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Displaying the latest 10 stories posted to Chamber News.

01 Sep - Be Your Own Boss Club continues to inspire entrepreneurs

The Be Your Own Boss Club, staged by the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group, in conjunction with SEGRO, will be held once again at the Enterprise Quarter on Slough Trading Estate. Following the huge success of its previous two events, the third instalment will be held on Tuesday 7 September 2010 from 17.00. Aimed at micro-businesses and potential start ups, the evening is for those seeking inspiration, information, mentoring, support and advice. The evening will equip attendees with tips and information about starting and growing a successful business. Encouragement and confidence is given for those who are at a crossroads within their business or need a boost. Support available on the night includes: counseling from the Chamber’s Business Advice Service; accountants, banks and solicitors; business consultants and a Networking Zone with an opportunity to chat informally with entrepreneurs, business owners and professional advisers. A highlight of the evening are short hints and tips talks on everything from business planning to cloud computing featuring the following speakers: Nick Bettes, Business Advisor, Nick Bettes Consulting; Andrew Moorcroft, Marketing Executive, Menzies; Dawn Edwards, Managing Director, The Real Business Club; Ian Summerfield, CEO, Optim IP Ltd; Peter Smith, Joint Managing Director, The Better Business Alliance Ltd; Brian Wall, Director, BML Solutions Ltd; Abdul Majed, Senior Operations Manager, Targ8 Ltd. David Drummond, from host SEGRO, commented: “We’re delighted to be hosting this great event once again. The Be Your Own Boss Club in April attracted over 80 members providing them with essential guidance and advice on how to grow a business. The commercial landscape is fast changing around us and new businesses should be working now to ensure that they’re in the best position possible to take full advantage of the upturn when it arrives.” The evening will be held at the Enterprise Quarter on Slough Trading Estate, which is dedicated to nurturing small and SME businesses. Contact Claire Prosser at Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce on 01753 870500 for more information about the event. To book a place at this complimentary evening, visit www.thamesvalleychamber.co.uk/events - Ends - For all Thames Valley Chamber press enquiries, please contact Ginette Gower 01753 870500 ginettegower@tvchamber.co.uk at The Chamber Press Office For all SEGRO press enquiries, please contact Emma Hammond, FD, emma.hammond@fd.com About The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group works with businesses across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire to help them achieve their full business potential through; meeting new customers, cutting costs, developing their workforce, influencing local decision makers and arming them with business intelligence. Membership is available to all businesses in the Thames Valley. The Business Advice Service (run by the Chamber) offers confidential, one-to-one counselling sessions with volunteer qualified counselors will be available. They possess expertise in both running and helping small and large organisations. They are dedicated to helping people achieve their business goals. For a confidential appointment, contact Customer Services on: 01753 870 500. About Slough Trading Estate Founded in 1920, Slough Trading Estate was the world’s first trading estate and, to this day, is the largest business centre of its kind in Europe under single private ownership. The Estate covers 196 hectares and includes a total of around 700,000 sq. m of business space, occupied by over 400 companies and 17,000 people. The Estate provides a wide range of accommodation from 44 sq. m units for small start-up companies, to space for major international companies. Slough Trading Estate is part of SEGRO, Europe’s leading provider of flexible space. About SEGRO SEGRO is Europe’s leading provider of flexible business space, operating from a network of offices across 10 countries. The Group is a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), listed on the London Stock Exchange. SEGRO’s portfolio comprises £5.3 billion of predominantly industrial and warehouse assets concentrated in and around major business centres and transportation hubs such as ports, airports and motorways intersections. The group serves over 1,900 customers spread across many geographic and different industry sectors. It has 5.9 million sq m of built space and a passing rent roll of £344 million as at 31 December 2009. For more information: www.SEGRO.com

