REDA publishes Annual Report 2025-26, showcasing impact across Reading's economy, businesses and communities
14th October 2026
REDA has published its Annual Report for 2025-26, showcasing another year of progress in supporting Reading's economy, businesses and communities. The report highlights achievements across economic development, business support and skills, town centre management, tourism and place marketing, while setting out REDA's continued commitment to delivering its five-year Corporate Plan and BID priorities.
Over the past year, REDA has focused on helping Reading remain a competitive, resilient and attractive place to live, work, visit and invest. A key milestone was the launch of the Reading Economic Development Framework 2025-35, developed in partnership with Reading Borough Council to help guide future investment, regeneration and economic growth, while supporting the wider Reading 2050 City Vision.
The report also highlights continued investment in Reading's town centre through Reading Business Improvement District (BID). REDA's Business Wardens recovered nearly £150,000 worth of stolen goods during the year and worked closely with businesses, Reading Borough Council and Thames Valley Police to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve the town centre environment. Businesses continued to report positive feedback through REDA's annual BID survey, particularly across the key priorities set out within the BID Business Plan.
Supporting local people and businesses remained a major focus throughout the year. Through the Launch Reading business start-up programme, delivered in partnership with Abbey Rotary, REDA has supported 77 local people over the past two years with training, mentoring and access to grant funding. Participation also increased across REDA's business learning, training and wellbeing programmes, helping town centre employees access professional development opportunities and wellbeing support.
Tourism and place marketing activity delivered strong results, with the Jane Austen 250 campaign attracting regional, national and international audiences to Reading and helping showcase the town's rich heritage and cultural offer to new visitors.
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2025-26 also saw REDA strengthen its support for Reading's creative industries. This included grant funding for local filmmakers, sponsorship of the Reading Through a Different Lens Film Festival, and the delivery of industry workshops covering sustainability, artificial intelligence and film finance.
Alongside its work across the town and wider Berkshire, REDA achieved CSR International Excellence Award – World Leader Status, recognising the organisation's commitment to responsible business practices, continuous improvement and positive social impact.
Scott Witchalls, Chair of REDA, commented on the year's achievements:
“I am delighted to have seen REDA go from strength to strength this year under the leadership of our Chief Executive, Nigel... The focus on delivering a clear set of five-year corporate plan priorities is proving effective, with REDA's impact gaining increasing recognition at regional, national and international levels.
I look forward to delivering the third year of REDA's five-year Corporate Plan and to further strengthening our pan-Berkshire presence and influence in driving tourism and economic growth, while also making our town centre fit for the future."
Nigel Horton-Baker, Chief Executive of REDA, added:
"This report reflects a year of strong delivery across all areas of our work. Whether supporting businesses and entrepreneurs, attracting visitors, enhancing the town centre or helping shape Reading's long-term economic future, REDA continues to play an important role in bringing organisations together and creating opportunities for growth. I'm incredibly proud of what our team and partners have achieved and excited about the opportunities ahead."
REDA’s Annual Report provides a detailed overview its achievements during 2025-26 and the priorities that will guide its work over the coming year.
