Business in Bracknell - Business in Bracknell

With its close proximity to London and Reading, and easy access to the M4, M3, and M25, Bracknell’s prime location in the UK's Silicon Valley has made it an ideal choice for many High Tech Companies. Let’s find out more about …. Business in Bracknell.

The original Bracknell was a small hamlet which, located close to Windsor and surrounded by forest, made it a popular hunting ground for the local nobility. Indeed many Saxon Kings built hunting lodges in the area, including Easthampstead House which was built by Edward III in 1350. The name Bracknell derives from ‘Braccen-Heale’ - meaning "Bracken covered secret place." For centuries, Bracknell remained a sleepy Berkshire village until a post-war rebuilding scheme earned the town its ‘New Town’ designation.

London had suffered heavily during the blitz and many of its inhabitants were living in rough conditions. To ease the overcrowded capital, the government selected eight villages dotted around London, and turned them into self-supporting towns. Bracknell was one of the first. (The others were Basildon, Crawley, Harlow, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage, and Welwyn Garden City.)

The ‘New Town’ of Bracknell offered its residents employment, good quality housing, clean air, and a pleasant uncrowded environment. What’s more, the town would attract businesses and industry, allowing companies a perfect opportunity to establish themselves in a new community. In short, a secure life in modern, attractive surroundings with all amenities within close proximity.

A common criticism of Bracknell (and indeed most other new towns) is the perceived ‘lack of character’. The original towns and surrounding areas were gradually flattened as villages became modern towns. As such, little of the original Bracknell remains. That said, many blue-chip corporations have chosen Bracknell as their UK base, including Panasonic, BMW, Racal, Fujitsu, Dell, Hewlett Packard, 3M, Honeywell, and Macromedia Europe.

Did You Know?...

Bracknell only has 3 ancient buildings - all of them pubs. The Old Manor is rumoured to have numerous secret passages – including one to the old Hind’s Head (now demolished) which stood opposite. Legend has it that Dick Turpin frequented both hostelries.

The other surviving buildings are the Red Lion and the Bull - both timber framed inns. In front of the Red Lion you’ll find one of Bracknell’s unusual fountains: a large rotating granite ball suspended in a pool of water. In nearby Charles Square you’ll find a huge clock-fountain.

Celebrated poet Percy Bysshe Shelley was a Bracknell resident for several years.