31 Aug - The Chamber Network upgrades short term economic prospects

The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce today announces the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) latest Economic Forecast today which raises expectations for UK GDP growth to 1.7% for this year, and to 2.2% for 2011. Despite the more positive short-term view, it is also predicted that the pace of growth will slow sharply over the medium-term as the Coalition Government’s tough deficit-reduction measures kick in. While the BCC commends the Coalition’s commitment to slash Britain’s huge budget deficit by focusing on curbing public spending, it is argued that the cuts must be coupled with a successful growth strategy, which ensures the economy’s productive potential is supported. The main features of the Forecast include: • GDP growth of 1.7% in 2010, 2.2% in 2011 and 1.8% in 2012. In June, a growth of 1.3% in 2010 and 2.0% in 2011 was predicted. The Coalition’s austerity programme and the worsening global background are likely to dampen Britain’s medium-term prospects. • Unemployment will increase over the next 18 months. This forecast envisages unemployment rising from 2.46 million to a peak of 2.65 million (8.3% of the workforce) in the first half of 2012. • With tax receipts showing surprising buoyancy in recent months, we expect the deficit to fall faster than planned. We predict large declines in public sector net borrowing (PSNB), to £144bn (9.7% of GDP) in 2010-11, £110bn in 2011-12, and £83bn (5.1% of GDP) in 2012-2013. • CPI inflation will remain above the 2% target until the end of 2011, but it is likely to fall below 3% over the next year. In annual average terms we forecast CPI inflation at 3.2% in 2010, 2.7% in 2011 and 1.7% in 2012. RPI inflation is forecast to average 4.7% in 2010, 4.1% in 2011 and 2.8% in 2012. • The Monetary Policy Committee is expected to hold interest rates at 0.5% until the second quarter of 2011. By the end of 2011, we expect the Bank Rate to hit 1.75%. Commenting on the UK’s economic outlook, Claire Prosser, policy executive, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group, said: “Thames Valley business appreciates that sacrifices will have to be made in the next few years, as the tough but necessary austerity measures begin to bite. “Business accepts that reducing the deficit, with a clear focus on spending cuts, is vital in order to restore confidence, international credibility and stability. However, deficit reduction on its own will not deliver a sustainable recovery. “There must be a relentless focus on ensuring that business is able to deliver growth and create employment. We need policies that rebalance the economy towards wealth-creating businesses, and enable the private sector to invest, export and create new jobs. Failure to get this right poses the biggest risk to recovery.” “UK GDP was very strong in the second quarter of 2010 and the pace of growth will remain satisfactory in the second half of this year. Activity will be supported in the short-term by the cumulative impact of the huge injections of stimulus during the recession, the earlier sharp falls in sterling, and the rebuilding of stocks. “However, we expect a sharp slowdown in the pace of growth to start in the first quarter of 2011, as VAT increases to 20% and tough spending cuts are implemented. The need to significantly cut the deficit, strengthen the banking sector, and reduce personal debt will inevitably limit growth until the middle of the decade. Over the next four to five years, GDP growth is likely to average just under 2% per annum, considerably less than the 3% average growth recorded in period between 1993 and 2007. “If successful, the forceful deficit-cutting strategy announced in the Emergency Budget would put the UK on a path of sustainable and affordable recovery, and could help create a leaner and fitter economy. But, the scale of fiscal retrenchment, and the decision to cut the deficit at an accelerated pace, will inevitably increase dangers of a double-dip recession. The new policy faces obstacles, and will only succeed if it is accompanied by a coherent growth strategy. “The Bank of England cannot ignore the risk that inflationary expectations may worsen, and its own credibility will be questioned if inflation stays for too long above the 2% target. However, threats of a setback to growth remain more serious than risks of a surge in inflation. Given the balance of risks facing the economy, we urge the MPC to keep interest rates at 0.5% until the second quarter of 2011 at the earliest, and to consider further increases in the Quantitative Easing programme if the economy weakens. “Recent improvements in the UK labour market mask worrying developments, which pose serious threats to Britain’s productive potential. Unless the labour market remains flexible during the recovery, and private sector employers are encouraged to expand, there is a risk that falling productivity would damage Britain’s medium-term growth prospects. Inactivity must decline, full-time employment needs to grow, and private sector employment must increase.” Press enquiries to the Chamber Press Office 01753 870500 Note to editors The full 13 page forecast is available on request

