An “awesome team” which "makes Reading a better place to live every day”.

Risk of redundancy gave Alex Forbes the chance to follow his dream to own a bookshop, said his nominator for Entrepreneur of the Year sponsored by Rabbits Vehicle Hire.

A young Ukrainian girl, who arrived in the UK with “only a few belongings and an ocean of fears,” has found a home and a passion for acting.

Surging traffic on local roads after lockdown in 2022 prompted Carol Richards to set up a local school street safety scheme in Crescent Road to marshall vehicles.

Katia Major’s nomination for The Inspiration Award sponsored by McDonald’s isn't built on grand gestures or public acclaim, but on the countless moments of grace, kindness, and thoughtful action that define her daily life, said her nominator.

A stalwart of the Reading Pride community, who sadly passed away in May, Sophie Sheehan “was and will always be a hero to so many people everywhere.”

The Weller Centre and its staff “are a lifeline to many” on the Amersham Road estate, from providing a food bank and clothing bank to warm space in the winter.

Christina Gilbertson brings her “wonderful therapy dog” Milly into Brookfields Specialist SEN School twice a month, creating an atmosphere of calm, comfort, and emotional support.

A close partnership with a specialist SEN school for seven years has brought IKEA Reading’s People and Culture a nomination for a Business in Action award.

Starting Point “provides life-changing mentoring and support to young people in Reading aged 11–25 who are not in education, employment, or training, or are at risk of becoming so”.

Founder of Christian group The Way Ministry, Grace Gomez has “extraordinary compassion, unwavering dedication, and a transformative impact on some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”

An independent cafe in Butter Market in Reading, Picnic has a very special place in the memories of one couple.

A nominator put forward the organisation which supports the homeless for the Charity of the Year “because Launchpad Reading solved my problem and helped me secure housing, I now feel truly supported.

Communities with “a rich history” have been put forward for Community of the Year sponsored by Hilton Reading.

“Dedicated, knowledgeable, caring and amazing representatives” of Brookfields Specialist SEN school, Julie Grant and Lucy Bellman have been nominated for Team of the Year sponsored by Cherubs Floral Design.

“A foundation of hope and inclusion for families facing some of life’s most complex challenges,” Dingley’s Promise Special Educational Needs Nursery has been nominated for the School of the Year award sponsored by Qwerty.

ABC to read, which aims to transform the lives of primary school children who are struggling to read at primary schools, have been put forward for the the Great Place to Work award, sponsored by The Purple Turtle and Jacobs the Jewellers.

A personal trainer and fitness instructor Jemma Fulbrook “has built a strong, uplifting environment where people can thrive, not just in their fitness journey but also in their mental and emotional health”.

The “innovative and interesting” work of a theatre company has been cited as a reason Rabble Theatre should be considered for the Cultural Contribution award, sponsored by M&G Read Estate.

A “family man” who has raised thousands for different Reading charities over 30 years has been nominated for the Neighbourhood Champion award sponsored by Reading Football Club.