Wokingham Borough Connect
 Opportunities to engage and make an impact
For the first time ever, we are partnering with Bath Spa University, House of Imagination and Grant Associates to bring the award-winning Forest of Imagination to the borough.
This unique arts project, which originated in Bath in 2014, inspires people to explore environmental issues through creativity and artistic expression.
Wokingham Borough’s Forest of Imagination 2025 is bringing a celebration of nature-themed art and cultural experiences to our residents in March. The project continues with a four-day showcase at Dinton Pastures Country Park from 22 to 25 May.
The project is fully funded by a grant from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
How you can get involved
Wokingham Borough's Forest of Imagination provides an exciting platform for businesses to inspire employees, engage customers and connect with the broader community. By aligning with key themes such as sustainability, climate change, creativity, and community engagement, your company can make a meaningful impact.
Here's how your company can get involved:
- Attend a free, creativity-driven workshop designed to inspire employees and engage customers with fresh ideas. Sign up for a session on either 17 or 24 March, entitled 'Imagination at Work!' now
And at the celebratory showcase at Dinton Pastures from 22 to 25 May:
- Sponsor accessible transport to help more residents experience it
- Showcase your brand to thousands of visitors with high-visibility, exclusive sponsorship opportunities
- Encourage employee volunteering to create meaningful social impact
Your support will be integral to the success of this project, and will contribute to a lasting legacy for the community.
 Join us for our next job fair
Following several successful job fairs last year, we're excited to invite employers to participate in this free event again.
If you're a local employer with vacancies to fill or looking to take on a new apprentice, we’d love for you to join us. Details:
Date and Time: Monday 12 May, from 10am to 2pm
Venue: Bradbury Centre, Rose Street, Wokingham, RG40 1XS
Alongside employers, we expect in-person support from training providers, our local job centre and other support services, making this a one-stop shop for residents looking for their next job opportunity.
Email us to find out more and reserve your free table.
 Updates on Economic Development Strategy
As highlighted in the February edition of this newsletter, our decision making Executive has approved a new Economic Development Strategy aimed at ensuring the continued success and growth of the borough’s economy.
This strategy sets a clear economic vision for our borough through to 2035, and serves as a comprehensive evidence base for our Economic Development team.
It will guide the creation of a detailed action plan with meaningful interventions designed to enhance the local economy. Achieving these goals will require significant cross-departmental collaboration and engagement with external stakeholders.
You can now access the Economic Development Strategy and its technical annex on our Engage Wokingham Borough website.
 Get involved in our Community Vision
Imagine a future where Wokingham Borough thrives as a hub of sustainability, community spirit and progress. A place where everyone enjoys happy, healthy and independent lives, businesses thrive, and opportunities are fair and accessible for all.
The Community Vision 2035 is more than just a plan - it's a shared commitment to building a brighter, more inclusive future. In collaboration with residents, businesses and local partners, we are shaping the future of our borough.
This is your vision. Your community. And together, we’re making it happen. The vision launches in April, kicking off a series of initiatives and projects aligned with this exciting path forward.
Stay tuned for updates, events, and opportunities to get involved!
 Bridal style with a sustainable touch
This month's spotlight is on Studio41 Bridal, located at Ashridge Manor in Wokingham, which places a strong emphasis on sustainability and ethical production.
Local owner Lucy Kern, who studied theatre and costume design at the London College of Fashion, later pursued her passion for bridalwear. Her studio is committed to supporting UK independent designers, with every design made to order in the UK. This approach helps minimize waste and prevents contributing to the 350,000 tonnes of clothing waste sent to landfills each year.
Lucy shares, "I aim to make every bride feel comfortable and welcome. I encourage them to explore and find their bridal style. Every design is made with comfort in mind and is totally size inclusive."
 New partnership strategies to support residents
We’re launching two linked five-year partnership strategies, as part of our ongoing effort to create a more inclusive borough and support everyone to thrive.
- The All-Age Autism Strategy sets out a shared vision and direction for local partners in supporting autistic people of all ages living in the borough
- The SEND and Inclusion Strategy outlines our ambitions and plans to improve outcomes for children and young people aged 0 to 25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
To stay updated and hear about opportunities to get involved, sign up to our Local Offer and Social Care Future newsletters.
Join the World Autism Awareness Day event
Come and join us for the Wokingham World Autism Awareness Day on Wednesday 2 April, from 2pm to 7pm, at the Oakwood Centre in Woodley.
Everyone is welcome. Learn more and book your free ticket online. You can drop in at any time that suits you.
The event is hosted by The Autism Partnership made up of organisations, groups and individuals in Wokingham Borough. Together we develop plans and drive progress, led by the local autistic community and their families.
We’re also running a competition to design a logo for the Autism Partnership. It’s open to all who live, go to school or work in the borough. Visit our website to find out more and take part.
 Wokingham Positive Difference+
Date and Time: 21 March, 8am
Hosted by: WPD+
SME Growth Cohort
Date and Time: Every Wednesday from 12pm to 1pm
Hosted by: LGR (UK) Ltd - (Full Stack Consulting)
Woodley Business Club
Date and Time: 11 March, 8am
Hosted by: Woodley Business Club
FORE Business Wokingham - Golf & Networking
Date and Time: 6 March, 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
|
