Wokingham Borough Connect
 Job seekers flock to another successful fair
Almost 200 people attended our recent job fair at the Oakwood Centre in Woodley.
Residents of all ages and backgrounds, including a high number of job seekers, turned out in force to meet and chat with employers who were promoting live vacancies and apprenticeships.
They could also get advice and support on CV writing, building confidence, interview preparation, education and training, employability, and careers in the film and television industries.
Among those taking part were National Careers Service, Smart Works, Wokingham Job Support Centre, Job Centre Plus, Fedcap, Resource Productions, and our own Adult Education and NEET (not in education, employment or training) teams.
The job fair followed a highly successful inaugural event at Wokingham Town Hall in September last year - and there'll be more this year, so keep an eye out.
 Roll up, roll up for all the fun of the Fayre!
Businesses in Wokingham Borough can now apply for a pitch or stall at this year's annual Wokingham May Fayre.
The event, organised by the Wokingham Lions Club with Wokingham Town Council's support, is now in its 28th year and will be taking place across various locations in the town centre on the Bank Holiday Monday, 6 May.
There'll be more than 100 stalls alongside a range of attractions including a funfair, live entertainment, children's rides and more. All funds raised on the day will support charities and other good causes in the area.
Pitches are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and applications should be made well before Sunday, 31 March to avoid disappointment.
For more information or to apply, visit the Lions' website.
Image credit: Wokingham Lions Club
 Apprenticeship advice at upcoming drop-in
Following our successful business drop-in session in November, we're looking forward to running another one with a skills and recruitment theme.
You don't need to book - just drop in between 12pm and 2pm on Tuesday 27 February, at Wokingham Town Hall in Market Place (RG40 1AS).
This week is National Apprenticeships Week and, at our upcoming event, you'll be able to learn about apprenticeships from other employers.
Active Workplace Solutions, a workplace and facilities management firm based in Woodley, will discuss their recent investments in apprentices - and the fantastic training and career opportunities this offers.
One of our own experts on apprenticeships will also be on hand to answer your questions about effectively managing the HR aspects.
You can also get essential wrap-around support and advice on a range of issues affecting your business from our economic development team.
 Giving your staff a head for numbers
To help your staff with their continuing professional development (CPD), we're offering free numeracy courses that are tailored for roles in many sectors.
This includes construction, hospitality and catering, hair and beauty, sport, business and administration and health and social care.
Learners will first meet for an introductory group session with a tutor, and then get access to an online platform that will help them understand the areas where they would benefit from learning more.
They can do this at their own pace, at times that suit both you and them, and they'll have access to support from us and a follow-up session if needed.
You can give your staff our details and ask them to sign up for one of our public sessions - or, if five or more would like to take part, we can offer tailored introductions face to face or through Zoom.
We may be able to offer extra support if needed, like one-to-one support or a British Sign Language interpreter. To find out more, please get in touch with us.
 Best-selling estate agent keeps up winning streak
David Cliff Estate Agents in Peach Street, Wokingham, has been named the town's top-selling agent for the fourth year running.
It has once again been recognised by leading property portal Rightmove, based on transactions for properties listed on its website in 2023.
The company, founded by owner David Cliff in 2009, also has branches in Binfield and Mortimer. It is a chosen member of the Guild of Property Professionals, a network of about 800 independent agents based in London.
Mr Cliff, who has worked in property since he was 16, says his firm is proud of its "human approach" and it regularly invests in local charities and events.
He said: ''While it's amazing to have shown consistency like this and a huge compliment to our team's hard work, we mainly see it as strong evidence that we're providing a style of estate agency that the public likes.
“We’ve seen other agencies come and go, which is sad, but we've always set our sights on longevity and we're delighted to see that, so far, we're well on the way to achieving it.”
 Help your small business to shine at awards
Put your small business in the spotlight by entering this year' 50th annual Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Awards - you've only got a few days left!
This high-profile scheme, which is free to enter, celebrates small businesses and self-employed people across the UK and helps to raise their profile.
With 12 awards up for grabs across a range of categories including Sustainability, Innovation, Community and more, there's bound to be a category for you.
Entries close on Sunday (11 February).
The awards final will be held at the spectacular Winter Gardens Empress Ballroom in Blackpool on 9 May 2024. If you’re shortlisted, you’ll get a free ticket.
 Wokingham Positive Difference+
Date and Time: 09 February, 8.50am
Hosted by: WPD+
Face to Face Open Networking
Date and Time: 13 February, 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: February 2024, 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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