Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Tim Reading is the CEO of VIY (Volunteer It Yourself) CIC, a leading social enterprise that empowers communities to tackle local issues through volunteer-led construction and renovation projects. With over 20 years of experience in the non-profit, marketing, and sports industries, Tim brings a unique blend of strategic leadership, creative problem-solving, and a passion for driving positive social impact.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As CEO of VIY CIC since 2015, Tim is responsible for overseeing the organization's strategic direction, operations, and stakeholder engagement. Under his leadership, VIY has expanded its reach, delivering over 1,000 community-led projects and engaging more than 15,000 volunteers across the United Kingdom. Tim's focus is on scaling VIY's model, fostering cross-sector partnerships, and championing the role of community-driven initiatives in addressing local challenges.
Career Progression
Prior to joining VIY, Tim co-founded and served as Director of Cospa, a strategic design consultancy that worked with non-profit organizations and social enterprises. He also co-founded TomTom nation, a pioneering location-based services startup, and held roles as Creative Director at Activate UK and Head of Sponsorship & Sports Marketing at Hill & Knowlton in Sydney, Australia. Tim began his career as a Public Relations Manager at Skillshare Africa, where he gained valuable experience in the non-profit sector.
Academic Background
Tim holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Warwick, where he specialized in Marketing and Strategy. He is a lifelong learner, continuously seeking opportunities to expand his knowledge and stay abreast of industry trends and best practices.
Areas of Expertise
- Social entrepreneurship and community development
- Non-profit management and stakeholder engagement
- Strategic planning and execution
- Creative problem-solving and innovative thinking
- Marketing, branding, and communications
- Sponsorship and sports marketing
- Cross-sector partnership building
Professional Impact
Under Tim's leadership, VIY has become a recognized leader in the community-driven construction and renovation sector, winning several prestigious awards, including the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2019. Through his work, Tim has been instrumental in empowering local communities to take ownership of their built environments, fostering a sense of pride and self-reliance.
Conclusion
With his diverse background, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to social impact, Tim Reading is poised to continue driving VIY's growth and further solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the community development space. His passion for catalyzing positive change and his ability to inspire and unite stakeholders make him a valuable asset to the non-profit and social enterprise sectors.
