In summary
Summer has arrived and as we have shot into the second half of the year it's a good time to take stock of what your business goals were for 2024, and where you're at with meeting them! As ever there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with FSB at our events, both in person and online, and do check out the news items below for other opportunities for your business local to you.
Featured news and events
Slough Town FC Business Club
Slough Town FC are establishing a business club for local businesses to support each other and the football club using their wonderful facilities. The club is open to Slough businesses and membership is free. Members can attend networking events, attend some games throughout the season and provide sponsorship opportunities for the football club.
To register your interest please email>
Business Loop - Future-proofing your business in a changing environment
Don't miss this chance to meet with fellow local businesses, to learn from experts and to connect with trusted peers. A brand new local business event, hosted by FSB and Jaguar Land Rover Reading, who invite local business owners and leaders to come together around doing business better in a chaotic environment.
Book your delegate place now >
In other news
Employer-led Sessions & Professional Panel Events at Reading University
Reading University will be running a number of employer-led sessions throughout the year. The topics will be around applications, assessment centres, developing soft skills and interview skills.
They will also arrange a number of professional panel events on different sectors, so students can get an idea on how they can get into different sectors, what skills they need and challenges they might face as well as meet and network with a wide range of professionals
Employer presentations or Outreach stands will also be offered at a date/time we can agree on. The cost for a presentation is £100+VAT and an outreach stand is £150+VAT.
If you're interested in your business getting involved, please email.
Enter the 2024 National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards
The National Apprenticeship Awards open to employers and apprentices is now accepting entries.
This year the awards have been expanded to include T Level categories too – making it the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards (NASA) – and there will also be regional award winners.
Apprentice/student categories:
- Intermediate Apprentice
- Advanced Apprentice
- Higher Apprentice
- Degree-Level Apprentice
- Skills Champion
- Rising Star
- T Level student
Employer categories:
- SME Apprentice Employer
- Large Apprentice Employer
- Social Justice Employer
- IfATE Skills Development Partner
- T Level Employer
Closing date for enteries is 19 July, with the South East ceremony taking place on the 16 October and the National ceremony is taking place on the 27 November.
View more details and videos to help you put a winning application together>
Still in the news
Celebrate Co-Working week in Slough with Plus X Innovation
On Monday 24 to Friday 28 of June, Plus X Innovation are offering a free week of co-working space to celebrate co-working week.
Based at the Future Works in Slough, Plus X Innovation have an array of activities for their guests to enjoy such as coffee mornings and yoga.
Click here if you are interested>
Help to Grow : Management Course
Comprehensive management course to help you boost the performance and resilience of your business - The Help to Grow: Management course, supported by the government and led by the University of Bedfordshire, presents a pathway to growth opportunities for businesses located in the South East of England.
Delivered in collaboration with industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs, Help To Grow: Management includes an in-depth training and 1:1 business mentoring – helping you apply your learnings to strategically grow your business.
This 12-week course costs just £750 and is 90% funded by the government and you can take part around your existing work commitments, accessing learning through a blend of online and face-to-face sessions.
More news and activity near you
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for the Thames Valley is James Anderson. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email us: [email protected]
- follow us on X: @fsbthamesvalley
- follow us on Facebook: @FSB.Berks.Bucks.Oxon