Employee of the Year, Michael McGarry, sponsor Reading Buses
An assistant community manager at an apartment community in Reading set up a scheme to introduce local independent traders to flat-dwellers.
Now Michel McGarry has been nominated as Employee of the Year.
“Michael works tirelessly to make sure his occupants in Ebb & Flow live their best Reading life,” said his nominator.
“He set up the Neighbourhood Hero initiative to highlight local independent traders to Ebb & Flow residents, to encourage them to spend their time and money in our local economy.
“Fifty-two companies and services have been signed up. These Reading indies are available on the residents’ app Community Board and are highlighted on social media,” they said.
“He’s hosted a number of pop-up events and markets to further highlight local businesses and the wider community. He believes it’s really important to provide useable space to the Reading community and has welcomed in lots of community groups for learning/networking events.”
Michael organises space for the community to use for photography, 1-2-1 counselling and interviews and promotes local good causes such as homeless charity Launchpad’s Big Sleep Out.
In collaboration with NOOD Stores, welcome boxes are provided to residents, highlighting local sustainable products and companies.
“He works tirelessly for his residents and the community and he LOVES what he does. He’s an enormous asset to Reading, its people, our economy and his employers,” said his nominator.
Michael has also been put forward for Putting Reading on the Map. His nominator said: “Michael’s unwavering passion to promote Reading is amazing to see and we are proud of him.”
The Employee of the Year award is sponsored by Reading Buses and Putting Reading on the Map by Jacobs the Jewellers and The Purple Turtle.
