Welcome to
The Skills and Business Hub
The Skills and Business Hub is an independent, not-for-profit organisation supporting businesses, individuals, and educators across Berkshire. Whether you’re growing a business, building your career, or supporting others to thrive through skills development — we’re here to help you take the next step.
15 years
Supporting businesses in Berkshire
From classroom to boardroom
At The Skills and Business Hub, we bring together expert advice, practical support, and real opportunities to help you move forward with confidence. From education to enterprise, we serve Berkshire and the surrounding areas as a trusted partner.
You don’t have to navigate it all alone. We are here to help you grow your network, build your skills, and unlock new possibilities.
From finding the right training or funding, to connecting with local employers, educators or peers — we are your partner in progress from classroom to boardroom. Through our networks, events and thought leadership, you’ll have the platform to share your expertise, build your reputation, and influence the conversations that shape your sector and the region.
Our support hubs
Berkshire Growth Hub
Business support when you need it. Gain free impartial advice whatever stage of your business. Your journey; our support.
Berkshire Growth Hub delivers fully-funded support from the Department of Business and Trade to small and medium sized businesses, from start-up to high growth. Whether you are launching or ready to scale, we can provide tailored guidance to help you achieve real results.
Our support is part of the Business Growth Service: to transform how businesses access government and partner support by creating an inspiring, seamless, and trusted experience that connects all businesses to the right advice and support when they need it most.
Skills and Apprenticeships Hub
The Skills and Apprenticeships Hub exists to help employers thrive and individuals succeed. Whether you’re looking to upskill your team, fill critical roles, or explore apprenticeships, we’re here to connect you with the right opportunities and support.
Berkshire Skills Bootcamps are making a real impact—supporting individuals’ skills development and addressing the workforce needs of Berkshire employers. Skills Bootcamps offer flexible training programmes designed to help individuals gain in-demand skills and fast-track into jobs.
Berkshire Careers Hub
Berkshire Careers Hub, part of the Careers and Enterprise Company, delivers fully-funded careers support to educational institutions across Berkshire, empowering young people to secure their best next steps.
The Careers Hub team facilitates real-world experiences, employer engagement, and help to shape tailored careers programmes that help young people understand their options and take confident steps forward.
We work closely with Employers and Volunteers to provide coordinated access to future talent while helping shape the careers education that prepares tomorrow’s workforce.
A thriving community
Join. Connect. Succeed.
Berkshire is a hub of innovation and growth, home to global ICT leaders like Vodafone UK and thriving specialisms in AI, Cybersecurity, Data Infrastructure, and Software Development. It is one of Europe’s top Biopharmaceutical clusters and features over 20 high-growth clusters, making it a prime location for businesses to thrive.
Discover Berkshire’s diverse economy and find where your business belongs and can flourish.
Enterprise in Berkshire
Recent data suggests that the business population returned to growth in 2025, increasing by 0.9% - stronger than the regional and national increases of 0.1% and 0.4%
In 2024 there were 49,895 active enterprises in Berkshire, 6.4% below 2019 levels – sharper than fall across the South East (-3.7%), London (-0.4%) and the UK (-1.0%)
The number of businesses has fallen in each year since 2020, although the rate of decline slowed in 2024 to just -0.03%
Berkshire’s business start-up rate remains below the national rate but has increased over the past two years
In 2024, Berkshire’s rate of business births (as a proportion of active enterprises) was 10.7% - above the rate for the South East (10.0%) but below the rates for London (12.7%) and the UK (11.1%)
The business start-up rate remained below 2019 levels (11.9%) but has increased over the past two years, from a low of 10.3% in 2022 – against no improvement across the South East and London
Jobs in Berkshire
Berkshire has experienced strong job growth compared to national and regional rates, although job growth has slowed since the COVID-19 pandemic
- Strong job growth in 2023: Berkshire was home to 624,000 jobs in 2023, up 2.8% on the previous year – stronger than growth across the South East (0.5%), London (1.6%) and Great Britain (1.1%)
- Five-year growth has also been strong: Between 2018 and 2023, jobs in Berkshire grew by 5.2%, stronger than growth across the South East (1.8%) and Great Britain (3.1%), although weaker than growth in London (7.1%)
- Compared to 2019 levels, VAT/PAYE jobs in 2025 were significantly higher in Administrative and Support Service Activities (+15,000), Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities (+13,000) and Human Health and Social Work Activities (+10,000)
Grow Your Network and Your Skillset
Get your business noticed. Post your business event to establish thought leadership and attract your ideal audience. Looking to connect? Browse our curated selection of workshops, networking sessions, and seminars designed for ambitious professionals.
Join our network
Sign up for our free membership to gain instant access to resources and tools designed to increase your visibility and help your business thrive. Connect with a vibrant business community and unlock opportunities to raise your profile, grow your network, and access the support you need to move your business forward.
FAQ
Whatever your question. We’re here to help. Can’t find what you’re looking for?
Get in touch: [email protected]
What kind of support can I get from The Skills and Business Hub?
We offer a range of support including business advice, professional development, networking opportunities and tailored skills programmes, all designed to equip individuals and businesses with the tools, knowledge and connections they need to succeed.
How can I promote my business through the network?
Members can feature their content, post events and vacancies, and appear in our searchable business directory. It’s a great way to raise your profile and connect with others across the local area.
How can my business benefit from Skills Bootcamps?
With Skills Bootcamps in a variety of sectors, employers can access tailored training for their teams or connect with skilled learners ready to work.
How can I get involved with The Careers Hub as an employer or volunteer?
We connect schools and colleges with employers to bring careers to life — helping young people across Berkshire explore real opportunities.
Click here to find out more about our Give An Hour programme or how to become an Enterprise Adviser.
Is the Growth Hub support really free?
Yes! It’s fully funded by the Department for Business and Trade, so there’s no cost to you.
I’m not sure where to start — can you help?
Absolutely. Our team can help you figure out the right next step, whether that’s training, funding, networking, or something else entirely. Get in touch at [email protected]
Latest events
13
Jan
12:30
Break free from procrastination and fear of failure
14-21
Jan
Sessions
LAUNCH into business January 2026
11-18
Feb
Sessions