Testimonials - Abbey Quarter

Social & Healthy

UTP has used a variety of the services provided by Reading BID. A number of staff from UTP have signed up for the access to weekly gym and yoga sessions, which are really enjoyed. In addition, colleagues have been able to get qualified in Mental Health in the Workplace Level 2, which has been extremely useful. 
Georgia Snow, Value Management and Retentions Manager, UTP Merchant Services Limited

Organised by the Abbey Quarter BID, tenants of Apex have benefited from weekly yoga sessions, hosted in our building.  Tenants and staff have also taken advantage of the training sessions and social events brought to Reading by the Business Improvement District, adding to the vibrancy of the town centre and encouraging staff back into the office.
Anton Williams MA MRICS, Senior Asset Manager, Managed Property Fund, Legal & General Investment Management

Many of our tenants benefit from the BID wellbeing initiatives.  Weekly morning and evening yoga sessions catering to all levels of ability help staff relax and meet other people from different businesses.  The creative writing sessions have taught staff new skills in a unique and fun environment, which have helped them in work and personal lives.
Charlotte Gilbert, Senior Property Manager, Northwood Investors

The PA/EA networking events have been really beneficial.  It’s an opportunity to interact with other like-minded people and be introduced to new interesting and surprising local venues for future external events.  The BID team put a lot of thought into the evenings by choosing appropriate local settings and arranging engaging activities to encourage networking.  They are also a mine of information when it comes to the Reading area!  
Sandra Wilkins, Executive Assistant, Shoosmiths 

Environmental & Sustainable 

The cardboard collection service provided by the BID has been very beneficial. As well as encouraging business within the building to recycle and adopt more environmentally friendly processes we have also saved money on our service charge as this service has reduced the amount of refuse being collected.
Charlotte Gilbert, Senior Property Manager, Northwood Investors

Through collaborative working with the BID, the University of Reading and the Council were able to engage people across our community in the challenge climate change through the installation of Gaia, the centre piece of the 2023 Reading Climate Festival.  Activities such as these enhance the reputation of Reading as a world leading centre of climate expertise and inspire our community to play their part in building a net zero, climate resilient town.
Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor, University of Reading

House of Fisher are long-standing BID members, and we really enjoy all the community activities that are being organised on a regular basis. This year we have particularly welcomed the WEEE (small electrical appliances) and cardboard recycling schemes as it sits well with our sustainability programme. Knowing that we can easily organise items for pick up on a regular basis without any hassle, and that these are being ethically disposed of, is a fantastic benefit to us. This not only adds to our green credential but keeps our properties tidy and is a cost saving as well.
Trine Oestergaard Stafford, Managing Director, House of Fisher

Working with the BID team our hotel has benefited from the small electrical recycling (WEEE) initiative, removing and recycling much of our broken electrical items and saving the hotel and the team much time and effort.  
Vicky Punchaye, General Manager, The Roseate Reading

Enhancing & Exciting

Reading BID does great work for the town and businesses in the Abbey District. The BID does good work, providing wardens who help make the town feel safe and ensuring that the Business Improvement District is a pleasant environment to work in. Reading BID also plays an important role supporting local arts and culture and helping people who live and work in the town connect. 
Daniel Barlow, Partner, Deloitte LLP

David the Reindeer” has been a great lighting installation for The White Building over the Christmas period.  It marks the start of the festive season and really brightens up our building.  The tenants love it and at night it stands out along the Kings Road.  Even though we are based within the office sector it is still good to have festive lights, they bring loads of good cheer to everyone in the area.
Hannah Lewis, Senior Facilities Manager, JLL - Property & Asset Management
The White Building

Safe & Secure

The Wardens and the BID team are always on hand to assist our tenants and building with advice and guidance regarding security.  Their regular communications on town centre events are well received and ensure the office sector of Reading are made to feel part of the town centre, encouraging our tenants to take part and benefit from the many initiatives available.
Debbie George CIWFM, Building Manager, 2 Forbury Place (CBRE Property Management FM)

The support and advice from the Business Wardens has been a great benefit to our staff.  They are helpful and quick to respond when needed and a great asset to our area of the town centre.  Their visible presence is a reassurance to visitors and staff alike.
Phil Brown, Head of Office, Savills

Informed & Represented 

Roseate Reading staff have attended the BID First Aid courses, regularly and conveniently held in the town centre meaning they are able to easily attend without taking any unnecessary journeys.  To support the night time economy the BID also funded a defibrillator for the hotel, for use by staff, guests and the public.
Vicky Punchaye, General Manager, The Roseate Reading

Reading BID have run various training sessions and workshops which have been really useful for our staff to attend. These give colleagues an opportunity to learn more on various topics, such as Mental Health Awareness,  Confidence and Resilience and Implementing Effective Coaching Strategies, as well as an opportunity to meet others who work in Reading town centre.
Lucy Cullen, Training Manager, Altour

The BID’s communication channels with the town’s business community enable us to promote Occuity’s events and testing opportunities to a wide range of people and organisations within Reading.  Through the BID we have been able to demonstrate to local businesses our innovative products and cutting edge medical technologies.
Dan Daly, Chief Executive Officer, Occuity