Buses lead the way

READING Buses has been shortlisted in the Thames Valley 250 Awards in the Leadership Team of the Year category, recognising the company’s dedication to keeping thearea moving during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

The announcement of the shortlisting of the company that owns Newbury & District was announced by The Business Magazine.

Chief executive Robert Williams said: “I felt that an entry in this category would rightly reflect what a great locally-based senior team I’m delighted to lead, and the significant effort that has gone in dealing with Covid whilst also keeping the business afloat.

“Businesses have faced unprecedented challenges over the last 18 months, none more so than at Reading Buses where services needed to keep running even though people were being advised not to use them by the Government.

“Keeping key workers connected, and an organisation running, when the vast majority of employees can’t work from home – drivers, cleaners and engineers – and the majority of your income has disappeared, and then attempting to build back, has been a huge challenge.

“Our leadership team have done a great job in keeping things going by maintaining processes, working tirelessly to ensure the correct service levels are running and that all employees were safe and well themselves.

“This enabled our team to help keep other businesses and organisations across the Thames Valley connected with their employees.

“We have been rightly proud about our employees’ hard work and dedication throughout the pandemic and I feel that this shortlisting is another opportunity to thank the team, and especially our senior team.”

Peter Laurie, senior adviser at The Business Magazine, said: “Once again, Thames Valley businesses have shown real strength in their growth, innovation and leadership.”