Sponsors

Thanks to 2026’s Pride of Reading Awards sponsors.

  • Boyes Turner

    Boyes Turner is the largest independent legal service provider in Reading, with many specialist lawyers helping businesses and families. We don’t just work in Reading, we’ve invested in it over many years and have built a firmwide culture that supports events, charities, sports and many community projects that make a real difference.

    Behind every Reading business is a story of inspiration, contribution and commitment to changing lives and making futures brighter. So much of this essential to our community and often goes unseen – let’s celebrate the initiatives shaping our community and recognise the businesses dedicated to driving positive impact and lasting change in Reading.

    Boyes Turner is proud to once again be sponsoring the Pride of Reading Business in Action award.

  • Cream Design

    Cream Design is a longstanding partner of the Pride of Reading Awards, contributing brand design, planning and sponsorship. Based in Reading town centre, Cream was established in 1997 by co-directors Helen Waring and Barnaby Firth.

    We are very proud to sponsor the Charity of the Year award. We’ve helped local charities such as Launchpad, Berkshire Vision, Swings & Smiles and Berkshire Youth with rebranding and fundraising initiatives and have seen first-hand the amazing, and often, unrecognised work they do. We’re passionate about supporting locally-based organisations and companies who help make Reading a brilliant place to live and work, and Pride of Reading epitomises a real celebration of everything that’s great about our town.

  • De Vere Wokefield Estate

    Set in 250 acres of Berkshire parkland on the outskirts of Reading, De Vere Wokefield Estate is a luxury country estate combining both business and pleasure. There has been an estate at Wokefield since 1560 when the first house was built, and following significant refurbishment, is now home to over 300 bedrooms, golf course and meeting space. Our values are woven throughout our business and beyond – we believe in celebrating dedication, excellence and achievement, principles that are at the heart of everything we do. Supporting the Pride of Reading Awards that honours these same qualities feels like a natural fit for us.

    We are delighted to once again be sponsoring the prestigious Child of Courage award. We are passionate about celebrating young people who show incredible bravery, kindness and determination in our community. Their courage is truly inspiring and we’re proud to spotlight their achievements and champion their stories in and around Reading.

  • University of Reading

    The University of Reading is internationally recognised for its world-leading research in climate change and its impact on the environment and everyday life, and we are very proud to support and champion this vital work in our communities. Throughout 2026 the university marks its 100th anniversary, bringing local and global communities together to celebrate a century of achievement and to recognise those who have shaped our institution through contributions to society.

    We are proud that both this award and our centenary milestone continue to reflect and acknowledge an enduring commitment to sustainability, the strength of our community, and the real-world impact of education and research. Grounded in a belief that meaningful engagement drives lasting change, this award is dedicated to recognising the change-making influences and legacies of those taking positive environmental action today, to help build a better future for all.

  • Hilton Reading

    Hilton Reading is proud to continue its support of the Pride of Reading Awards as sponsor of the Community of the Year Award 2026, celebrating those who create meaningful and lasting impact to make Reading a better place. Their commitment strengthens the fabric of our town and inspires us to continue investing in the people and partnerships that help our community thrive. 

    Championing the Community of the Year Award reflects Hilton’s long‑standing values and our ESG commitment to community resilience, social impact, and inclusive growth. We are honoured to recognise those whose dedication helps Reading prosper – today and for generations to come.

  • Reading Buses

    We’re really proud of our team at Reading buses. All our amazing employees, whether behind the scenes or meeting the public every day, work to keep Reading on the move. We have great employees who give so much for our company.

    It is a huge pleasure to be able to be part of the awards again this year. We love sponsoring the Employee of the Year award as Reading is bursting with wonderful stories of how employees help companies make a difference every day. Just like our bus drivers, so many heroes go above and beyond to be there for Reading. A big thank you to all of them.

  • Pride of Reading CIC

    This year, the Pride of Reading Awards celebrate grassroots music across Reading, recognising the independent venues, organisations, and events that put the local community and emerging artists first. These spaces make live music accessible to local audiences while nurturing and showcasing local talent.

    Together, music venues, events, and organisations make an outstanding contribution to Reading’s music scene, supporting  its ambition to become a future national City of Culture.

    The Pride of Reading CIC organises the annual Pride of Reading Awards with the valuable support of local businesses, highlighting the strong community spirit that defines Reading.

  • Clearview Intelligence

    Clearview Intelligence is proud to support the Pride of Reading Awards and celebrate the outstanding individuals who make a real difference across our communities. As a leading provider of smart transport and infrastructure solutions, we are committed to improving everyday lives through innovation, safety and sustainability. 

    Led by our owner, Sir John Madejski, Clearview is committed to supporting initiatives that recognise excellence and inspire future generations. We believe in shining a light on those who go the extra mile, particularly those whose care, dedication and compassion strengthen our communities.

    We are delighted to sponsor the Health Worker Award and honour those who truly make a difference every day.

  • Cherubs Floral Design

    Cherubs have been helping hospitality businesses in Reading and beyond, create beautiful spaces with their styling and floral expertise since its inception by Marc & James in 2004.

