71. Pru first FTSE 100 firm to have a black boss

Reading insurance giant Prudential became the first FTSE 100 company to appoint a black chief executive yesterday as it posted yearly profits touching £3 billion.

72. McDonald’s creates 30 jobs to give hope

It's flipping great news for Reading from McDonald’s with the creation of 30 vacancies for long-term job seekers.

73. Job seekers told to stay positive

Work and pensions minister James Purnell urged unemployed people to stay positive during a visit to Reading Jobcentre Plus yesterday.

74. Heaven for 007 at charity lingerie night

75. A new version of The Full Monty

A brave group of lads are hoping to charm the pants off audiences in Reading next month – by whipping theirs off.

76. ‘Harsh impact of building slump’

Heating and plumbing giant Wolseley has plunged to annual losses of £766 million as the group felt the “harsh impact” of the construction slump.

77. National accolade for Microsoft building

An office building that has spearheaded a cultural shift in the way people work has won a prestigious award.

78. Business profile: salesorder.com

Nick Spooner has come up with a simple system to help small business owners manage and monitor the key parts of their enterprises.

79. Fast-growing firms sail town’s Tech Track flag

Reading's reputation as an ICT powerhouse has been strengthened with two local firms named among the fastest growing technology companies in Britain.

80. Welcome to Infiniti in the heart of the Thames Valley

Welcome to Infiniti – a new luxury car brand looking to drive its way into the Reading car market.