To enable us to continue working for our members we would be delighted to welcome new committee members. If you would like to assist the branch in organising events, campaigning on behalf of local small businesses and promoting the benefits of the FSB in our area please contact Martin Judd, or attend our monthly committee meetings which are held at The Elephant in Pangbourne on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7pm.

Details of Thames Valley Events can be found here 

Representing Small Businesses In Reading & West Berkshire

The Reading & West Berkshire branch committee represents small businesses from Earley in the East to Lambourne in the West. We sit on many local bodies representing small businesses as well as meeting with local authority leaders and MP's. If you would like to help us ensure that the voice of small businesses in Reading & West Berkshire is heard we would welcome your support. Please contact Samantha Barker.

Reading & West Berkshire's Longest Serving Member

Few can claim to have been such a loyal member of the FSB - or to have seen firsthand the benefits that membership can bring - however, West Berkshire electrician Paul House has been a member since 1974, the year the FSB was founded.

Paul and his wife Annaliese were guests of honour at a recent Business Connections event held at Porsche by the local branch and were presented with a bottle of Champagne by branch chair, Nicky Goringe-Larkin.

Paul House founded his business in Thatcham, West Berkshire in 1972 and joined the FSB two years later after his accountact recommended he join to benefit from the legal cover which Paul has since used many times.

Paul says "The FSB has given me peace of mind over the last 38 years and when I retired in 2006 I remained a "retired member" to enable me to continue to use the benefits.

Since setting up his business almost 40 years ago Paul has seen many changes. He said "The biggest change for small businesses has been the increase in legislation. As a small business it is very hard to keep up with when you are working hard to run your business". " My tip for a long and successful business would be look after your customers, listen to their needs and offer a quality service they can trust and rely on".

Reading & West Berkshire Branch Of The FSB And Business Biscotti

We are pleased to announce the launch of a new partnership between Business Biscotti and the FSB, Reading & West Berkshire Branch.

Business Biscotti's philosphy is to enable local business men and women to network in a relaxed, informal and flexible way.  The groups have rapidly grown and now offers free networking in many locations. Find your local event here.

FSB Reading & West Berkshire and Business Biscotti will be working together to promote each organisations events. This will add further to the many benefits of membership.

Business Biscotti Henley on Thames meets every third Tuesday of each month 10.00am - 12.00 midday River and Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley on Thames, Oxon, RG9 1BF. No need to book. No charge just the cost of your refreshment. Alison Haynes, FSB Recruiter will be attending and happy to talk to new or existing FSB members about benefits of membership.

Read the first London 2012 Travel Advice for Business newsletter for advice on preparing for the Games

How can being a member of the UK's leading business organisation save your business money?