Businesses gain access to our popular projects (The Giving Tree, Reading RESCUE and Summer Appeal) plus networking, learning opportunities and use of our Resource Xchange. They can also access free Team Challenges as part of their membership
We serve over 150 members from the business, non-profit, education and public sector. This unique cross-sector model connects organisations for mutual benefit.
When your business joins the network, you and your colleagues will have access to our calendar of monthly events, team challenge days and our flagship projects. By participating in Connect Reading’s activities, you can boost your business’ ESG, helping to build a better Reading for everyone.
Unique deal to access place-based social value measurement platform
Free first staff wellbeing questionnaire through the KAYA platform.
20% discount on room bookings (6 person meeting room & 12 person board room)
10% discount on music workshops for team building activities
Special discount on event bookings and meals for your team.
Find out about unused materials in our member spaces.
We collate info about unused materials for our members.
Ad hoc training for non-executive director roles & inclusive recruitment
Connect with their L&D platform to grow your team’s skills
Joining the Connect Reading network gives your business access to organisations from every sector, boosting your profile and giving you multiple opportunities to build connections, social value and brand awareness. Accessing regular cross-sector events which include networking and L&D sessions is another great bonus!
As we’re a micro-charity, we unfortunately cannot freeze memberships due to the significant impact it has on our cashflow. We have worked to make our sliding scales of membership as accessible as possible, for every sector. To ensure we can sustain our excellent service delivery, membership and access to our services is for a continual 12 months with annual renewal.
Boosting your business’ social value, accessing bitesize bi-monthly L&D sessions for all your staff plus the opportunity to participate in our flagship projects are the core reasons to join our network. In addition, we identify partnerships with local and national businesses and nonprofits to leverage extra benefits for our members!
Our sliding scale of membership is as reasonable and accessible as possible. So if your Reading-based office only has a small number of employees who will use our services, we can charge a slightly lower rate – even if the business itself is a national or global corporation. We require evidence of the number of employees based at that office, to help us plan for the appropriate level of services for your business once you join.
ESG is Environment, Social & Governance; formerly known as CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). ESG refers to the 3 key factors when measuring the sustainability and ethical impact of a business. Many companies refer to these as 3 pillars, and therefore choose to report in these areas.
Annual/membership charges are based on turnover per annum.
CICs with under £1.5m turnover are charged at £200 per annum. CICs with over £1.5m turnover are classed in the same category businesses.
Sign up to become part of a community who are passionate about building a better Reading, for everyone.
Connect Reading has helped me and my business feel more integrated and a part of the Reading community. We’ve got to know charities that do really important work here and also allowed us to give back in some way.