The Reading UK CIC team...

The Economic Development Company for Reading

Although a relatively young organisation the Reading UK CIC team has a broad remit, covering all aspects of economic development and inward investment in the town. 

Our team of six:
 

Tim Smith, Executive Director

Tim's expertise in place management was pivotal in securing the first Business Improvement District for Reading in 2005.  As well as establishing the Reading proposition at the "World's Property Market" - MIPIM - in Cannes, Tim has been involved in the regeneration of Reading for the last six years.  Reading UK CIC was created under Tim’s direction in July 2007, using the CIC model for the first time to create an economic development company. It is now trusted to lead on the Reading ‘Diamond for Investment & Growth’, business skills co-ordination and a new Local Enterprise Partnership to replace the role of SEEDA in the sub region.

Sue Brackley, Destination Manager

Coming to the organisation with twenty years experience in marketing and tourism services, following several years working in the City of London, Sue is responslble for the day to day promotion of the Reading brand and regional tourism projects, including membership of the River Thames Alliance and the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Sub Group of Tourism South East.

As part of the company's destination management function Sue edits and produces a range of maps and magazines, as well as managing the Living Reading website.     

Helen Brind, Skills for Business Co-Ordinator 

Helen joins the team at Reading UK CIC with over twenty years experience working within a large financial organisation in a variety of roles ranging from Call Centre Manager, Trainer/L & D Consultant through to Audit Manager and more recently working with the Employer Engagement team within Oxford and Cherwell Valley College. With extensive training experience as both a skills and management trainer and training consultant, Helen's areas of expertise include management, leadership, coaching, facilitation, performance management, recruitment, communication and customer service. Helen works with local employers helping to fulfil training and skills requirements including NVQs and Apprenticeships; an area with significant levels of government support.

Richard Byard, Head of Economic Development

Having enjoyed senior roles within the hospitality and leisure industry, Richard brings a clear understanding of the pressures facing the private sector to his role within the Company. As well as leading on economic development policy, Richard also represents Reading on a number of sub regional organisations including the Berkshire Economic Development Officers' Group, which he chairs. Richard currently oversees the Skills for Business initiative, which aims to ensure that Reading businesses have the skills needed for success.

Guy Douglas, BID Manager

Guy took over his role at Reading UK CIC in Spring 2008 and oversaw the successful renewal of the Business Improvement District for Reading, in February 2009.  Returning after a fifteen year stay in Alaska, where he worked as Town Centre Manager in Fairbanks, Guy has been impressed with the changes he has seen in Reading, and is committed to a business plan that will keep Reading's commercial centre to the fore over the next five years. This includes partnership working with a range of arts and business organisations to deliver an ambitious programme of events and promotions including Eat Reading, Outside: Inside Festival and Open for Art.  
 

Jo Keen, Marketing and Events Co-ordinator

Jo joined Reading UK CIC in April 2011 and brings experience from both the private and public sectors; her career to date includes over 12 years working in event organisation, marketing and promotions. Jo co-ordinates a wide-ranging programme of events including Heritage Open Days, our Christmas season of entertainment and Town Centre Day (part of the Reading Children's Festival).

With Jo's arrival, Reading UK CIC now co-ordinates many aspects of town centre activity - from booking street performers to managing third party activities in the public realm. She also brings a welcome boost to our destination marketing activity for the town.

Reading UK CIC is a Community Interest Company limited by guarantee and registered in England & Wales (No. 5671172) at One Forbury Square, The Forbury, Reading RG1 3EB.

Its trading address – for all correspondence – is Davidson House, Forbury Square, Reading RG1 3EU.