Bracknell Forest is a place of
growth, innovation and opportunity
It is situated at the heart of Berkshire.
130,806
Population
82.8%
Economically active
£5.52 million
Gross Value Added (2023)
Released April 2025
4,520
Businesses (2025)
Source: Office of National Statistics
Introduction
Bracknell Forest is home to global corporations such as 3M, Cadence, Panasonic, Honda, Fujitsu and Honeywell.
It is also home to growing businesses like KCP Networks and The Natural Baby Shower.
With excellent transport links to London, Heathrow, and the wider Thames Valley, a highly skilled workforce, and a supportive business environment, Bracknell Forest remains an ideal location for businesses to thrive in 2026 and beyond.
Beyond its economic strengths, Bracknell Forest is rich in green spaces, quality housing and top performing schools, making it an attractive location for young families and professionals. The continued success of The Lexicon – a vibrant retail and leisure destination – enhances Bracknell’s appeal as both a great business location and great place to live.
Our history
Bracknell celebrated its 75th year as a new town in 2024. The small country village in the south of England with a population of 5,000 was one of 15 new towns built across the UK to accommodate people moving from London after World War II. The town was designed with modern housing, green spaces and amenities that promoted a community centric lifestyle.
Fast forward to today, Bracknell has grown to over 130,000 residents. The original new town design continues to offer the benefits of excellent road networks, green spaces, business areas and community neighbourhoods, essentially the 15-minute town.
Location
Bracknell Forest is a unitary authority area in Berkshire, southern England. It covers the 2 towns of Bracknell and Sandhurst, along with the village of Crowthorne. Additionally, it includes the areas of North Ascot, Binfield, Warfield, and Winkfield.
Both Crowthorne and Sandhurst offer independent retail options within a traditional high street setting. They also offer business parks and light industrial estates. There are good rail links to Reading and Gatwick Airport.
Bracknell Forest’s strategic location makes it a premier business location.
Bracknell Forest is at the centre of the M3/M4 corridor, making road connections one of the best in Berkshire.
Bracknell also boasts good rail links with routes into London Waterloo and Reading (access to fast train to London Paddington).
Only19 miles from London Heathrow airport
At the centre of the M3/M4 corridor
Just over 1 hour to London Waterloo by train
Who's here
Bracknell Forest stands out as one of the UK’s premier business destinations, strategically located at the heart of the Thames Valley – often referred to as the nation’s ‘Silicon Valley’.
Our borough boasts a strong, dynamic economy and is home to world-class companies, a selection of which we’ve highlighted below.
Key strategies and plans
Bracknell Forest Local Plan
March 2024 saw the adoption of the Bracknell Forest Local Plan. This sets out the vision and strategy for our borough until 2037.
It is divided into 2 parts:
- Part 1 contains the strategic policies and sets out where new jobs, homes and services will be located. It also contains policies that help to protect the natural and historic environment and help the borough to adapt to climate change as well as other issues.
- Part 2 covers development management policies, such as helping to make sure we have high quality design, transport and environmental sustainability.
Economic Strategy 2024 to 2034
Officially adopted in January 2024 the new economic strategy for Bracknell Forest sets out the vision for the next 10 years.
By 2034, we will be a growing and resilient economy that matches the best in Berkshire.
We will:
- support, attract and retain high-quality businesses
- promote sustainable growth in clean and green, knowledge-based industries
- provide economic opportunity with good, secure jobs for our people who have the skills to succeed
Bracknell Town Centre Masterplans
The Masterplans Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) will provide land use and design guidance for these 3 sites:
- the Southern Gateway (the bus station and some neighbouring plots)
- the Eastern Gateway (the area around the former council offices at Easthampstead House)
- the High Street multi-storey car park
Once adopted, the SPD will be an important consideration in deciding planning applications on these sites.
Bracknell Town Centre 2032
Bracknell Town Centre 2032 is the vision which sets out the way forward for Bracknell's town centre. By 2032, Bracknell will realise its potential as a strong town centre, serving a prosperous and dynamic area. It will draw on its twentieth century New Town character and blend this with its deeper legacy as a historic town to create a hybrid which captures the benefits of both worlds.
