Our onsite team at The Blade are committed to providing an friendly, professional and effective service for occupiers, ensuring that every day runs with ease. Alex is our Property Assistant Administrator, working as part of the Northwood Real Estate team.
What does your role entail?
I help wherever I’m needed, working closely with the Property Managers to make sure everything runs smoothly. Every day is different, which is what I really enjoy. One day I might be raising purchase orders and arranging contractors; the next I could be compiling photographs for the website or helping to market one of our available suites. There are always unexpected jobs too – we recently had an issue with one of our lifts which we quickly needed to sort out!
How long have you been at The Blade?
I joined The Blade seven months ago and am based here full time, five days a week. I’ve always lived in Reading, so working at such an iconic local building felt particularly special. Before this, I spent two and a half years as a climbing instructor, which I loved; there’s such a strong sense of community in the sport. I also worked at Picnic in Reading while completing my degree in English Literature and Classics at the University of Reading, and joined the team for a season at the Henley Literary Festival.
What is the strangest request you’ve managed?
Nothing particularly strange has come my way yet, but I’m sure I won’t escape it forever! I’m looking forward to figuring it out when it does.
What makes The Blade such a special place to work?
Firstly, everyone is so friendly. There’s a real sense of community; you can chat to anyone in the lift or while getting a coffee downstairs, and people are always willing to help each other. Not long ago, I was moving some enormous boxes through the barriers in Reception. One of our occupiers saw me, stepped in and gave me a hand. That sort of kindness really sums up The Blade.
I also love the building itself. Walking beneath the archway and seeing it ahead as I come to work never gets old. I remember The Blade being built; my friends and I used to call it ‘the Shard of Reading’. It’s been part of the town’s skyline for so long, so it’s very exciting to work here.
Your special talent?
I don’t know whether it’s a blessing or a curse, but I can talk to anybody. I often find myself having conversations with people I’ve never met before, whether that’s at The Blade or at the bus stop. I really enjoy connecting with people, so I think it’s a useful talent to have in this role.
Hobbies and interests?
Having climbed since the age of eight, I like to say I’ve now retired! I spent around 15 years indoor climbing, taking part in outdoor bouldering and lead-climbing trips too. These days, I play netball on Mondays and read as much as I can. My favourite classic is Carmilla, the Gothic vampire novella by Sheridan Le Fanu, while for something contemporary I love Mariana Enriquez’s short-story collection The Dangers of Smoking in Bed. Percy Jackson is another favourite. I’m never happier than curled up with a book, especially when it’s raining outside and there’s a roll or two of thunder in the background.
Claim to fame?
While working at Henley Literary Festival, I chatted to Joanna Lumley and Gyles Brandreth, as well as Mary Beard, who I was so excited to meet. She signed my book and I was over the moon to have the chance to speak with her. At the same event I also shared a room, if not quite a table, with Poet Laureate Simon Armitage.