WINNER: Michael McGarry sponsored by Reading Buses
As part of his work as community manager for Ebb & Flow, he set up the Neighbourhood Hero initiative to highlight local independent traders to residents, to encourage them to spend their time and money in our local economy.
Fifty-two companies and services have since been signed up.
Mr McGarry collected the award, and said following the event: “It feels even crazier than I thought– once you see your colleagues speaking about you it feels really overwhelming.
“I first attended last year, when I’d only been in the role for a few months– now that I’m back, I know so many people in the room through my work, so I felt very at home.
“As part of the development at Station Hill, it feels like we’re creating a new era for the town; we’re bringing so much new stuff to Reading, including the coming Farmer’s Market.”
He explained: “Being part of the town’s community really drives me to create better things for Reading.
“I also have to shout out my partner too, Craig, who wasn’t able to be here today– I wouldn’t have been able to do this without my team, and without the support network around me.
“It’s not something I’ve achieved on my own, it’s all part of a team effort.”
