Business leaders, investors, developers and public sector representatives gathered at The Capitol Building on 22 October for Invest in Bracknell Forest 2026. The event showcased the opportunities driving growth across the borough.
Organised by Bracknell Business Improvement District (BID) and Bracknell Forest Council, the event was hosted by broadcaster Andrew Peach. It brought together influential voices from the property, investment and business sectors to discuss Bracknell's economic strengths, commercial property market and future ambitions.
Opening the event, Rory Lewis, manager at Bracknell BID, outlined the BID's priorities and vision for 2026 to 2030. Jonathan Scholefield, BID board director, reflected on the organisation's development and its continuing role in supporting local businesses and investment.
Peter Swallow, MP for Bracknell, Crowthorne, Sandhurst, and Whitegrove, provided a national perspective, highlighting Bracknell's strong credentials across business, housing, leisure and industry. Delegates also heard from Bracknell Forest Council's deputy leader, Cllr Paul Bidwell, who spoke about the council's economic priorities and the success of local employment initiatives. Andrew Hunter, executive director: place, highlighted opportunities for greater collaboration across Berkshire and the scale of the wider regional economy.
A key focus of the event was showcasing organisations that have successfully invested in and grown within Bracknell. Jess Ford of Realty Income discussed the company's investment in The Lexicon and emphasised the importance of long-term investment and strong occupier relationships.
Clifton Vaughan, co-founder of Natural Baby Shower, shared the company's growth journey and highlighted Bracknell's strategic location and excellent transport links as important factors in its success. Andy Jansons of Jansons Property spoke about the confidence investors continue to place in Bracknell's property market, citing its location between London and Heathrow as a major attraction.
Delegates also heard from Saba Tahzib, devolution director for the Berkshire Authorities, who explored the opportunities devolution could bring to regional collaboration, economic growth and future investment.
The event concluded with a panel discussion, ‘why invest here?’, featuring representatives from Bracknell Forest Council, Bracknell BID, Frasers Property, UK Property Forums and Easthampstead Park Hotel. Panellists discussed Bracknell's competitive advantages, future opportunities and the importance of partnership working to support long-term prosperity.
Rory Lewis, BID manager at Bracknell BID, said:
"This event demonstrated the confidence that businesses and investors have in Bracknell. From global investors to successful local businesses, we heard compelling examples of why organisations choose to invest, grow and succeed here. Bracknell's connectivity, talented workforce and collaborative business community continue to make it one of the UK's most attractive locations for investment."
Cllr Paul Bidwell, deputy leader and cabinet member for adults, economy and regeneration at Bracknell Forest Council, said:
"Bracknell Forest continues to be one of the most attractive places in the South East to invest, grow a business and build a career. Through strong partnerships between the council, Bracknell BID and the business community, we are creating the conditions for long-term economic success. Events such as Invest in Bracknell Forest are invaluable in showcasing the opportunities available here and demonstrating the confidence that businesses and investors have in our borough's future. Bracknell Forest welcomes new business and would be delighted to assist organisations wanting to move to Bracknell."
The event closed with networking and lunch, allowing attendees to build valuable connections and continue discussions around future investment opportunities in Bracknell Forest.
