Business leaders gathered at the Oakwood Centre for the festival, which was organised in a bid to boost the town’s image and encourage new firms to set up shop.

The festival, which took place last Thursday, was attended by representatives from 130 businesses. Southern Fried Chicken managing director Andrew Withers gave the keynote speech, telling local businesses to “just get out there”.

The fast food chain has been based in Woodley since the 1960s. Wokingham Mayor, Cllr UllaKarin Clark, then encouraged businesses to do more to help out charities. She said: “It is good to see so many businesses coming together to make things happen in Woodley.

So many charities are doing so much good in the local area, but they do not necessarily have the right expertise to make the most out of their fundraising.

“They need local businesses to support them, not just financially, but in providing some time and we urge local businesses to work with at least one local charity, whether it’s helping with their accounts, PR and marketing or providing some extra people to help fundraise.”