Brand New Business Website
 We are delighted to announce that our new Business West Berkshire website is live! This website is intended to give businesses all the latest information and support channels they need to start up, relocate, and grow in West Berkshire.
We understand that as a business, there can be an overwhelming amount of information coming from different sources when you want to find out about what a place has to offers. With that in mind our aim was to create a one stop shop - a consolidated essential information hub for businesses in the district. This new website focuses on why you should invest in West Berkshire, business support services available, the local economy, and current projects the council is undertaking.
In the coming months and years, we aim to introduce more features to the website to make it a business community for all existing and potential West Berkshire businesses.
We would encourage all businesses to look on the site and if anyone has any feedback or areas of improvements, please email: chloe.guo1@westberks.gov.uk
West Berkshire Council provides £696,000 in grants to local businesses through the Additional Restrictions Grant Challenge Fund
 The Council’s Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) Challenge Fund has come to a close, and we are thrilled to announce that we have been able to distribute £696,601 to 44 local businesses through the scheme, following a very competitive assessment process.
The successful applicants can now use the funding to implement the projects they proposed to recover from the impacts of Covid-19 and stimulate economic growth. There was a strong focus from the applications we received on purchasing new environmentally friendly equipment to expand services and reduce carbon emissions, along with digital assets to reach new customers or improve efficiency.
We are looking forward to all 44 projects taking shape over the next few months and to see the impact they have for the applicants and on the wider local economy. Many have committed to using local suppliers which will mean the funding continues to circulate in West Berkshire.
Local News
eCargo Bikes available in West Berkshire
 New eCargo bikes are being offered to local businesses in the district to try out as part of a new environment scheme.
This has been made possible from a successful bid that we submitted to the Department for Transport for funding via the Energy Savings Trust.
Under the trial we have two eCargo bikes available with large capacity 700 litre cool boxes to hire from 11 April, with a further third bike available at a later date. These are eye-catching vehicles that can be branded with vinyl if the business wishes to, so long as they are removed on return. Ideas for their use could include:
- Static / mobile promotion – indoors or outdoors, at summer fayres or events etc.
- Sale of goods or foods, where allowed, in streets or parks - one will be available with a cool box.
- Local deliveries, in place of small vans, demonstrating a commitment to zero-carbon transport as they have a range of about 30 miles on one charge.
- Carriage of tools and equipment by trades’ people.
These are classified as bicycles so no driving licence is required to ride them. Insurance is not compulsory, but we would recommend any business check that they have cover for employees and public liability etc.
Users will find they take a little getting used to, so riders would have to be competent and confident cyclists. Businesses would be using them at their own risk and they need to be stored securely when not in use. Familiarisation and information on use will be provided on pick up.
We require 2 working days’ notice to take them out of storage in a town centre location for collection and the eCargo bikes will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
Cllr Steve Ardagh-Walter, Executive Member for Environment and Waste at West Berkshire Council, said: “We are really pleased to have been successful in our bid for these eCargo bikes as its great news for businesses across the district.
“This initiative aligns with our vision in re-shaping our town centres and high streets, such as our Newbury Masterplan, and Thatcham and Hungerford plans, which is to ensure we are a district that is innovative and entrepreneurial by promoting sustainability, biodiversity and healthy living.
“We look forward to seeing local businesses start using these eCargo bikes for local deliveries or town-centre sales / promotions.”
If you or your business would like to hire one out, please contact Alec Gore on: Alec.Gore1@westberks.gov.uk.
West Berkshire is in partnership with Berkshire Film Office
 West Berkshire joins other Berkshire councils to work with the Berkshire Film Office (BFO) to help facilitate and collaborate with creative film agencies and studios in the district.
With the new Shinfield Studios being used for big productions, the film and media industry is predicted to grow in the area, bringing in more inward investment and creative jobs in the district.
If you are a business who could help with the overall production of a film or TV show whether that's the services you provide or a filming location you can host, you can reach out to the BFO to see if you could collaborate on the next major motion picture!
Chamber of Commerce Business Awards
 The Chamber Awards are an inspiring highlight in the Thames Valley’s annual event calendar.
The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce is announcing that the Awards are back for 2022 and will be taking place on Thursday 23 June at the Hilton Hotel, Reading.
The business awards are free to enter for members and non-members and the opportunities that come alongside entering an award are invaluable, including a great boost to staff morale, a powerful tool to raise your profile and a way to stand out against your competitors.
We would encourage you to enter into the awards for recognition and promotion for your business. Entries close on Thursday 5 May.
Rebel Business School
 In February, we sponsored Rebel Business School to offer a free 10 day course to anyone who wanted to start up a business and we're delighted to say that it was a success. There was over 250 sign ups across Berkshire and 160 people attended the course with 26% of them making their first sale in the duration of the course.
This course was aimed at getting people from all areas who wants to start a business to participate, helping to build confidence and create a likeminded network through the duration of the course. Hear from what some of the participants had to say!
"There's nothing to lose by giving it a go, just don't spend a lot of money trying and think of it as an experiment. If it fails you're no worse off, only better off for the learning & experience."
"Can't thank you enough for inspiring me to stop procrastinating and just to get on with doing and trust that I will learn what I need to learn on the way. Keep doing what you are doing. You are helping so many people and making positive changes in their lives"
Save the Date
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When: 13 May 2022 09:30-11:30
Where: The Chequers Hotel, 6-8, Oxford Street, NEWBURY, Berks, RG14 1JB
Members free
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When: Various Dates (27 April- 25 May)
Where: Online
FREE
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When: 30 June 2022 10:00-14:00
Where: Green Park Conference Centre, Green Park Business Park, 100 Longwater Avenue, Reading, RG2 6GP
FREE
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And finally...
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