There are many agencies, business organisations and various support mechanisms available to businesses in the area. Some of these are business-led and privately organised, and others are offered by regional and national agencies.
- Berkshire Business Growth Hub - The Thames Valley Berkshire Business Growth Hub offers fully funded, impartial support services and expert advice to entrepreneurs, start-ups and established businesses in Berkshire. The service includes free clinics and workshops on a range of business issues, alongside a special High Growth Programme to provide tailored support to small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) with high growth potential. Start your journey by signing up today.
- University of Reading - As well as being a world centre for research and innovation, the University of Reading is home to Henley Business School and ICMA. The university actively supports local businesses through its Knowledge Transfer Partnership, Intern Scheme and Graduate programmes. You can find information on procurement for suppliers as well as In-Tend registration for tenders (by registering on In-Tend, suppliers can view tenders that they may want to reply to, but you can also just view tenders without any commitment so please do register to be notified about new tenders that are published).
- Small Business Britain - One of the UK’s leading advocates for small business - starting as an event to promote local buying from local business, the organisation now provides networking (Netwalks have taken place in Reading recently) as well as awards, events, reports and useful seminars and training for people running their own business. Almost all free to members so well worth signing up.
Membership organisations
- Federation of Small Businesses
As experts in business, the FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in government. With a mission to help smaller businesses and the self-employed achieve their ambitions, this not-for-profit organisation is led by a team of existing members, and exists to serve the small business community across the UK.
- Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group is the voice of business in the Thames Valley (Berks, Bucks and Oxon) working on behalf of every sector and with every size of business, from micro to multinational organisations. The Chambers have long promoted better economic conditions and new opportunities for Chamber members and the wider community, most recently driving post-Brexit and post-Pandemic business recovery.
- Institute of Directors
The Institute of Directors (IoD) was founded in 1903 and within three years was awarded a Royal Charter to support, represent and set standards for business leaders nationwide. The Berkshire branch is one of seven in the South of England with a programme of events throughout the year including breakfast briefings, lunches, informal networking and more.
- Innovate UK
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the UK’s national innovation agency. It supports business-led innovation in all sectors, technologies and across all regions, helping businesses grow through the development and commercialisation of new products, processes, and services, supported by an outstanding innovation ecosystem that is agile, inclusive, and easy to navigate. Find out about events, funding and resources here.
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