Bracknell’s business community came together on Thursday 22 October for Invest in Bracknell Forest 2026, an event hosted by Bracknell BID and Bracknell Forest Council. Bringing together representatives from business, property, local government and the wider region, the event explored the area’s economic development, current priorities and opportunities for future growth.
Held at The Capitol Building, the morning featured presentations, a panel discussion and networking, giving attendees the opportunity to hear from local leaders and businesses, ask questions and connect with others across the region.
Supporting Bracknell Forest’s economic development
Following an opening welcome from broadcaster Andrew Peach, Rory Lewis, Bracknell BID Manager, and Jonathan Scholefield, BID Board Director and Project Group Chair, outlined the BID’s work and priorities for its 2026–2030 business plan. Their presentation highlighted projects focused on business growth, investment, sustainability, carbon reduction and overall, improving the business environment for local companies.
The wider economic picture was explored through contributions from local and national representatives. Peter Swallow MP, representing Bracknell, Crowthorne, Sandhurst and Whitegrove, reflected on the political climate and the importance of Bracknell’s leisure, housing and industrial sectors. Cllr Paul Bidwell, Deputy Leader of Bracknell Forest Council and BID Board Director, discussed the Council’s economic strategy, its support for BID projects and the role of employment hubs in meeting local targets.
Andrew Hunter, Executive Director of Place at Bracknell Forest Council, looked beyond the borough, highlighting the importance of closer collaboration between Berkshire’s six local authorities and the opportunities this presents for the wider region.
Business, property and regional perspectives
The event also heard from businesses and property professionals whose experiences offered insight into Bracknell Forest’s commercial landscape. Jess Ford of Realty Income discussed investment in The Lexicon, the value of long-term capital investment and the importance of relationships with occupiers. Clifton Vaughan of Natural Baby Shower shared the company’s business journey, including the advantages of operating in Bracknell Forest and its motorway links for product distribution.
Andy Jansons of Jansons Property reflected on Bracknell’s property market and its position between London and Heathrow, while Saba Tahzib explored devolution and the potential for regional collaboration to support future economic growth.
These topics carried into the panel discussion, which brought together Cllr Paul Bidwell of Bracknell Forest Council, Rory Lewis BID Manager, Helen Barnett of Frasers Property, Matthew Battle of UK Property Forums and Bruce Cave, CEO of Easthampstead Park Hotel. Alongside hearing from the panellists, attendees had the opportunity to raise questions relevant to their own businesses and engage directly with representatives from across the local economy. This audience participation was an important part of the discussion, allowing attendees to seek insight and explore issues from a range of perspectives.
Building connections for the future
The event concluded with networking, giving attendees time to continue conversations, exchange ideas and make new connections. Invest in Bracknell Forest 2026 provided a valuable opportunity to share experience and discuss the priorities shaping the area’s future.
Bracknell BID would like to thank Bracknell Forest Council, all speakers and panellists, event partners and attendees for contributing to the event’s success.
