Wokingham Borough Connect
 Opportunities to draw in additional customers
We will be offering free parking in all borough-owned car parks for residents attending the Lunar New Year event, organised by Wokingham Town Council, at Market Place on Sunday 9 February.
We hope the offer will provide a boost to the local economy and support stallholders. We encourage businesses to fully utilize this opportunity to draw in additional customers.
If your business is open or planning to open on that day, we invite you to share any special activities, products or menus you are offering. These can be promoted on the Love Wokingham social media channels run by the town council.
While the main event is on 9 February, Lunar New Year celebration runs from 29 January to 12 February, and promotions extending beyond the event day will also be featured.
To have your promotion featured, please send images and details of your offer to Phillipa at marketing@lovewokingham.co.uk as soon as possible.
For those looking to do something specifically for the event day, please send the images and content by Wednesday 5 February.
 Elevate your corporate or team building events
Looking for a unique venue for corporate enrichment and team-building activities? Look no further than Dinton Activity Centre.
Located in the scenic Dinton Pastures Country Park and just minutes from the M4, Dinton Activity Centre combines convenience with natural beauty, making it the ideal setting for your next corporate event. With stunning views and modern facilities, we offer tailored experiences to meet the specific needs of your group.
Venues at the activity centre include classroom and activity hall space, providing the flexibility to host a wide range of events. We also offer catering options to suit your preferences.
Visit the activity centre's website for information on our winter special delegate rates and booking details. If you prefer to contact our sales team directly, email us at eventbookings@wokingham.gov.uk.
 New support for small businesses
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has introduced a new online tool designed to provide guidance for those working for themselves and individuals considering self-employment.
This tool, aimed at small businesses, helps users understand their tax responsibilities with clear and accessible guidance, all free of charge. Key topics covered include which taxes apply to sole traders and whether registration for VAT is necessary.
In addition, businesses across the UK will benefit from quicker and easier access to help, support and advice, thanks to the newly announced Business Growth Service by the government.
Launching in the first half of this year, the Business Growth Service will offer a sleek, UK-wide business support system with a revamped web offer. The service aims to streamline the government’s offerings to small firms, saving them time and money.
 Your partner for business growth
M2M Pharmaceuticals (M2M) has become a beacon of economic growth and job creation, thanks in large part to its collaboration with Berkshire Growth Hub.
Founded in 2016, M2M is dedicated to helping its clients develop safer, faster and more economical medicines. The company ensures quality, flexibility, productivity, on-time delivery and cost-effectiveness. They recently opened a state-of-the-art laboratory facility at the Winnersh Triangle Business Park.
Founder and director Dr Mridul Majumder has had the ambition to expand the business. In 2018, he approached the Berkshire Growth Hub and was connected to a business advisor. Their close working relationship has propelled the business forward, leading to M2M winning the King's Award for Enterprise 2024 for international trade.
Dr Majumder was delighted to say, ''With support from our advisor, we've recruited additional high quality staff and achieved record monthly sales figures.''
Berkshire Growth Hub delivers support programmes for both start up and high growth businesses. Berkshire Growth Hub is part-funded by the money we have from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
 Volunteering to make a difference
Are you looking for a New Year’s resolution that you’ll actually enjoy and stick with all year round?
Whether you want to gain new skills, get fresh air and exercise, build your confidence, meet new people, enhance your CV, support a cause you believe in or simply try something different, volunteering can tick all these boxes and more!
Join the next Volunteer Fair - just turn up, no appointment is needed!
Date: Saturday 1 February
Time: 10am to 1pm
Location: Wokingham Town Hall
Volunteering is an amazing way to give back to the community while gaining so much in return. Opportunities can fit around your working day – for example, a befriending phone call can take as little as 20 minutes.
If you are a business and would like to learn more about how regular volunteering opportunities can benefit your staff, feel free to contact us.
 Wokingham Positive Difference+
Date and Time: 21 February, 8am
Hosted by: WPD+
FORE Business Wokingham - Golf & Networking
Date and Time: 16 January, 8.30am
Hosted by: Fore Business
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: check website
Hosted by: Small99
Wokingham WIBN - Women's Business Networking
Date and Time: Thursday afternoon group: 12pm to 2pm, second Thursday of the month; Friday morning group: 9.30am to 11.30am, second Friday of the month
Hosted by: Wokingham Women in Business Network
Other events you may be interested in
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