The hunt is on for the Employee of the Year – and you have the chance to put forward candidates for all the Pride of Reading Awards.
The quality of their workforce defines the public perception of a business – do you have a member of staff or colleague whose contribution, behaviour, or success has enhanced your company, or who has gone the extra mile for your customers?
Why not nominate them as the Pride of Reading Awards Employee of the Year?
Last year’s winner was the wonderful Clare Curtis. A funeral administrator at AB Walker, Clare received warm words about her kindness, care, consideration and humour from nominators for the award, sponsored by Reading Buses.
“An employee who has gone above and beyond her duties,” said one, who added: “Clare looked after my family and me when my husband suddenly passed away.
“With care, consideration, and humour she saw to all the arrangements and even made sure our dog could attend the funeral service. Her kindness is immeasurable and deserves recognition.”
Maybe you have a fellow worker who deserves recognition. A colleague of Clare’s said her dedication to her clients was “truly amazing.
“She looks after families going through some of the most difficult times of their lives. It’s not just a job for her but more a vocation in caring. Families warm to her and open up to her about their problems of general day-to-day life trying to get back onto an even keel.
“I have also seen her making sure a very frail client was home safe after they’d made a very tricky bus journey to our Chapel of Rest.
“These tiny acts of kindness actually mean so much to people who just feel so lost. She does this as well as keeping spirits up amongst colleagues and officiants, hospitals, and crematorium and cemetery staff.”
Awards sponsor Reading Buses said: “It is a huge pleasure to be able to be part of the awards again this year. We love sponsoring the Employee of the Year award as Reading is bursting with wonderful stories of how employees help companies make a difference every day.
“Just like our bus drivers, so many heroes go above and beyond to be there for Reading. A big thank you to all of them.”
The Pride of Reading Awards have been launched to highlight those who make or have made an impact within our local community.
Perhaps there’s a small business that deserves the Business In Action award – going beyond their day-to-day operations to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to their local community and supporting, engaging, helping to build a stronger and more inclusive Reading.
Do you know of an organisation, venue or event that has made an exceptional contribution to developing, supporting and celebrating live music in Reading and deserves the new Grass Music Award.
And how about Reading’s pubs, cafes, restaurants and hotels? Who has demonstrated excellence in the hospitality industry, either an individual or business that has shown resilience, outstanding dedication to their customers and a strong commitment to the town? Who should get the Hospitality Award?
It’s easy to nominate. Just go to porawards.co.uk and click on the nominate button. Or scan the QR code on this page.
Nominations close on Friday, July 31. Don’t miss the chance to give Reading’s unsung heroes the recognition they deserve.



