16 Aug - Marketing your Way to Success at Slough Chamber’s J6 Breakfast

The guest speaker at the next Slough Chamber of Commerce J6 Business Breakfast on Thursday, August 26 2010 is Roger Foster, Regional Director at the Chartered Institute of Marketing. Focusing on the vital elements that many businesses ignore, Roger will explain to delegates how they can learn to analyse their business and then apply sound marketing techniques to increase bottom line revenue. Attendees at this event will gain an overview of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and be shown ways in which a clear marketing strategy can be one of the most powerful weapons in growing a business. Places are still available at the event, to book visit www.thamesvalleychamber.co.uk/events The J6 Breakfast is Slough’s premier networking and speaker event and takes place at the Copthorne Hotel, the last Friday each month (except August). Speakers from the following organisations will be speaking at forthcoming J6 Breakfasts: Scottish & Southern Energy, Hotel Chocolat, BMW and Harley-Davidson. About the CIM: The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) is the leading international professional body for marketing. Established in 1911, it plays a lead role in training, developing and connecting marketing and sales practitioners. The CEO of CIM, Rod Wilkes, is the subject of the Top Down interview in the September/October edition of Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group’s magazine, Business Voice. Enquiries to the Chamber Press Office on 01753 870500.

13 Aug - Business in the Driving Seat

• Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce takes the lead • Government Cuts bring opportunity for businesses “News of Government and other cut backs continues daily unabated. We are slowly beginning to enter a new world order, where, hopefully, business will take the lead, grab the opportunities created by the cuts, and fill an often artificial void with both realism and sustainability.” “We are living in exciting times, in the hope that less Government interference will create space, motivation and determination for a renewed entrepreneurial spirit in the UK. The past decade has seen a very frightening rise of quangos, agencies and government funded groups and initiatives, often to each other’s detriment. It's hard to correctly assess the worth and tangibility of an organisation when it's propped up by funding and measured by extraordinary criteria, that often, business cannot understand or devote the energy to finding out about!” “Understanding the ramifications of these cuts is paramount; how they impact on individuals, society and business. The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group has been actively working with its membership, the wider business community and, where appropriate, the public sector, to ensure that we achieve the best possible outcome and opportunities as well as minimising the associated risks. The Chamber has been run and operated on business lines, to support its membership for many years. It receives no blanket government funding. It stands on its own feet thanks to membership subscriptions and its own commercial services. The Chamber is, to use the phrase, an SME in its own right. When energy and other costs rise, we suffer, just the same as any other business. We constantly need to attract new members, retain existing ones and deliver benefits and value; process International Trade documentation and give advice on exports; reflect the business community with policy guidance; and last but not least organise and deliver in excess of 230 business events each year. We are only able to do this successfully by listening and responding to the ever changing needs and demands of our membership and the business community. It’s essential we understand, manage and grow our business, otherwise we would no longer exist.” “Business over the past few years has responded to the Chamber, by supporting our endeavours financially. Of equal importance, members have given their time to assist with the future direction and scope of the work we are able to do. We are proud of our successes and constantly examine how we can improve and deliver further value to the membership. Whilst the Government will continue to make cuts, the Chamber, funded by its membership, will continue to provide practical assistance for business of all sizes during these difficult times. It’s worth emphasising that the Chamber is only able to do this, and remain independent, due to the commitment and support of its membership.” Paul Briggs, Chief Executive, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group Ends Press enquiries to The Chamber Press Office 01753 870500 Photo available on request

