The ARK Voluntary Community Transport
The Ark provides a range of support services to the local community.
This scheme provides volunteer transport for residents to access services and improve mobility and social inclusion. The funding is used for the operating costs, promotion, and scheme coordination. The scheme benefits residents across the whole of Bracknell Forest.
Quarter 2 update
Since April 2023:
- there are 17 fully trained and vetted volunteer drivers
- over 70 individuals have used the service
- individuals with mobility issues and those living with dementia are the main users
A cake sale is scheduled in Times Square to raise money for Hardship Fund.
Craft Coop
Craft Coop, located in Princess Square at The Lexicon, gives local artists a platform to sell their products. They also offer marketing support to help grow their businesses.
Quarter 2 update
The Craft Coop have:
- generated over £18,000 revenue for crafters since opening in June 2023
- created 4 part-time roles (3 paid roles)
- support 35 local crafters (150 in total which covers all 5 stores)
- launched a Christmas Giving Tree to support Home Start Bracknell families
Commemorative display
A commemorative display was a collaborative effort between the community, knitting groups and Craft Coop, who knitted more than 1,000 poppies to decorate the Poppy Pod. The poppies created for the Poppy Pod in Princess Square will be saved and sold to the public next year.
Bracknell BID business area feasibility study
The study has been successfully signed off by the Bracknell BID Board.
The Bracknell BID will appoint a consultant to assess the scope and opportunities to enhance the accessibility and functioning of the Western and Easthampstead Road area.
The outcome of the study will define a range of interventions to support businesses to maximise the economic value of the business areas and strengthen the location as a premier destination.
This study has recently gone out to tender to a number of consultancies.
Berkshire Growth Hub
The Berkshire Growth Hub delivers the government funded business advice service and supports small and medium sized enterprises in Berkshire to achieve sustainable business growth.
Start-up programme
An intensive 5-week programme of workshops and coaching sessions designed to provide skills and knowledge needed to launch a business successfully.
The last cohort was hosted by Bracknell Forest Open Learning Centre where delegates pitched their businesses. These ranged from pre-clinical research, mental health and wellbeing to public relations and marketing.
High Growth programme
Tailored support, for existing small businesses providing a dedicated business adviser and access to 1-1 sessions with sector specialists.
Feedback from businesses who attended the Start Up Programme in November:
"It was so good! Was pleasantly surprised, great delivery of great content."
"Excellent workshop! Learnt so much. Absolutely invaluable."
"Fantastic presentation and most authentic and supportive environment."
Marketing
We have a dedicated webpage for all existing local projects. View our UK Shared Prosperity Fund page.
Financials and reporting
| Project | Investment to date (end Nov 2023) | Total committed investment (up to March 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| The Ark Community Transport | £40,000 | £80,000 |
| Craft Coop | £30,000 | £55,000 (including £5,000 contingency) |
| Bracknell BID feasibility study | Nil | £12,708 |
| Bracknell BID area strategy | Nil | £138,000 |
| Town centre CCTV | Nil | £80,000 |
| Town centre civil enforcement | Nil | £100,000 |
| Cultural programme | Nil | £220,000 |
| Berkshire Growth Hub | £40,000 | £60,000 |
| Bracknell Skills and Training Hub | £4,800 | £240,000 |