On Thursday 25th September, Bracknell BID proudly hosted its latest ‘Meet Your Neighbour’ networking event at Regus, located in the prestigious Arlington Square business park. These events are a regular part of Bracknell BID’s ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration and connectivity across the Southern and Western Business Districts, bringing together a wide range of businesses, from start-ups and SMEs to large corporates and public sector partners.
The ‘Meet Your Neighbour’ series has become a key networking fixture in the local business calendar, offering professionals the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, build long-term partnerships, and discover new business opportunities — all within a relaxed and welcoming environment.
At this particular event, over 25 representatives from a broad spectrum of local industries attended, reflecting the vibrancy and diversity of Bracknell’s business landscape. Attendees enjoyed complimentary refreshments and a light lunch provided by Regus, alongside two hours of structured networking and engaging talks from guest speakers working across both the commercial and non-profit sectors.
Opening Remarks and BID Overview
The event was opened by Sean Griffin, Bracknell BID Manager, who warmly welcomed attendees and introduced members of the BID team. Sean offered his thanks to those present for their continued support and involvement, and provided a brief update on the BID’s key strategic objectives. These include improving the physical environment of Bracknell’s business districts, increasing footfall and engagement through events and marketing campaigns, and supporting the growth and resilience of local businesses through partnerships and practical services.
Following this, Rory Lewis, Project Executive at Bracknell BID, delivered a detailed presentation highlighting the BID’s achievements over the past year. He showcased completed initiatives such as infrastructure improvements, enhanced signage and wayfinding, security enhancements, and community-focused projects. Rory also outlined upcoming projects that are set to further enhance the experience of working and doing business in Bracknell, including sustainability-focused initiatives, transport access improvements, and much more.
Guest Speaker: Nikki Burns – Bracknell Forest Skills Hub
The first guest speaker of the event was Nikki Burns, representing the Bracknell Forest Skills Hub — a growing local initiative that is playing a critical role in workforce development and employment support across the borough.
Nikki shared the inspiring story of how the Skills Hub was founded just 18 months ago and has since grown into a trusted resource for both individuals and employers. She provided insight into the Hub’s core mission: to act as a single access point for employment-related support, helping people navigate career changes, re-enter the workforce, or upskill in their current roles.
For employers, the Skills Hub serves as a valuable recruitment and training partner, helping them to tap into local talent and access support schemes. Nikki also highlighted the importance of tailored, person-centred support through one-to-one sessions, screenings, and the development of bespoke action plans that align with individuals’ goals. Her talk emphasised the impact of collaboration between business and support services in creating a more inclusive and prepared workforce in Bracknell.
Guest Speaker: John Urban – Child Autism UK
Following Nikki’s presentation, the spotlight was passed to John Urban, who spoke passionately about the work of Child Autism UK, a Bracknell-based charity providing crucial support for families affected by autism.
John gave a heartfelt and informative overview of the charity’s services, many of which are delivered by a small but deeply committed team. These include an autism helpline, school-based support services, bespoke training courses for parents and professionals, and individual tutoring for children.
He discussed some of the real-world challenges that families face, particularly in navigating education systems, access to support, and the societal misunderstandings that often surround autism. However, he also delivered a powerful message about the strengths and capabilities of neurodiverse individuals, encouraging businesses to view autism not as a limitation, but as a different and valuable perspective that can enhance workplace diversity and innovation.
Guest Speaker: Roger Jones – International Workplace Group (IWG)/Regus
Concluding the speaker line-up was Roger Jones, Area Manager for the International Workplace Group (IWG) — known globally for its Regus and Spaces brands. Roger gave attendees a comprehensive overview of IWG’s global presence and service offerings, which now span over 4,000 flexible workspaces in cities and business hubs across the world.
Roger discussed how the pandemic had permanently shifted the way companies think about workspace, with many opting for hybrid or remote-first models. He explained how IWG’s serviced offices and coworking spaces meet this demand, offering scalable and flexible solutions for businesses of all sizes — whether they need a professional address, a private office, or simply a desk for the day. He also spoke about Regus Bracknell’s local facilities and how they are supporting regional economic growth by offering high-quality, flexible office solutions right on Bracknell’s doorstep.
Building Connections, Sharing Knowledge
Throughout the event, attendees were able to engage directly with speakers and one another, sparking meaningful discussions and building new relationships. The relaxed format combined with the quality of insight shared helped ensure the event delivered both practical takeaways and strategic connections for those who took part.
Bracknell BID would like to extend sincere thanks to all those who attended the event, and special appreciation to our guest speakers — Nikki Burns from Bracknell Forest Skills Hub, John Urban from Child Autism UK, and Roger Jones from IWG — for their informative and thought-provoking presentations.
We would also like to thank Regus Bracknell for generously hosting the event and providing such a welcoming space for discussion, collaboration, and networking.
We look forward to continuing to host more events like this in the months ahead, further strengthening our local business community and promoting a thriving, connected Bracknell.