Federation of Small Businesses
The Federation of Small Businesses is the UK’s largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self employed and owners of small firms. Formed in 1974 it now has 213,000 members across 33 regional branches.
David Knowles Leak is the Regional Chairman for the Thames Valley area and will help with any questions.
Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce
The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest accredited Chambers in the UK, with 3,500 members, It is an independent business organisation working to serve the interests of its members by offering a wide variety of representation, information and commercial services.
The Wokingham Chamber is particularly active and Gary Cranford is the best point of contact for anyone interested in becoming a member.
British Venture Capital Association
The British Venture Capital Association offers advice on finding investors and venture capital companies.
South East Business Innovation and Growth
South East Business Innovation and Growth provide support to businesses that have the potential to innovate and grow through providing coaching, mentoring and making network connections.
Susan Elliot is the Chief Executive for the Thames Valley team and will help with any questions.
Berkshire Observatory
In partnership with various public organisations, the Berkshire Observatory has been set up to collect and share data and information the economy and population statistics.
University of Reading
The University of Reading provides a hub for enterprise across the local economy and plays an important role in supporting the regional, national and international knowledge economy. As well as the skills and knowledge of the staff, they can provide facilities for business start-ups and high tech companies.
Bracknell and Wokingham College
The College provides a wide range of education and training opportunities. It offers full and part time training programmes leading to qualifications such as GNVQ, NVQ, GCSE and A-levels, as well as catering for those with special needs.
Twyford Village Partnership
The Twyford Village Partnership aims to protect and enhance the character of Twyford by serving as a focus for economic improvement, environmental enhancement and community involvement.
For more information, contact Patrick Heather who is the Chairman
Woodley Town Centre Manager
WTCMI was established in 1995 and is headed by Jacques Lherbier the Town Centre Manager. Its aim is to keep Woodley Town Centre a vibrant, successful place to shop.
For more information, contact Jacques Lherbier.
Networking in Berkshire
A free website which enables people to find details of networking events taking place throughout the county and advertise them for free.
The Real Business Club
The Real Business Club provides innovative events and hands-on Business Development Workshops to help professionals and entrepreneurs starting in business, or moving to the next level, to get established and grow.
