The Reading UK team...

The Economic Development and Marketing Company for Reading

Nigel Horton-Baker, Executive Director

Nigel comes to Reading UK as the Executive Director, having extensive senior management experience in Economic Development over the past 15 years and a career stretching back 25 years covering all aspects of regeneration, skills, job creation, foreign direct investment; small business and sector support services; tourism promotion and infrastructure development. 

Nigel is no stranger to Reading having served on the Board of Reading UK for three years while he was the Area Director for the South East of England Regional Development Agency covering Berkshire and Surrey.

Prior to this Nigel was CEO of Surrey Economic Partnership (now Connected Surrey), Vice Chairman of the South East Regional Assembly and  Head of Community and Economic Regeneration at London Borough of Hounslow. He has also had spells of self employment running a B+B, and a planning and economic development consultancy.

Most Recently Nigel worked with a global, City based Recruitment Agency to set up a commercial 'Apprenticeship Training Agency', supporting small companies to take on Apprentices across the South East".

Susanne Brackley, Economic Development Manager

Coming to the organisation with twenty years experience in marketing and tourism services, following several years working in the City of London, Sue is now responsible for economic development. As well as working on policy and development she also represents Reading on a number of associations and sub-regional organisations including the Berkshire Economic Development Officers' Group, the Apprentice Partnership and the Employment and Skills Group. 

Currently oversees the Skills for Business initiative, which aims to ensure that Reading businesses have the skills needed for success.

Alexa Volker, BID Manager -  Reading Central BID and Abbey Quarter BID

Alexa supports the Business Improvement District to make Reading's town centre a great place to live, do business and spend leisure time. Alexa co-ordinates the liaison with retailers, businesses and organisations in the Business Improvement District (BID) to deliver the 2019-24 Business Improvement Districts. The BID is a member-led body which funds and delivers a safe, clean Reading town centre. Coupled with regular exciting events and marketing initiatives, the BID attracts more people and business into the town centre.  www.readingbid.co.uk   

Alex Brannen, Communications Manager

As Communications Manager, Alex is responsible for ensuring that the Reading economic success story is shared and understood widely. He works with the Business Improvement District and a wide range of stakeholders to drive footfall into the town centre as well as promoting greater Reading as a great place to live, work or locate a business.

Carol Gardiner, Commercial Executive

Managing commercial and charity bookings in public realm in Reading town centre

Victoria Jones, Head of Marketing

With extensive experience in marketing communications and particular expertise in the areas of brand strategy, brand management and external comms, Victoria joins Reading UK having previously worked for sector-leading brands Thames Water and Sodexo.  She leads on Reading UK's marketing strategy and campaigns. 

Reading UK is a Community Interest Company  (CIC) limited by guarantee and registered in England & Wales (No. 5671172) at One Forbury Square, The Forbury, Reading RG1 3EB.

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