Wokingham Borough Connect
 Monthly editions from April
This newsletter was launched in January 2022 to deliver fortnightly updates relevant to business community in Wokingham Borough.
From next month onward, we will change this newsletter to monthly editions to give you more in-depth and tailored content to help your business. The next issue will be on 4 April.
Ad hoc updates will be sent in case of any business intelligence that needs to be communicated quickly.
 Community Safety Team reaching out
Our Community Safety Team is keen to engage and work with businesses across the borough.
The team works alongside a range of partner organisations to form the Wokingham Community Safety Partnership (CSP).
Whilst Wokingham is a relatively low crime area, we are not complacent. Businesses in our town centres and shopping areas are targeted and business can be disrupted by anti-social behaviour (ASB), shoplifting, aggressive begging, and other serious crimes.
The council has launched a community safety survey, inviting you to share any issues or concerns you may have about crime or anti-social behaviour. The survey, open until 7 April (Friday), is now available on our Engage website.
We are keen to hear more from businesses about the impact that crime may have. You can also share your thoughts and concerns in our business networking groups or by emailing our Community Safety Team at customerservice@wokingham.gov.uk.
 Business Spotlight: Mind Your Own Business
Today's Business Spotlight falls on Ray Best from UnaVida Wealth Management, based in Hurst. Being a business owner is challenging, especially now that a recession is on the horizon.
Here is the advice from a local financial advisor who specialises in helping business owners:
- Make sure the business is within your control
- Check the company's expenses
- Make sure you receive pertinent accounting information on a regular basis
Spend time with an expert to look at the following:
- Personal and corporate taxes
- Asset restructuring
- Plans for pensions
- Realising your full potential
- Fresh eyes
Ray believes that all smaller businesses would benefit from a fresh look at their financial arrangement, particularly by someone with a background in business efficiency and a successful track record of assisting good businesses become even better. To get a conversation started, contact Ray.
 Have your say on digital services
The Berkshire Digital Infrastructure Group (DIG), comprising all six Berkshire councils, are carrying out a survey on the use of digital services. It is open until 12 March (Sunday).
They want to better understand how homeworkers use and access the internet, what online services are used most often, and what, if any, the barriers are that prevent workers accessing digital services.
Feedback will help understand where and how to focus resources to improve services and provide solutions.
It only takes five to 10 minutes to complete the survey. All responses are anonymous.
 Donate to support community
We have seen a fantastic response from across the borough to our Surviving Winter crowdfund that helps individuals and families on low incomes who are struggling. High bills and soaring prices are forcing more people to reach out for this support.
This is a real community effort with every £1 donated being matched by Wokingham United Charities, Berkshire Community Foundation and us, rounding your £1 up to £3.
We want businesses to be aware of this initiative and have the opportunity to contribute if they wish. Donate now to support our community.
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