The strong retail centre which has been carefully developed will be extended with complementary uses, supporting a diverse and resilient economy. New cultural activities, leisure uses, hotels, high quality offices and homes will form a major part of ensuring that the town centre feels vibrant and welcoming. Bracknell will particularly respond to its role as an important hub for tech industries by addressing the needs of a young, smart workforce.
The inner town centre road structure will be remodelled to establish a better-connected network of sites, encouraging walking and cycling routes, creating a more legible centre. The car will continue to be accommodated, but in ways which anticipate the possibility of significant changes in mobility over the coming generation.
The resilient urban form which this vision creates will help Bracknell to continue to adapt and develop. The result will be a welcoming, sociable and invigorating place which provides amenity, entertainment and excitement for all.
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Bracknell town centre vision 2032
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Climate change strategy
We have created a climate change strategy to cover our activities from 2025 to 2030. Our first aim is to reduce net council emissions to zero as close to 2030 as possible.
To help us achieve this we work with partners. This includes the Bracknell Forest Community Action (BFCCA). BFCCA is supported by the council but is a joint enterprise which bring together a key range of stakeholders. We also have the Climate Change Joint Action Board (JCAB) which is chaired by Councillor Mary Temperton, who is Leader of the Council.
Borough Vision 2050
Bracknell Forest's vision focuses on creating sustainable, resilient, and inclusive communities where residents come first. Our aim is to achieve strong connections, health, and a thriving economy by 2050.
The vision emphasises 3 main areas:
- Engaged and healthy communities
- Thriving and connected economy
- Green and sustainable environment
This long-term vision supports initiatives like community hubs, better transport, and high-quality development to enhance wellbeing and local character.
High quality commercial space
Bracknell Forest’s commercial property portfolio is extensive, providing options that cater for many types of business.
The borough’s central Thames Valley location and excellent value for money of its commercial property provides the best value supply in the Thames Valley. Bracknell’s cost per workstation is significantly lower than any of its neighbours.
Co-working spaces
Looking for modern, collaborative workspace in Bracknell Forest? There is a range of co-working spaces available, offering the perfect solution to freelancers, start-ups and growing businesses. The following spaces are available in Bracknell Forest:
There are also a range of co-working pop up groups that meet at various locations across Bracknell and Berkshire.
The Fox's Den
Laptops and Lattes @ The Den is a free drop-in ‘work from home’ networking morning at the Fox's Den.
Drop by and take advantage of their wifi and power supply, and see what other businesses in the community are up to. Feel free to add a small sign next to your laptop to let others know who you are.
When: every Wednesday from 8am until midday
Where: Benetfeld Road, Binfield, RG42 4EW
If we are missing any from the list, email business.enterpriseservice@bracknell-forest.gov.uk
Qualified workforce and future talent
Over 35.6% of Bracknell Forest residents are graduates. They are among the most economically active in the UK at 82.8%. This compares with a national average of 78.2%. (Source: ONS data)
Much of this talent has been drawn from our nearby universities, including Reading and Royal Holloway London University (RHUL). Oxford University and Oxford Brookes University are both an hour away. The University of Reading is nearest and is home to the Henley Business School.
Some of the country’s best private education is within easy reach. As well as Eton, probably Britain’s best-known school, just 30 minutes away, Bracknell Forest is home to Wellington College which has sister schools in China, Thailand and India. Many more outstanding private schools are available in and around the borough.
In the borough itself there are:
- 31 primary schools
- 7 secondary schools
- one special school
- a further education college - Bracknell and Wokingham College
- a nationally renowned independent day and boarding school - Wellington College
- one higher education college - Newbold College
Business support
Bracknell Forest Council provides a wide range of services for businesses in the borough. Our aim is to support the borough’s people and environment whilst maintaining and strengthening our vibrant business community.
Find more business information on this website.
Sign up for our newsletter
Our monthly newsletter contains updates for local businesses in the borough.
Read our latest newsletter
Take a look at our latest newsletter.
Free business support is also available on the UK Government’s business website.
Partnerships
Bracknell Forest has a strong tradition of successful partnerships. By coming together to share their knowledge and expertise, and to pool resources, organisations of all sizes and sectors are supporting the area’s economic prosperity and vibrancy.
