Alongside the Board of Directors, the REDA team works to drive the economic wellbeing of both the town centre economy through management of Reading’s two Business Improvement Districts (BID), as well as the Greater Reading business landscape.
The REDA Annual Report 2024-25 provides an overview of the deliverables set out for the last financial year, in pursuit of REDA's wider mission to grow business and improve the visitor experience for the benefit of Reading. You can read the 2024-25 report online, but some highlights over the past year includes:
Business growth
- £319,000 of additional direct BID services delivered to over 700 town centre businesses
- £303,000 invested in events and marketing, resulting in a 3% year-on-year increase in town centre footfall and spend
- 5,100+ young people across 6 local schools engaged in 39 experiential career and employability activities, supported by the Education Business Partnership
- 300 residents supported with job signposting, and 25 local apprenticeships/jobs created through major construction partnerships
- 52 new local business start-ups launched through REDA’s partnership with Reading Rotary, offering funding, training, and support
- Three Screen Network events delivered in collaboration with the Reading Business Network, each drawing 70+ attendees
- 700+ businesses now registered as part of REDA’s film sector supply chain initiative; 60 local tradespeople introduced to screen industry pathways
- Flagship “Pathways into the Creative Industries” showcase at Green Park welcomed over 600 students and 100+ local residents
Improving the visitor experience
- Secured national recognition for Reading as a visitor destination by partnering in a successful Local Visitor Economy Partnership bid withthe Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
- Developed and promoted the St James’ Way pilgrimage trail, strengthening ties with the international Camino de Santiago brand; featured in major publications including Country Life
- Hosted 60 travel journalists and Great West Way partners at a two-day familiarisation conference in Reading, showcasing local venues and visitor experiences
- Elevated Reading’s business tourism profile in London through targeted fam trips, dedicated website/brochure development, and participation in the Business Travel Show via Meet Reading
- Relaunched the Reading Visitor Guide and co-delivered major cultural events to grow the leisure market in Reading, including:
- The third annual Reading Walks Festival
- Reading Food Festival
- Heritage Open Days
- Celebration of Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary, in partnership with Hampshire, spotlighting her Reading school connection
Read the 2024-25 Annual Report
Forbury Gardens and the Blade