11 Aug - Scottish & Southern Energy on the ‘Future Energy World’ at Bracknell Business Insight 2010

Last Friday’s guest speaker at the seventh Bracknell Chamber of Commerce’s Business Insight event, was Mark Mathieson, Director of Distribution, Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE). Mark spoke about the future of corporate and consumer energy and the opportunities and challenges facing the industry. He described the technologies currently being developed to achieve both the EU ’20-20’ target of a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions and 20% of final energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020 plus the UK Government’s pledge to cut carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. Mark told the 70 delegates: “We agree that being environmentally friendly is not a luxury but an economic and social responsibility” “The advent of energy efficient smart homes, advances in the development of electrically powered vehicles, and the continued development of renewable energy sources such as geo-thermal and wind power generation to shift the supply from carbon based sources are major factors that will ultimately shape the future of energy supply and consumption.” “In addition, influencing how and when energy is consumed by the end user including the move towards ‘time of day tariffs’, and encouraging a change in attitude can offer significant results. One community group in Oxford reduced their energy consumption by 10% with this very approach, and this example can be shared so that this success can be replicated elsewhere.” OFGEM’s Low Carbon Network Fund (LCNF), also provides significant opportunity for Distribution Network Operators to bid for funding to identify and develop innovative solutions to meet these challenges. To meet the criteria for a successful bid, SSE intends to engage with a wide range of organisations to identify and deliver the optimum, technical commercial and logistical solutions. One of the greatest challenges is adapting the existing network infrastructure, developing new technology and network intervention initiatives to avoid the need for replacement, and the disruption that causes. SSE has recognised Bracknell as a network that is ideal to demonstrate the capabilities of new technologies and solutions, with a mix of large industrial and commercial companies, small and medium enterprises, the local Chamber and academic institutions readily available. It is intended that the creation of the ‘Thames Valley Business Consumer Consortium’ will facilitate the evaluation of issues and promotion of solutions across the whole business community. In order to achieve this, SSE are seeking to partner with local businesses prepared to participate in the project, deploying measures to manage consumption behaviour which will provide participants with the opportunity to shape and implement ‘early adoption’ solutions that will ultimately be both commercially and environmentally beneficial. Mark concluded: “Whilst SSE aim to stay at the forefront of new technological advances, shortly the talking will have to stop, and we will all have to get on and deliver.” Commenting on the event, Owen Everall, Site Engineering and Facilities Manager at Syngenta said “The event has been both enjoyable and insightful, and has given me a vision of the future of energy demand and the challenges facing the energy industry.” Owen went on to say “The onus is on us all to achieve energy efficiencies, and it should not be left to large corporations and the government to drive this. I look forward to contributing to the successful delivery of these initiatives.” Bracknell Chamber of Commerce, part of the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group, works with businesses across the town to help them achieve their full business potential through; meeting new customers, cutting costs, developing their workforce, influencing local decision makers and arming them with business intelligence. Membership is available to all businesses in the Thames Valley. Business Insight continues to see record numbers of attendees from more than 750 businesses since its launch in February and provides some of the best networking opportunities in the Thames Valley. For more information, and to book your place at next month’s Business Insight event, visit www.thamesvalleychamber.co.uk/events Press enquiries to the Thames Valley Chamber Press Office 01753 870552

10 Aug - Improvement in Trade Figures must be consolidated

Official figures for June showed that the trade deficit with the rest of the world narrowed far more than expected as exports rose over four times faster than imports. Commenting on the UK trade figures for June, published today by the ONS, Anne White, Head of International Trade, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group said: “These figures are better-than-expected as they show a lower trade deficit, with underlying exports rising and imports falling. This is good news but there is no room for complacency. The UK is still running a large trade deficit and the challenges facing exporters are substantial. “A big improvement in our trading position in the years ahead remains a key element in any successful deficit-reduction strategy. With public spending cuts likely to dampen domestic demand, the economy risks decline without a significant improvement in our net exports. “British exporters must diversify into faster growing emerging markets, notably in Asia. On its part, the Government must ensure UK exporters are not placed at a competitive disadvantage when compared to our major trading rivals, particularly in the area of short-term trade finance.” “Importers and exporters, however, are increasingly confident as encouraging data continues to emerge.” For further information please contact the Chamber Press Office on 01753 870552 Notes to editors ONS: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=199