Bracknell Forest Cambium Partnership
Bracknell Forest Cambium Partnership is a joint venture between Bracknell Forest Council and Countryside Partnership (part of the Vistry Group) to develop multiple sites in and around Bracknell Town Centre.
The objective is to proactively help the physical delivery of the strategic vision for the town centre, including enabling the provision of affordable homes for local residents.
Berkshire Growth Hub
The Berkshire Growth Hub is funded Department of Business and Trade (UK Government) to help ambitious entrepreneurs grow their business.
They help both start-ups and established companies, providing free support and advice that includes networking events, workshops and masterclasses on a range of business issues.
Bracknell Forest Economic Partnership
Bracknell Forest, unlike anywhere else in the Thames Valley, is fortunate to have a highly active business-led partnership that covers the entire borough called the Bracknell Forest Economic Partnership.
The purpose of the partnership is to facilitate and promote the continued economic development of Bracknell Forest. The partnership acts as the voice of business and brings together representatives from the private, public and education sectors.
Bracknell Business Improvement District
A Business Improvement District (BID) is a defined geographical area in which local, individual rate paying businesses put forward ideas to improve and transform their area.
The Bracknell BID area comprises the Southern and Western areas.
UK Shared Prosperity Fund
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is a central pillar of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda. It is a significant component of its support for places across the UK.
Our investment plan focuses on 3 UKSPF investment priorities:
- communities and place
- local business
- people and Skills
Our projects include:
- ARK voluntary transport
Find out more about UKSPF and our projects.
Town centre regeneration
Bracknell Forest has a wide range of leisure facilities that allow visitors to be fit and healthy, have fun, celebrate and relax.
The Lexicon
The Lexicon is a leading shopping destination in Berkshire, offering a first-class quality shopping experience.
The Lexicon boasts anchor stores M&S and Fenwick, plus over 85 shops and restaurants, 12 screen 4DX Cineworld and ample parking.
Since opening in 2017 The Lexicon has won a several industry awards, including:
- Revo 2023 - Best marketing campaign of the year for Bracknell Forest Festival
- ICSC Maxi Awards 2023 - Gold award, marketing excellence and experiential for Bracknell Forest Giants
- Solal Awards 2022 - Highly commended award for Bracknell Forest Giants
- The Pineapple Awards 2022 - Golden pineapple award for activation for Bracknell Forest Giants
Leisure in Bracknell Forest
Bracknell Forest combines outstanding leisure facilities with beautiful green spaces, creating the perfect balance of activity and relaxation.
From modern gyms, swimming pools and spa amenities to scenic parks, woodlands and nature reserves, the area offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a lively workout, family fun or a peaceful walk in the countryside, Bracknell Forest has it all.
Bracknell Leisure Centre
From swimming to exercise classes, discover what Bracknell Leisure Centre can offer you!
A hub for health and fitness, Bracknell Leisure Centre (managed by Everyone Active) features:
- a 120‑station gym
- 3 swimming pools (including competition and teaching pools)
- group exercise studios
- a sports hall
- athletics track
- outdoor pitch
- soft play area
- a spa with sauna, steam room and hot tub
Downshire Golf Complex
Be driven at our 18-hole championship golf course!
An 18-hole championship course situated just outside Bracknell, ideal for both serious players and beginners.
Coral Reef Waterworld
Come and explore Coral Reef and the giant waterslides! It's fun for all the family!
Located nearby, this family fun centre is renowned for its giant waterslides, wave pool and toddler splash zones, making it a hit with younger visitors.
The Look Out
The Look Out Discovery Centre is a hands-on science and discovery centre in Swinley Forest. It offers over 90 interactive exhibits for children and families to enjoy. By combining indoor STEM exploration with outdoor play areas, nature trails, picnic spots, a café, and accessible facilities, the centre provides a full day of education and fun.
Swinley Forest
Swinley Forest is a Crown Estate woodland covering over 2,600 acres. It has gently rolling hills, historic Iron Age earthworks, and mixed pine and broadleaf trees. This area is great for walking, family picnics, and mountain biking on 24 km of trails. It also features attractions like Go Ape and The Look Out Discovery Centre.
Bracknell Forest parks and playgrounds
More than 150 parks and countryside sites can be found throughout the borough.
These range from small copses and meadows to larger nature reserves and parks.
Useful documents
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Business survey 2022
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2 MB |