Invest in Bracknell Forest 2026 Showcases Borough's Growth Opportunities
Business leaders and public sector representatives convened to discuss Bracknell's economic strengths, commercial property market, and future ambitions.
By Hannah Prentice
••3 min read
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Generic image of a modern office building facade with large glass windows reflecting a blue sky.
The Capitol Building hosted Invest in Bracknell Forest 2026 on 22 October, where business leaders, investors, and public sector representatives gathered to explore growth opportunities across the borough.
Organised by Bracknell Business Improvement District (BID) and Bracknell Forest Council, the event featured broadcaster Andrew Peach as host. It convened influential figures from the property, investment, and business sectors to deliberate on Bracknell's economic strengths, its commercial property market, and future aspirations.
Rory Lewis, manager at Bracknell BID, opened the event by outlining the BID's priorities and vision for 2026 to 2030. Jonathan Scholefield, BID board director, reflected on the organisation's development and its ongoing support for local businesses and investment.
Peter Swallow, MP for Bracknell, Crowthorne, Sandhurst, and Whitegrove, offered a national perspective, emphasising Bracknell's robust credentials in business, housing, leisure, and industry. Delegates also heard from Cllr Paul Bidwell, deputy leader of Bracknell Forest Council, who detailed the council's economic priorities and the success of local employment initiatives. Andrew Hunter, executive director: place, highlighted potential for enhanced collaboration across Berkshire and the scale of the wider regional economy.
A significant focus was placed on organisations that have successfully invested in and expanded within Bracknell. Jess Ford of Realty Income discussed the company's investment in The Lexicon, stressing the importance of long-term investment and strong occupier relationships. Clifton Vaughan, co-founder of Natural Baby Shower, shared the company's growth trajectory, citing Bracknell's strategic location and excellent transport links as key factors. Andy Jansons of Jansons Property spoke about sustained investor confidence in Bracknell's property market, noting its advantageous position between London and Heathrow.
Saba Tahzib, devolution director for the Berkshire Authorities, explored the opportunities devolution could present for regional collaboration, economic growth, and future investment. The event concluded with a panel discussion titled ‘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 prospects, and the critical role of partnership working in fostering long-term prosperity.
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"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."
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"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 concluded with networking and lunch, providing attendees with opportunities to build connections and continue discussions on future investment prospects in Bracknell Forest.
