Apply to be featured in our 'This Summer, Enjoy Local Enjoy Green' Magazine
 Calling all eco conscious independent businesses! We would like to hear from you if you are a local business with a strong environmental value who could be a part of our Summer Magazine for 2022! We want to showcase our best independent businesses who are offering activities or events throughout summer (July- Sept) for residents to enjoy. So whether you run an eco-friendly water sports company, or you’re hosting an event to encourage sustainability, we’d love to hear from you!
To find out more and apply to be included in the digital magazine, please visit our website. Deadline for application is 5pm on 27 May.
Business Support in the past 2 years
 The Economic Development team in West Berkshire is focused on helping businesses in the district to succeed and thrive through the support we offer. In the past 2 years, helping businesses through the Covid pandemic has been the focus of our team and we are pleased to say we have distributed a huge amount of grant funding to help businesses recover and grow, in collaboration with our Business Rates team.
The Additional Restrictions Grant supported businesses that faced hardship because of the pandemic, along with offering ‘green growth’ grants to stimulate economic recovery.
Our Welcome Back Business Grants helped businesses to adapt their business to drive footfall after lockdown, and our ‘Shop Local Shop Green’ campaign highlighted businesses who have a sustainable agenda in order to promote them to the public; supporting our independent and environmental shops.
Looking forward, we will be following our goals set out in our Economic Strategy and evaluating how we can support businesses and the wider local economy. If you are looking to find out more about business support you can visit our Business West Berkshire website.
Rebel Business Course: Start-up business event
 Earlier this year, West Berkshire amongst other Berkshire councils sponsored a Rebel Business Course for any budding entrepreneurs who has a business idea to start up their business. The course provided essential skills and knowledge behind how to set up a business and we’re delighted to say that 168 people attended across Berkshire with 32% of those now trading.
One of West Berkshire’s priorities on economic development is to focus on upskilling people to reach their full potential and we believe this course was a great demonstration of that as we had attendees from a huge variety of backgrounds.
The success of this course means we are now holding an in person event to celebrate the attendees achievements and also network with external parties and the public. This event will be a chance for the attendees to learn about more business information as well as have the chance to pitch their ideas to the public.
Please show your support to these new start-ups and join us on Friday 27 May from 1pm to 3pm to chat to the businesses. To confirm your attendance please email: chloe.guo1@westberks.gov.uk before 2pm on Thursday 26 May.
 The results from the Thames Valley Chambers of Commerce’s first quarterly economic survey is out. You can find the report here with the summary.
The Quarterly economic survey is an indication of how the UK economy is doing and the report is viewed by the Bank of England and the Treasury.
The results from the Q1 survey points to a solid first quarter for the Thames Valley economy, following the end of Plan B restrictions and reduced consumer concerns over Omicron helped support activity in the quarter. This is highlighted with 56% of businesses reporting an increase in UK sales and 28% reporting an increase in overseas sales. It is also positive to see businesses looking to recruit and expand their workforce at a faster pace than we have seen in recent months, while investment in capital equipment and training has increased.
However, there are growing concerns that the first quarter may be the high point for the economy with activity likely to stall in subsequent quarters as inflation surges. In the Q1 results, inflation is cited as the top factor affecting business with 68% of respondents indicating this as their number one concern.
This result helps policy holders decide on how best to help businesses and drive economy but we as West Berkshire Council are also interested in what our local economy and business’ needs are. With the next survey coming out soon, we would encourage all businesses to take part and share your thoughts on your business performance and needs.
Be Aware of Cyber Security for Businesses
 Personal data breaches from the ICO’s caseload during 2020/2021 have seen a steady increase in the number and severity caused by ransomware.
Ransomware is a type of malware that attempts to unlawfully encrypt files on a host computer system and is designed to block access to the systems and the data held within them.
The ICO has produced some guidance that presents eight scenarios about the most common ransomware compliance issues we have seen. The full guidance can found here: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-data-protection/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/security/ransomware-and-data-protection-compliance/
Please feel free to pass this on to your organisations CISO’s and Data controllers (who should already be aware) or to your external contacts in other business sectors who may well benefit.
If you have any questions regarding the above, please contact the ICO direct and not your local Police Force: https://ico.org.uk/global/contact-us/
 Have you considered being an active member of local government to drive the changes you want to see?
Now you can! Join us on Wednesday 1 June, when West Berkshire Council will be hosting a webinar called Women in Politics. This will look at why we need more women in local politics representing their communities to have a say in local matters and help shape West Berkshire's future.
We are encouraging women in business to join our webinar which aims to demystify what it means to be involved in local government and the benefits it can bring, both personally as well as for the community. There are so many transferable skills to be taken from a work environment that can be a great asset when it comes to policy making such as communication and strategic thinking skills.
If this is of interest to you or you know someone who would be a great asset to local government, use the link below to register your attendance.
 Photo courtesy of Road Safety GB
Are you a local business looking to make a positive impact on the environment?
We can help you meet your corporate social responsibilities.
We are looking for local businesses who’d be interested in sponsoring a School Crossing Patrol in West Berkshire.
Having a school crossing patrol can often mean parents are more comfortable about allowing their child to walk to school.
This in turn has many benefits:
- Confidence – walking to school can encourage independence and mean a child develops good road sense.
- Social – walking to school with a friend offers a great chance to chat with friends. Great for well-being.
- Health – a brisk walk to and from school means a child will get some of their daily exercise.
- Environmental – less traffic on the school run means cleaner air for everyone.
- Economical – not using the car for short trips is also great for the pocket!
What we’d like
If you’re interested in helping we’re looking for £500 to cover the cost of the equipment needed to ensure a School Crossing Patrol meets the legal requirements such as high-visibility coat, hat, and lollipop stick.
In return
Unfortunately legal requirements mean we’re not allowed to put logos on any of the equipment but we would be happy to include your logo on our corporate pages and you would be able to discuss with the school themselves regarding any further publicity via their own channels. You would obviously be able to include your sponsorship on your own webpages.
If this is something you think your company would like to be involved with, or you would like more information, please contact: schoolcrossingpatrol@westberks.gov.uk
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Date: 16 June - 14 July
Place: Zoom
Price: FREE
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Date/Time: 26 May, 9:30-12:30
Place: Online
Price: FREE
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Date/Time: 24 May, 10:00-16:00
Place: The Pavilion, Ascot Racecourse High Street Ascot SL5 7JX
Price: FREE
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And finally...
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