Business networking event encourages employees to volunteer in Royal Borough

Srengthening ties between businesses and the community was the aim of a networking event attended by the Royal Borough council leader.

The free event held on Thursday, February 5, was organised by Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead (WAM) Get Involved, a volunteering database which provides help to community projects.

Cllr David Burbage (Con, Bray) was guest of honour at the event, which aims to get businesses more involved with the community by encouraging their employees to volunteer.

Among the 30 people who attended there were representatives from supermarket Waitrose, communications company Three and John Goodwin clothing.

Chris Barrett, chairman of trustees at Berkshire Community Foundation, Cllr Christine Bateson (Con, Sunningdale) and Cllr Colin Rayner (Con, Horton and Wraysbury) were also present.

Eileen Denny, WAM Get Involved co-ordinator and event organiser, said: "It was an excellent event and there was a really great atmosphere. Businesses had the opportunity to network with Cllr Burbage and other groups.

"The main aim was to kick-start a more tailored programme of community engagement for businesses in the area and showing businesses how volunteering can benefit them and their employees."

Feedback from the event was positive and WAM Get Involved was able to promote a new toolkit on its website, and Employer Supported Volunteering Programme.

Eileen added: "A lot of people were saying they would like to see more networking events like this and we’re keen to get the ball rolling in the Royal Borough with this programme."

Visit http://rbwm.communitydatabase.co.uk/ for more information on volunteering.

The event took place at Windsor Guildhall.