Summer Fun: Enjoy Local Enjoy Green
This Summer, we have created a digital magazine for families- providing ideas about things you can do right here in West Berkshire over the next couple of months.
Our team has worked with the Environment team to put together a section in the magazine to showcase some businesses in West Berkshire that has activities and events throughout the summer for all residents to enjoy!
This Summer Enjoy Local, Enjoy Green covers businesses offering outdoor activities, water sports and events and talks by our businesses with sustainable agendas.
This initiatives comes after our Christmas campaign of Shop Local Shop Green which highlighted sustainable independent retail businesses in the district to residents. We are always trying to help our small businesses that are trying to promote sustainability. If you are a businesses with great environment initiatives, please reach out and let us know!
 Shared Prosperity Grant: West Berkshire Council
Today, Monday 1st August, we'll be submitting our investment plan for West Berkshire’s £1,000,000 allocation of funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The UKSPF is a new Government fund which will be distributed to local authorities across the UK to invest in levelling up the country through local interventions. The fund runs alongside a separate £559 million adult numeracy programme called Multiply.
We have focused our investment plan on the ‘Communities and Place’ and ‘Supporting Local Business’ investment priorities, with interventions spread across 4 main areas of focus. These include: town centre enhancements, creating new sports facilities for local people, supporting local culture and heritage activities, and supporting local businesses with advice and guidance.
The fund is heavily back-ended, meaning we receive 30% of our allocation in the first 2 years, with 70% to be released in the 2024-25 financial year, and we look forward to working with local communities, stakeholders and businesses to deliver effective and efficient outcomes for West Berkshire.
Newbury Electronics: London Road Industrial Estate
Newbury Electronics is a leading UK PCB Manufacturer with over 60 years of industry experience. They are based on London Road Industrial Estate and are one of the businesses we are hoping to support to grow through our regeneration programme. Listen to their story and find out about what they do and why they choose to be in Newbury!
Find out more about Newbury Electronics
CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW TO WATCH VIDEO
 Fleetwood Studios: ARG Challenge Fund
Earlier this year, we distributed out £700,000 of ARG Challenge Fund to help businesses to recover and grow after the pandemic. Fleetwood Studios were one of the businesses to receive the funding to update their lighting system. Find out more about what they did and how it will help them grow by watching their video!
Find out more about Fleetwood Studios
CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW TO WATCH VIDEO
Berkshire Growth Hub
helping SME grow and thrive in Berkshire
Have you been on the new Berkshire Growth Hub website for the latest advice on how to start, run and grow your business? The Berkshire Growth Hub offers government funded support to small and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurs in Berkshire.
With an impartial and confidential 1-2-1conversation, their experienced advisers can direct you to the right resources and guidance on vital areas of business.
Some areas that can be covered includes Sales and Marketing, business plans, recruitment and HR and import and export knowledge.
So why not register today and set up a 121 meeting with a business advisor to see how they can support your business!
 Tendering Opportunity in West Berkshire Council
If you are a local business or supplier with a base in West Berkshire, and would like to receive updates on tender opportunities – it is quick and easy to register at West Berkshire In-tend.
This site includes details of upcoming contract opportunities for services, supplies and works from all areas of West Berkshire Council, including those suited to SMEs and the voluntary sector.
Don’t miss out – and register your business today!
Opportunity for transport operators!
West Berkshire Council’s Transport Services team have recently launched a £10m dynamic purchasing system (DPS) to manage home to school and community transport routes. Taxi, minibus and coach operators are able to apply at any point to this framework (running up to May 2032) – and those who successfully complete the assessment process will be able to view opportunities and bid for transport services contracts.
Senior Transport Officer, Tina Bushell said: “The DPS will help us reach a wide range of operators and we welcome applications from existing and new partners. Local, regional and national providers may be interested as we have routes both within and outside of the district. We are about to publish a large number of opportunities in the next month – so would encourage any operators who are interested to get in touch.”
To view details and apply – please visit West Berkshire Council’s Transport DPS.
 Cycle to Work Training Scheme
Now more than ever the costs of commuting are on the rise. Start helping your employees on saving on commute expenses and promoting a healthy lifestyle as well as ensuring they keep safe on their journeys to and from work.
Our Cycle to Work training can help you create a healthier, happier and more motivated workforce; all whilst reducing your company’s carbon footprint. It's a great employee benefit to offer and show your support in their well-being as a valued employee.
https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/20-reasons-cycle-work
A company cycle training day - £600 (£100 discount if the company has an active Business Travel Plan)
The day includes:
- 2 Qualified and DBS checked Bikeability Cycling Instructors
- 3 Adult cycling courses: (each course max 6 staff = 18 staff in total)
- 09:00 to 11:00
- 11:15 to 13:15
- 14:00 to 16:00
https://www.bikeability.org.uk/about-cycle-training/cycle-training-for-adults/
For more information contact activetravel@westberks.gov.uk
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Time: 7:30-9:15am 11/08/2022
Place: Online
Price: FREE
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Time: 29/09/2022
Place: Online
Price: FREE
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Time: 19/10/2022
Place: Online
Price: FREE
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And finally...
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