    Pride of Reading has always been one of our favourite dates in the diary for the past 22 years.

    We are delighted to be sponsoring the Hospitality Award this year, in memory of our very dear friend Hilary Scott, who herself championed how special Reading is as a town and we cherish the ability to continue her legacy.

  • REDA & Reading Bid

    The Independent Retailer of the Year Award celebrates the independent businesses that are the backbone of Reading – offering outstanding customer service, building strong community connections, and adding to the unique character of neighbourhoods across the town, from the town centre to areas like Caversham and the Oxford Road.

    REDA (Reading’s Economy and Destinations Agency) and Reading Bid (Business Improvement District) are delighted to be sponsoring this important award which recognises the vital role independent retailers play in shaping our dynamic, welcoming, and resilient town. These businesses are central to REDA and Reading’s Bid’s continued mission to support economic growth, celebrate local enterprise, and ensure Reading remains a place where small businesses can thrive.

  • Green Park

    Community sits at the heart of everything we do at Green Park. We’re proud to have supported the Pride of Reading Awards from the very beginning, as a flagship event for our town.

    We’re delighted to be back in 2026 as sponsors of the Local Hero category. We believe this category shines a light on the exceptional people who, through acts of kindness, courage and genuine community spirit, have made a lasting difference to someone else’s life.

    As we mark 22 years of the Pride of Reading Awards, we want to celebrate everyone who helps make our town such a remarkable place to live, work and belong.

  • Vale & West

    At Vale & West, we’re more than accountants – we’re trusted partners who put people first. With a heritage dating back to 1894, we’ve built lasting relationships founded on integrity, expertise, and genuine care for our clients' success. Over the decades, we’ve evolved with the financial landscape, combining deep-rooted traditions with a modern, forward-thinking approach.

    We offer audit, taxation, payroll, and strategic advice tailored to every business’s unique journey. Our values go beyond financial expertise—we believe in supporting the people and businesses that make our community special. That’s why we’re proud to support the Pride of Reading Awards, celebrating those who inspire and uplift our town.

  • Reading Football Club

    For over 150 years, the town and its community has shown pride in Reading Football Club. And once more we are delighted to show how proud we are of those with the community who unflinchingly go above and beyond for others.

    We are honoured to sponsor the Neighbourhood Champion award and look forward to hearing tales of individuals who selflessly put others’ needs ahead of their own. This is our chance to say thanks you and honour them for their dedication and sacrifices. We are delighted to support the awards. Let’s shine a spotlight on our local heroes and give them the appreciation they deserve.

  • Purple Turtle & Jacobs

    The Purple Turtle and Jacobs are true and original independent  businesses in Reading: we’re thrilled to support the Pride of Reading awards with the Putting Reading on the Map award.

    Between us we’ve been supporting Reading for over 100 years – as a live music venue and bar, and as a jewellery shop. The awards are a brilliant recognition of all that’s great about our town and our communities – we love being part of Reading and the awards.

    purpleturtlebar.com

    jacobsthejewellers.com

  • Educatering Solutions

    Educatering Solutions is proud to support the Pride of Reading Awards as sponsor of the School of the Year Award. Working closely with schools, SEN settings and day care nurseries across Reading, we see first-hand the dedication, care and leadership that education communities bring to supporting young people every day.

    This award celebrates those settings that go beyond the classroom to create supportive and inclusive environments where children and young people can thrive and reach their full potential. We are honoured to recognise the teachers, staff and wider education communities whose commitment helps shape the lives of young people and strengthens the communities they serve.

  • The Oracle

    We are so excited to be back sponsoring the Chris Tarrant Award! This award is all about celebrating the heart of Reading – the individuals who show incredible strength and bravery. At the Oracle, we’re constantly inspired by the everyday heroes and local groups making a real difference in our town.

    We have immense respect for the local people and organisations that tirelessly strengthen our community, and the Pride of Reading Awards offer a vital platform to celebrate their impact. It is a privilege for us to play a part in recognising these inspiring stories and we can’t wait to help shine a light on these amazing people.

  • McDonald’s

    In 2016 seven McDonald’s restaurants across Reading were franchised to Fortress Operations Ltd and Richard Forte, who was born in Reading. Since then, we have successfully grown to won and operate 31 restaurants, with over 3,500 employees.

    We recognise that being a positive role model for young people and providing a little inspiration and encouragement within our own team, can make a big difference, not just for our employees but our customers and local communities too. We are very proud to continue our sponsorship of the Pride of Reading Inspiration Award, celebrating the inspirational people of Reading who make our town such a great place to live, work and visit.

  • AB Walker

    AB Walker, this year celebrating 200 years of serving local families and the bereaved through their most difficult of times. We are proud to be sponsoring the Pride of Reading volunteers of the year award again for 2026 and enjoy the inspiring stories that we see every year through being part of the Pride of Reading event. 

    The Pride of Reading Awards showcases the very best people and good causes in our community, and we feel humbled to be part of it.