MP for Reading West, Alok Sharma, recently visited Hilton Reading to show his support for the hospitality industry, signalling that Reading is open for business following months of restrictions.
Alok with Hilton Reading staff, photo Phill Burgess
During the visit, Alok toured the hotel and met a number of the hotel’s 67 employees, many of whom recently returned from furlough. Alok witnessed first-hand the extensive work that the hotel had carried out to prepare for reopening, including retraining staff and implementing Hilton’s CleanStay hygiene programme to ensure the safety and welfare of guests and team members.
Hilton Reading remained operational throughout the series of lockdowns accommodating key workers including from the Ministry of Defence, NHS, rail and construction sectors. In addition to providing accommodation the hotel supplied breakfast deliveries to local hospitals and care homes as well as free car-parking for the medical staff of the neighbouring Circle Hospital, Reading. Hilton Reading also provided accommodation to the Salvation Army and the local councils rough sleepers’ interventions department.
During the visit Alok also met Steve Cassidy, Hilton’s Managing Director, UK & Ireland, and discussed COP26, and Travel with Purpose, Hilton’s industry leading Environmental, Social and Governance strategy to drive responsible travel and tourism globally. They also discussed future plans for Hilton Reading including a £1m investment in the renovation of its OXBO restaurant, bar and terrace which will meet strict sustainability criteria to support responsible and ethically- sourced food.
John McLaughlin, General Manager at Hilton Reading and Chair of the Reading Hoteliers Association said:
“It was a real pleasure to show Mr Sharma around the hotel and thank him for his support. Everyone at the hotel is delighted to reopen, serve our community and welcome business and leisure guests once again.”
Alok Sharma MP said:
“I was delighted to visit Hilton Reading and see the fantastic work carried out by staff members to prepare the hotel for reopening. Hilton’s investment plans for the hotel are great news for the local community.”
Photos by Phill Burgess: Alok with Hilton Reading staff
