Wokingham Borough Connect
 Window competition to bring Christmas cheer
We’re inviting businesses in Wokingham, Woodley and Twyford to enter our Best Dressed Window Competition and bring some colour to the local community.
Whatever your business, we’re encouraging everyone to join in the fun and create an attractive design to wow passers-by. As the festive season is fast approaching, the theme is simple: Christmas!
You need to be based in one of the three town centres to be eligible. To enter, please fill out this short form by Tuesday 21 November.
Members of the public will vote for their favourite designs from Friday 1 December, so make sure that you have yours ready by then.
Voting will close on Monday 11 December and three winners will be announced - one in Wokingham, Woodley and Twyford. Each will be presented with a certificate on Thursday, 14 December.
For any queries, please contact send us a quick email. Best of luck!
 Drop-in support to help businesses thrive
We’re holding a drop-in session on Wednesday, 29 November to offer free advice and support to all businesses in the borough.
Representatives from the Berkshire Growth Hub and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) will be there to share information about their support programmes and give one-to-one guidance.
Whether you’re already a local business owner, or you’re thinking of starting one, this is a great opportunity for everyone to benefit from free and tailored advice.
The session will be held at the Salty Olive, 5 Elms Field, Wokingham, RG40 2FE from 12.00 to 2.00pm. No booking is required – please email us with any queries.
We're running this event in support of Small Business Saturday, a national campaign that champions small businesses.
 Sparking business interest in electric vehicles
If you’d like to know more about the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs), sign up to our free webinar on Wednesday, 6 December.
This online event is aimed at businesses and voluntary organisations in Wokingham Borough, and will provide a valuable insight into how EVs can contribute to net-zero targets.
It comes as the world’s attention turns to COP28, the international climate change conference taking place this autumn.
The webinar will:
- Outline how EVs fit alongside other types of sustainable transport
- Provide information about EVs, including types, charging options and costs
- Explore the benefits of choosing a zero-emission vehicle.
When: 6 December
Time: 08:30 to 09.30am (online)
 Rolling out the red carpet for movie magic
We attended the launch of Screen Berkshire at Shinfield Studios on 3 October, and thoroughly enjoyed an opportunity to learn, network, and see a filming simulation in one of the studios' numerous sound stages.
Screen Berkshire is one of six regional partnerships to benefit from ‘Skills Cluster’ funding from the British Film Institute, for supporting training and development in film and television production. The partnership has been awarded £600,000 for this programme.
Screen Berkshire is one of six regional partnerships to benefit from ‘Skills Cluster’ funding from the British Film Institute, for supporting training and development in the film and TV production industry; the partnership has been awarded £600,000 for this programme.
With us as a key partner in bringing screen skills to the area, and the borough boasting three fantastic facilities in Shinfield Studios, Winnersh Film Studios and Arborfield Studios alongside some amazing filming locations, we can’t wait to make the most of opportunities for residents and businesses in the years to come.
A few weeks ago, we were pleased to give planning permission for two studios to continue developing in highly sustainable premises. Shinfield Studios is part of the University of Reading’s Thames Valley Science Park, which sits on land we allocated for employment in our current local plan.
Job fair leads to applications and more
Our economic development team were delighted at the up-take of our job fair, which we held at Wokingham town hall on 26 September.
Employers commented on how effective, well organised and well attended it was, while the Wokingham branch of Newbury Building Society attributed most of their subsequent 26 job applications to the event, followed by two interviews and making a job offer.
The emphasis was on advertising live vacancies, with some employers also offering apprenticeships, work experience and traineeships.
Local employment support organisations were also on hand - and these organisations could also help you as an employer.
For example, JobCentre Plus, Optalis SES, Resource Productions and National Careers Service can advise on recruitment, retention and retraining.
 Wokingham Positive Difference + Networking
Date and Time: 24 November, 8.00am
Hosted by: WPD+
Face to Face Open Networking
Date and Time: 14 November, 8.00am
Hosted by: Woodley Business Club
Wokingham Speakers
Date and Time: first and third Tuesday of the month, 7.30pm
Hosted by: Wokingham Speakers (Toastmasters)
Wokingham - People, Planet, Pint
Date and Time: 7 December 2023, 6.00pm - The Rose Inn, Wokingham
Hosted by: Small99
Wokingham WIBN - Women's Business Networking
Date and Time: Thursday Afternoon Group: 12.00pm to 2.00pm, 2nd Thursday of the month; Friday Morning group: 9.30am to 11.30am, 2nd Friday of the month
Hosted by: Wokingham Women in Business Network
Other events you may be interested in
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