 Holme Grange Craft Village
Holme Grange Craft Village is a well‑established destination shopping village set in attractive countryside just outside Wokingham. Created from a collection of converted barns arranged around a relaxed courtyard, it is home to more than 20 independent businesses, including artisan shops, boutiques, studios, salons and specialist services.
Visitors can browse handmade and locally produced items, take part in creative workshops and classes, or enjoy food and drink in the on‑site café and bakery. With free parking, regular events and activities, and a welcoming, family‑friendly atmosphere, Holme Grange Craft Village is a popular place to spend a few unhurried hours while supporting local and creative enterprises.
Holme Grange Village can be accessed from Heathlands Road, via Nine Mile Ride or Honey Hill, and has free parking.
Wellness at work, support for small businesses
Exclusive WellWork offer for Business Matters readers
Susannah Stewart is offering 20 places for local business owners to experience WellWork – a practical, hands-on session designed to help you improve performance, think clearly and take action.
Valid until 31 May or until all places are filled.
Use code BUSINESSMATTERS20 when booking.
Susannah believes success is built on community, energy and real people. In 2023, she took a bold step away from a corporate career to open Salty Olive, a Spanish tapas restaurant and event venue in Wokingham, inspired by a long‑standing love of Spain. While launching the business was a leap of faith, sustaining it proved even more challenging. The experience stretched Susannah, reshaped her perspective and revealed just how demanding and isolating small business ownership can be without the right support.
That insight led to the creation of WellWork, a supportive space designed to help small business owners grow with clarity and confidence. Built on the belief that the people around you shape what you believe is possible, WellWork offers hands‑on coaching clinics, a coworking community and regular events. Based at Salty Olive in Elms Field and open 9am–5pm, Tuesday to Friday, WellWork provides flexible support through membership or pay‑as‑you‑go options, helping local business owners build sustainable, enjoyable businesses and stronger communities.
 Council Services supporting local businesses
Running, growing, or relocating a business in Wokingham Borough is supported by a wide range of council services designed to encourage sustainable economic growth and ensure businesses can operate safely, fairly, and efficiently.
Economic Development
The Council’s Economic Development team works closely with local businesses and business support organisations to strengthen the borough’s economy. A key priority is encouraging investment in community facilities and infrastructure alongside appropriate housing development.
Whether you are starting a new business, planning to relocate, or simply seeking advice, the team can offer guidance and signposting to relevant support. Email the team at economicdevelopment@wokingham.gov.uk
Planning and Pre-Application Advice
If your business plans involve expanding premises, changing the use of a building, or relocating, the Council offers a pre-application advice service. This service provides early guidance on planning requirements and can help identify potential issues before a formal application is submitted.
Planning applications can also be submitted online through the Planning Portal. A fee applies for pre-application advice.
Building Control Services
The Council’s Building Control team, delivered by Building Control Solutions as a shared service with West Berkshire Council, works with businesses and builders to ensure compliance with building regulations. These regulations cover health and safety, energy conservation, and access for disabled people.
Tender and Contract Opportunities
Businesses interested in working with us can access tender and contract opportunities through the Council’s Contracts and Procurement team. Opportunities are advertised depending on value and requirement type.
To take part, businesses must first register on the ProContract website via our procurement website.
Consultation on ‘Make Work Pay: improving access to flexible working’
On 5 February, the Department for Business and Trade launched a consultation on improving access to flexible working.
The consultation is seeking views on a new process for employers to follow when handling flexible working requests, as well as insights on flexible working practices more broadly.
The consultation closes on 30 April. If you have any questions, please contact: flexibleworking@businessandtrade.gov.uk.
Is your business in our free directory?
it'slocal is the official online internet business directory for Wokingham Borough containing thousands of local organisations based in the Wokingham area.
The service is aimed at people who live, work or travel in the Borough as well as the local business community itself.
it'slocal makes it easy to find services, view company locations, visit the website and link with any of the major social media pages – all from one place.
it'slocal is free for customers to use and for companies to advertise.
Add your company now for free!
 Wokingham Positive Difference+
Date and Time: 17 April, 8am
Hosted by: WPD+
Theme: Humans vs A
The Athena Network
Date and Time: Second Wednesday of the month from 12 to 2pm
Hosted by: Athena Network
Fore Business Networking
Date and Time: First Thursday of the month at 8am
Hosted by: Fore Business
Wokingham Speakers
Date and Time: first and third Tuesday of the month, 7.30pm
Hosted by: Wokingham Speakers (Toastmasters)
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
Woodley Business Club
Date and Time: Various
Hosted by: Woodley Business Club
Other events you may be interested in
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