Local, home-based, small and micro businesses struggling to be seen and heard can now find advice and support on a new website created for The Oxford Road, Reading.

The Oxford Road, Reading website will form a simple business directory that provides links to businesses within the local area and collectively manage the promotion and marketing for its members all conveniently under one roof. 

The aim of the website is to collaborate the multitude of businesses in the area so they can communicate their message, share advice, resources, services and together discuss new ways to inject energy, excitement and trade into the area. As well as a directory the website will feature galleries, forums, blog posts and have many other online and social media benefits, giving even the smallest business an online presence and local people a platform and voice to express their views on issues concerning them.

One of the key people involved in the project is Sara Bolton. Sara had this to say "The Oxford Road area has a wealth of shops and services including culturally traditional hard to find items that many people simply cannot source anywhere else in the town for the same price and quality. We believe if the businesses in the area were given the attention and push they deserve, it would encourage more diversity within the community as well as create an understanding of how working together will bring fresh ideas to the area that benefits us all.

This is also a good opportunity to raise awareness for the mums in the local area that have home businesses who are limited for time and resources and are looking for new ways to get noticed. There are also plenty of mums out there with ideas who just need a little help, support and creative opportunities to get their ideas to the next level and this platform is totally free to do so.” Sara’s family run J Bolton & Sons garage on Alma Street off of the Oxford Road and have been doing so for over 50 years and know the area needs a new lease of life to compete with new companies and large chains.

The Oxford Road website plans to build a network of businesses, then find new marketing channels for getting their message out to the wider Reading community, with the engagement of other communities and forging links with outside businesses, educational organisations and government groups all featuring highly on its objectives.

One of the ways the Oxford Road plans to reach out to the wider community is on social media, with monthly hard copy flyers and a printed business directory/brochure similar to those found in other areas around Reading bi-monthly and distributed locally, then expanding in reach with need and necessity. The aim of the promotional campaign is to make an impact and then maintain a constant presence. The business directory will also feature stories, events and special offers and fully support the Oxford Road website.

The Oxford Road also plans to introduce Art & Fashion to the area, offering a platform for youth, energy and creativity, aiming at sourcing and using empty spaces, parks, and public community centres to host activities that encourage visitors to spend a small amount of time in the area sampling the foods and produce from local businesses as they would in any central shopping location.

“The website will rely on sponsorship and advertising to generate income and make the model financially viable. We have advantageous opportunities to be seen for businesses wishing to get involved in this exciting project from the start.” Sara adds.

The online directory is FREE and available to all businesses, community groups, charities and career professionals. Members of the public can also subscribe to the service for area information, news and events. 

To sign up and subscribe for FREE visit www.oxfordroad-reading.co.uk. For more information call 07814 117788 or email
[email protected]

Sara Bolton
Oxford Road, Reading