Over the last 11 years, since arriving in Bracknell, the town has changed considerably. At the time centre was in desperate need of some TLC. However, thanks to the partnership between Bracknell Forest Council, Schroeder’s and Legal and General we now have a town centre second to none.

The local Chamber Council has, quite rightly, taken every opportunity to provide the relevant support and within the last few months have supplied letters for the latest phase requiring an additional £30m.

As a member of Bracknell Forest’s Economic Skills and Development Partnership (ESDP), we have continually lobbied for many improvements to transport and communications infrastructure. These include improved rail links to London and Heathrow Airport, as well as supporting the local authority in seeking funding for the local road network and the next phases of the Lexicon.

Through the ESDP we are seeking to promote Bracknell Forest’s continued economic growth whilst mitigating traffic growth by encouraging companies to adopt flexible travel plans, as well as being on its on its education and skills sub-group, which aims to ensure that there is adequate focus on training in schools and colleges for future business needs.

We also want to ensure we achieve the best out of the government’s apprenticeships levy by keeping ahead of changes to the working environment and technological and social developments. Subsequently we are supporting its next event, an open-air meeting at South Hill Park on 23rd May, aimed at demonstrating how to improve staff productivity, retention and efficiency; and how businesses can make better use of the local green spaces.

Together with the ESDP, the Chamber is part of the team supporting and promoting the Bracknell Improvement District working to bring about much needed changes for businesses. A full feasibility report has been completed and remains open to those who have not yet shared their views although some of the significant areas in which the businesses would like the BID to focus have now been identified.

With local businesses constituting the BID Steering Committee, and a good range of market sector and size of organisation, there is plenty for the local business community to get involved in to help make positive and impactful changes.