Adam Jacobs steps down as chair of Reading economic agency

Reading’s Economy & Destination Agency (REDA) has announced the departure of current chair Adam Jacobs.

He’ll be succeeded in the role by Scott Witchalls, director for transportation and infrastructure at Stantec.

Adam was elected chair in September 2016, having previously been a member of the board in his capacity as chair of Reading Business Improvement District (BID).

Since then, he’s overseen the launch of the Reading 2050 Smart and Sustainable City Vision; achieved two more terms for Reading Central BID and launched a new Abbey Quarter BID; and supported the town’s economy through the pandemic with a recovery and renewal strategy.

Adam said: “It’s been both a pleasure and a privilege to serve as chair of REDA for the last eight years.

“I’m proud of the work we’ve done to raise awareness of Reading as a place to work, do business and visit.

“Looking back at recent years, I’m most pleased with the breadth of work delivered – the list demonstrates specific positive economic, cultural and social changes in the region that we’ve been central to.

“A testament to this work was the resounding support from town centre businesses for our two new BIDs earlier this year and the fact that Reading was one of the first economies to bounce back strongly.”

As owner of Jacobs the Jewellers on King Street, Adam was recently elected chair of the UK’s National Association of Jewellers, which will take up a lot of his time moving forward – but he’ll remain on the board at REDA.

“Reading is in relative good health,” he added. “The recent Good Growth report ranks Reading as the fifth healthiest economy in the UK.

“REDA’s role has been vital in championing Reading for nearly 20 years.

“Reading is in safe hands, and I look forward to REDA taking a lead on promoting Reading as an emerging cultural centre, including an international film hub, as well as a city that puts the green agenda at its core.

“I’d like to thank my fellow board members for their support over the last eight years and all the REDA staff in their passion for Reading.

“I wish my successor Scott Witchalls of Stantec all the best for his term as chair of REDA. His wealth of experience will serve Reading well.”