WOKINGHAM Positive Difference (WPD) will host its final event before the summer break this Friday.
The group, which brings together local business leaders, local government and representatives from the voluntary sector, will be hearing from three contributing speakers; Clive Jones MP, High Sheriff of Royal Berkshire Sean Taylor, and David Fenton.
Clive Jones, MP for Wokingham since 2024, and Lib Dem spokesman on trade, returns to Wokingham Positive Difference to share reflections on his first year in Parliament, from leading campaigns to rebuild the Royal Berkshire Hospital and fighting for cleaner rivers, to shaping national trade policy.
He will explore what options communities have in helping to influence national decisions and will share his insights on how real change happens.
Clive started his career in the toy industry.
Managing director of a large corporate for 11 years, he was also chairman of the British Toy and Hobby Association.
Elected as a Borough Councillor in 2016, in 2022 he led his party to become the first Lib Dem administration at Wokingham Borough Council for 20 years.
High Sheriff of Royal Berkshire, Sean Taylor will speak about how business and community involvement can powerfully reinforce one another.
He will share his personal journey, from launching a global communications technology company to co-founding the Business Philanthropy Club and supporting numerous local charities.
And he’ll reflect on how philanthropy fosters trust, loyalty, and purpose within business culture, and how connecting with community values enhances brand reputation, employee engagement, and long-term sustainability.
In the mid- 1990s he co-founded Redwood Technologies Group and in 2005 Content Gurus, which provides mission-critical software.
The company today has 500 employees in the Americas, Asia Pac and Europe with its headquarters in Bracknell.
In 2016 Contest Gurus was awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise.
David Fenton from the Marketing Centre joins Wokingham Positive Difference as part of his Global Challenge for Change Launch.
David has been UK Marketing Director for Jewson, and for Black and Decker.
Wokingham Positive Difference founder Graeme Hobbs said: “Join us for this final event of the year to hear from our three main contributors, and to meet a variety of first-time visitors.
“There should be some excellent networking available along with the chance to gain some fascinating insights on the worlds of politics, business, and community.”
Monthly WPD meetings, which include buffet breakfast, speakers and an opportunity to engage with a range of organisation representatives, take place monthly at Wokingham Town Hall.
The next event is at the town hall, on Friday, July 18, at 8am.
Tickets cost £25, and can be purchased online.
For information, visit: wokinghampositivedifference.co.uk
