Sponsors

Thanks to 2025’s Pride of Reading Awards sponsors.

  • De Vere Wokefield Estate

    De Vere Wokefield Estate are delighted to once again be a part of the prestigious Pride of Reading Awards. Supporting, rewarding and motivating young people within our organisation is vital, so we are truly honoured to sponsor the Child of Courage award this year. We are very much looking forward to listening to the courageous tales of determination from these wonderful young people.

    Set in 250 acres of Berkshire parkland, De Vere Wokefield Estate is a luxury country estate combining business and pleasure. Home to a Grade II listed Mansion House, a contemporary conference centre, 376 bedrooms, and an 18-hole championship golf course; Wokefield Estate is a destination in its own right. We wish the best of luck to all the nominees!

  • 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 to 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.

  • 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.

  • Green Park

    Green Park is truly proud to have been part of the Pride of Reading family since it started, and to see it grow into the flagship event it has become today.

    As Reading’s leading business park, investing in our community is at the heart of Green Park’s ethos. We’re delighted to return as sponsors of the Local Hero category. This category celebrates the incredible people who, through a special act of kindness and courage, have made a difference to the Reading community. We’re delighted to celebrate 21 years of the Pride of Reading Awards together. Congratulations to everyone who makes our town an exceptional place to live, to work and to thrive.

  • 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 within that 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 have selflessly put others’ needs ahead of their own. This is our chance to say thank 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.

  • The Oracle

    The Oracle is thrilled to be back as a sponsor for The Chris Tarrant Award. This award has a rich history of recognising individuals from Reading who showcase remarkable strength, courage and selflessness. We deeply admire the incredible people, organisations and everyday heroes who make such a positive impact on our Reading community.

    The Pride of Reading Awards provide a powerful platform to celebrate these inspiring individuals and teams. It's a true privilege for The Oracle to be part of this.

  • McDonald’s

    In 2016, the 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 own 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 therefore 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.

  • Rabbits Vehicle Hire

    After starting the company in 1989 (with a garden shed for an office and half a dozen cars) to now running over 1,100 vehicles, we are over the moon to be sponsoring the Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

    It is our 36th year of trading and what better way to celebrate than giving something back to the Reading community by supporting the Pride of Reading Awards.

    Starting something from scratch is no mean feat and we are very much looking forward to honouring those who have trodden a similar path, as well as celebrating the special people who help make this town so great. Best of luck to all nominees in all categories.

  • Cream Design

    Cream Design is a longstanding partner of the Pride of Reading Awards, contributing 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 continue our sponsorship of the Hospitality Award, in honour of Hilary Scott who Cream worked with very closely over the years. We work with a large number of local organisations and feel it’s essential to support locally-based 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.

  • Purple Turtle & Jacobs

    The Purple Turtle and Jacobs are true 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

  • AB Walker

    AB Walker are one of the oldest family businesses in Berkshire and work at the heart of the community helping families and the bereaved through their most difficult of times. We are proud to be sponsoring the Pride of Reading Volunteer/s of the Year award again for 2025 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 a part of it.

  • Boyes Turner

    At Boyes Turner, we believe that businesses have huge potential to give back to, and transform, their communities and the people that make them. As a Reading-based law firm, Boyes Turner is proud to sponsor the Pride of Reading Business in Action award 2025. 

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

  • Reading Today

    Reading Today was launched in 2021 and our aim is to ensure that everyone in Reading has free access to independent and up-to-date news. Reading Today is published on a Thursday and is available at scores of newsagents across the area, as well as online at rdg.today, featuring news and photos which reflect our local community.

    We are delighted to be involved again with the Pride of Reading Awards, continuing to support them with publicity and as a sponsor.

    This year we are sponsoring the Charity of the Year category and look forward to hearing about all amazing work done by our local charities.

  • Hilton Reading

    Hilton Reading are delighted to be once again supporting the Pride of Reading Awards Community of the Year award 2025. As a business, we understand the importance of supporting our community and recognising the efforts of those who work unconditionally to make it a better place.

    At Hilton, we hire local, buy local and invest local. Our business success is intertwined with the success of our community – from local owners and operators of hotels to supporting local businesses with our product  sourcing and the guests we serve. Supporting the Community of the Year category aligns with our values as a business and helps us to create a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.

  • M&G Real Estate

    M&G Real Estate manages over £37.5 billion in assets through pooled funds, segregated mandates, and joint ventures, with a team of approximately 300 professionals across 13 locations. We have a strong track record in managing diversified portfolios, with investments across 27 countries ranging from core to value-add, equity and debt.equity and debt.

    We are delighted to be involved with the Pride of Reading Awards once again this year. The local community performs an essential role and it is vital to recognise these Reading champions. Our real estate developments in Reading provide further job opportunities and places to live for residents. We are grateful to the organisers of the Pride of Reading Awards for recognising these great people and organisations that go beyond the call of duty. They all deserve our thanks!

  • Kingdom Rooms

    KingdomRooms.com builds garden buildings for many uses.  Popular as family spaces, gyms and fitness, bars and social, music, teaching, workshops, hobbies and stores. With our home offices ever popular we wanted to recognise quality work spaces of all types.

    Sponsoring great places to work this year allowed us to recognise and reward both physical environments and the people that make 'A Great Place to Work'.

    Made in Britain approved super insulated environmentally friendly 5 star reviewed buildings built quickly and efficiently to your budget.

    Andy & Mandy Young, previous winners of a Pride of Reading Award, and the team proudly support the community that supports our business.

  • REDA & Reading Bid

    The Independent Retailer 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 & Destination 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 BID’s continued mission to support economic growth, celebrate local enterprise, and ensure Reading remains a place where small businesses can thrive. Good luck to all those nominated!     

  • Qwerty

    Qwerty is proud to continue our long-standing support of the Pride of Reading Awards, having sponsored the School of the Year category since 2012. As a full-service design, print production house specialising in the FMCG sector, we provide end-to-end creative solutions across packaging design, large format, digital and traditional print, and brand activation. While our core focus is the food and drink industry, we remain committed to supporting local businesses with their marketing and production needs.

    We are honoured to once again sponsor the School of the Year award in this milestone 21st anniversary year. It’s always inspiring to witness the dedication of school staff in nurturing young minds and supporting families to give children the best possible foundation in life. Congratulations and good luck to all this year’s outstanding nominees.

  • Cherubs Floral Design

    Cherubs have been a friend and supporter of the Pride of Reading Awards since its inception in 2004. We have supported the awards should be lower case using our unique talents in floral and event design, styling and production each year.

    We are delighted to be sponsoring a new award for the Team of the Year, celebrating teamwork that shows positivity and commitment so important to all groups and organisations. We look forward to celebrating all the nominees for their achievements and dedication in making Reading a special place to live and work.