Economic and Skills Development Partnership
Bracknell Forest
The ESDP is a business-driven partnership, supported by Bracknell Forest Council. It’s aims are to:
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provide a co-ordinated voice and support to Bracknell Forest’s local business community;
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represent the local business community in responding to central and local government consultations, and in seeking funding for business initiatives;
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develop strong working relationships with organisations such as the local authority, Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Berkshire Growth Hub, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce; and
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deliver initiatives that benefit the Bracknell Forest business community.
All businesses in Bracknell Forest are welcome to participate in the ESDP’s activities. There are no fees involved. Members include businesses of all sizes from across Bracknell Forest.
General meeting
Tuesday 16 April 10am to 12noon
The next general meeting is 10am to 12noon Tuesday 16 April 2024 at Bracknell Forest Council offices, Bracknell. To view the agenda please click on the link below.
If you would like to attend please email paula.robertson@bracknell-forest.gov.uk
Bob's Blog
November 2023
The latest edition of Bob's Blog is now available
L-R: Cllr Paul Bidwell Executive member for Economic Development and Regeneration Bracknell Forest Council, Dom Unsworth Resource Productions, Bob Collis ESDP Chair, Anna Gration Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, Simon Matthews Local Enterprise Partnership, Paul Scott Enterprise Manager and Kristina Glushkova Knowledge Exchange Manager and Innovation Lead Royal Holloway, University of London.
The latest edition of Bob's Blog is now available to download. Bob Collis, Chair of the ESDP, reflects on what is happening in the partnership.
ESDP Autumn event
Bracknell Forest: Growth and Prosperity
10am to 1pm
Tuesday 17th October 2023
at The Capitol Building, Oldbury, Bracknell
As businesses look to the future, dealing with the challenges of rising energy costs, skills shortage, changes in working practices and world events, a good business strategy will be the key to success, growth and resilience.
Businesses will hear from key speakers on topics including:
• Bracknell Forest Economic Strategy
• Local skills
• Higher education
• Emerging film industry in Berkshire
ESDP General Meeting
10am to 12 noon Tuesday 6 June 2023
The ESDP General meeting was kindly hosted by Waitrose in the Surrey Room at Waitrose Conference Centre. If you would like to attend the next meeting on 17 October 2023 please email: Business.EnterpriseService@bracknell-forest.gov.uk
Bracknell Forest
Business Survey 2022 Results
The results of the Bracknell Forest Council Business Survey 2022 are now available. The survey was undertaken with over 500 local businesses to understand the impact of current economic conditions, continued post pandemic recovery and the challenges faced by increased energy costs and the cost of living crisis. It also asked for the views of local businesses about skills, infrastructure, the green agenda and workplace wellbeing.
Bob Collis, Chair of the Economic and Skills Development Partnership (ESDP), said:
“These surveys provide the local authority and business organisations with an important insight into the health of our local business sector, and of Bracknell Forest’s economic future. As with previous years, they will continue to be used in policy and decision making. We are grateful to all those who take part.”
Photography Competition 2022
"Bracknell Forest’s mood-boosting places"
Photo competition results
The ESDP proudly sponsored Bracknell Forest Council's annual photography competition. Amateur photographers were challenged to capture Bracknell Forest’s mood-boosting places.
This theme reflects the abundance of amazing local places, which makes Bracknell Forest a special place in which to live, work and play.
The top 5 winning images from this year’s photo competition can be seen below.
First Place
Lift off at Mill Pond by Ray Hewitt
The judges scored Ray’s photo highly for its overall impact and technical ability.
The image nicely symbolises how being close to nature can help to boost residents’ moods.
Second Place
Bracknell town centre skyline at night by Gareth Fish
Third Place
Misty Dawn - bird's-eye view over Windmill Meadows by John Jacobs
South Hill Park on a golden summer morning, by Claire Moore
Special Award
Dusk at Cabbage Hill by Ruhi Usman Shaikh
Health in Work
Summer Event 22 September 2022
The ESDP Summer event was held on the 22 September at South Hill Park, it was postponed from earlier in the summer due to the extreme heat. The event offered delegates the opportunity to hear three great speakers covering various issues related to Health in Work, plus the chance to meet with local organisations offering support ranging from physical health, mental health, active green travel, and much more. To read all about the event please visit Bob’s Blog October 2022.
See the latest blog from the ESDP Chairman, Bob Collis HERE or take a look at a few of things we've been doing;
Bracknell Forest's Skills and Training Hub
Coming soon, to find out more about The Skills and Training Hub here.
2022 Business Survey
Conducted a 500 business survey to understanding the views and experiences of local businesses, including on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit, as well as issues such as recruitment, skills and retention, and views on infrastructure needs in Bracknell Forest. View the full report here
Bracknell Forest Training Needs Analysis
Engaging and supporting the Bracknell Forest Council Employment & Skills Survey
Training for Micro & Small Businesses
Identifying and signposting opportunities for training for small businesses
Supporting Youth Employment & Skills Schemes
Creating opportunities for young people to engage in work ready activity to develop skills for the workplace
Electric Vehicle Chargers and Natural Estate
Supporting the installation and promotion of electric vehicle chargers and green spaces, to increase awareness and encourage engagement with them, around Bracknell Forest
More detailed information is available on our Current Projects page
Stunning Morning for a Run, by Katie Ackling, 2021
Opportunities and Support for You
Berkshire Opportunities Results Day Hub
A hub for students, offering free GCSE and pre-University results day advice
Rewards and incentives for schools, businesses and communities to choose greener travel and healthy lifestyle options.
A Berkshire-specific platform signposting useful opportunities, careers advice and resources
More opportunities are available on our Opportunities page
Pre-winter dusk, at Peacock Meadows, by Jessica McKean, 2021
ABOUT
The ESDP, founded in 2010, aims to develop and maintain a dialogue with business, educational and skills providers around common interests to make Bracknell Forest a better place in which to do business and to maximise the number of local people in employment. A key forum within Bracknell Forest, the partnership creates and implements local economic and skills development plans, as well as researching action needed to underpin the long term success of the borough.
Find out what we've been up to here
OUR ROLE
COLLABORATING
Stimulating leadership and consensus over economic and skills issues in Bracknell Forest. Actively working with surrounding areas to sustain the local and Thames Valley economy.
SIGNPOSTING
Identifying sources of funding that would help achieve local plans. Providing the spatial context (physical, social, environmental, economic) for existing businesses to remain in the borough, and for new start up businesses to be encouraged.
SUSTAINING
Sustaining and promoting Bracknell Forest's thriving economy.
Creating a vision for economic well-being and skills development for all living and working in Bracknell Forest. Ensuring that local economic developments benefit local people, and that the benefits of regeneration are enjoyed by existing and new residents.