultural and hospitality sector at its centre, supports strong local business sectors, creates employment opportunities for local people of all ages and promotes the benefits of a strong economy to everyone that lives, works or visits Reading.

Read our Annual Report 2020/21>>>

Powered by People - Reading's Economic Recovery Strategy 

Reading UK has launched a new economic recovery and renewal strategy, Powered by People, on behalf of the private sector and local authority partnership it represents. In response to the Coronavirus pandemic and its effect on the local economy, Reading’s economic recovery strategy prioritises support for local people to get back into work with new digital and green economy skills, investment in sustainable infrastructure and businesses, the recovery of our town centre and the attraction of business and visitors moving Reading to a successful and acceptable ‘new normal’.

The ‘Powered by People’ Strategy aims to build back an economy that is more inclusive, smarter and more sustainable, and to continue to raise the profile of Reading as a great place to live, work, visit and do business. Together with its delivery partners, Reading UK aims to help generate a positive economic response to the Coronavirus pandemic, helping to ensure Reading’s economy can bounce back as quickly as possible. It aims to achieve this by focusing on three main priorities:

• Inclusive Reading
  Employment, skills and training for local people.
• Smart Reading
  A successful, resilient economy, businesses and city centre fit for the future.
• Destination Reading
  A great place to work, live, visit and do business.

Read the full strategy here>>>

Board of Directors

The company’s Board of Directors is a team of experts comprising leading figures from property, retail, education, transport and media organisations as well as the local authority:-

• Adam Jacobs - Jacobs the Jewellers (Chair)
• Scott Witchalls - Peter Brett Associates
• Steve Connolly - Broad Street Mall 
• David Pinder - First Great Western
• Aaron Pope - M & G
• Kim Cohen - Barton Willmore Partnership
• Frances Martin - Reading Borough Council
• Jason Brock - Reading Borough Council
• Samantha Foley - University of Reading
• Rory Carson - Mapletree (Green Park)
• Andy Briggs - Oracle Shopping Centre
• Tim Kilpatrick - Reading Football Club
• Paul Newman - Activate Learning / Reading College
• Becky Holland - BH&P
• John McLaughlin - Hilton
• Caroline McHardy - Berkley Homes  
• Nigel Horton-Baker - Executive Director, Reading UK CIC

Our Board members have a stake in the real estate, market and labour force of Reading, bringing a vision for Reading’s future growth and a desire to champion its ongoing success. For information - Persons with Significant Control Register

Reading UK is a Community Interest Company limited by guarantee and registered in England & Wales (No. 5671172) at Thames Tower, Station Road, Reading, RG1 1LX.

Its trading address - for all correspondence - is The Library Building, Abbey Square, Reading, RG1 3BQ