Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) has been named Business of the Year 2021 at the Thames Valley Awards, with the judges praising its forward-thinking approach and strong commercial performance.

"We are delighted to receive this award, especially given the huge challenges of the last year. I am so proud of everyone at RSSL for continuing to deliver an exceptional level of service for our clients, while still supporting each other. This resilience, determination, and strong sense of purpose has been instrumental in helping our business grow and emerge stronger than ever before," said Jacinta George, managing director at RSSL.

RSSL was judged to have successfully demonstrated a clear understanding of the complex requirements of the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and food and drink markets in which it operates, as well as a strong business strategy aligned with anticipated future developments.

An equally important criteria was the way in which RSSL adapted, diversified, and contributed to the wider community in response to COVID-19. The company quickly altered its ways of working and put strong measures in place which not only ensured business continuity but also safeguarded the health and wellbeing of employees. Clients also benefited from the technical support of RSSL’s multi-disciplinary COVID-19 Action Group for related analysis needs, including vaccine excipient testing, contaminant identification, and cell-based bioassays.

Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) has also been named Employer of the Year 2021 at the Thames Valley Awards, in recognition of its outstanding dedication to staff development, engagement, and wellbeing.

RSSL successfully demonstrated its commitment to employees through a diverse, inclusive, and creative programme of initiatives. Importantly, the organisation also showed its ability to adapt to the restrictions and pressures placed on staff during the pandemic; moving key aspects online and boosting other areas of support where they were needed most.

Commenting on the win, Jacinta George, managing director at RSSL said: "It is a huge honour for RSSL to receive this endorsement. We pride ourselves on being a great place to work, where people can thrive in their chosen field and enjoy coming to work every day."

"That’s why we continue to invest in our people. For us, this means providing opportunities for professional development, but also encouraging them to share their love of science, pursue their own interests and achieve a positive work-life balance - something which has been more important than ever during the challenges of the last year."

The scientific consultancy was quick to pivot the business to ensure employees could continue to engage with a wide range of rewarding activities despite the pandemic. From the creation of collaborative science videos to engage young minds, to the production of hand sanitisers and care packages for local charities, staff were encouraged to come up with ideas that would help make a difference.

A strong focus on maintaining morale during the various lockdowns of 2020 also inspired a series of virtual events designed to bring staff together during this difficult time. Activities ranged from an online “family hour” to help those juggling the responsibilities of homeschooling, to fitness classes, yoga, cooking competitions and travelogues. While a regular online guided meditation practice, as well as various mental health programmes were available for those who needed additional support.

RSSL secured the award in a highly competitive field, with judges praising its evident ongoing commitment to employees: “It was clear from the nomination that RSSL is dedicated to their staff, helping them with their progression whilst also ensuring they looked after their wellbeing. This also sounds like a great place to work!”

RSSL’s Jacinta George accepted the Employer of the Year award at the Thames Valley Awards virtual presentation evening. The well-attended, annual event saw hundreds of guests come together online to celebrate the achievements of businesses, charities, and inspirational individuals from across the region.

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