09 Aug - New President of Slough Chamber of Commerce

Jo Wright has been elected as the new President of Slough Chamber of Commerce. Since February 2010, Jo has been the Head of Local Business at Kinnarps, the leading supplier of workplace furniture solutions in Slough, where she leads a local sales team covering East Berkshire and Wycombe. Jo has lived in Slough for over 30 years, attended Langley Grammar and now has 3 children at local schools. She was previously a governor at Castleview School for 7 years. Jo’s background includes business development roles at Dell Financial Services, Keithley Instruments and Ceridian and she started her career at NatWest Bank in Slough. Jo said of her appointment: “I am passionate about the town I live and work in. Slough has an energy and diversity that is really refreshing. I am looking forward to working with the other Council members to develop and promote the Chamber as a key player in the economic prosperity of the town and borough.” Gavin Spencer, business manager for Slough Chamber of Commerce commented: “I am delighted that Jo has been elected as Slough President. With strong support from her fellow Chamber Council members, Jo brings a fresh approach with a great zeal for making Slough a better place for businesses to develop and grow.” A photo of Jo is available on request. Press enquiries to ginettegower@tvchamber.co.uk 01753 870552

02 Aug - ‘The Future for Energy’ is the focus at the next Bracknell Business Insight, August 6th 2010

Following 6 months of this highly successful event, which regularly attracts over 100 delegates, the topic for August is ‘the Future for Energy’, presented by Mark Mathieson - Director of Distribution. Southern Electric Power Distribution, Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). Mark will be looking closely at what changes need to be made, how these technologies are being developed and how the future of corporate and consumer energy use is shaping up. Most importantly he will outline the proposed changes and opportunities that are developing as we speak for the Thames Valley region and how these pioneering developments will alter our energy landscape forever. Background to the presentation The EU has set a "20-20" target – achieving a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions and 20% of final energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020; and the UK Government has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. To meet these targets, electricity demand will increase (due to decarbonising measures such as transport electrification and installation of ground source heat pumps) - and generation sources will become more variable (due to a higher reliance on renewable energy sources, and its production in customers’ properties). To help achieve this Ofgem are implementing a ‘Carbon Reduction Commitment’ on large energy users. The CRC Energy Efficiency programme, and how to meet it’s targets, is a going concern for businesses across the UK and SSE discuss how they can provide help and advice to local businesses in Bracknell and the Thames Valley. Bracknell Business Insight takes place on Friday August 6 2010 at Ascot Racecourse Grandstand between 7.30am-9.30am. There are places still available and can be booked via www.thamesvalleychamber.co.uk

13 Jul - Dr. Andrew Sentance, Bank of England, speaks at Chamber of Commerce event in Reading

In a speech entitled: UK Monetary Policy - How Long Should “The Song Remain the Same”?, Dr Andrew Sentance, external member of the Monetary Policy Committee, shared his views on the current economic situation. Addressing over 100 people representing business in the Thames Valley, Dr Sentance began by reminding the audience that the region has the highest GDP per head outside central London. He also referred to the Work Foundation report, ‘Cities left Behind’, launched last week, which revealed that Bracknell & Reading combined were number one in the top ten cities in the UK to find work. Andrew went on to explain how his view of economic prospects has shifted and why he voted for a small rise in interest rates in June. Andrew began by explaining that last year the economic backdrop was one of sharp falls in demand and rising unemployment, uncertainty about recovery prospects and a general expectation of persistent below target inflation. “A year on, however, the economic situation has changed,” he said. Andrew described a number of features of the current economic situation that he believes are very different from the expectations of last summer. He argued that the world economy has bounced back strongly, and while uncertainties persist, “…worries about possible uneven-ness in the pace of global growth should not be confused with signs of a ‘double-dip’ recession”. In turn, he believes that “…the UK economy has also turned around since last summer”. He points to a reverse in the downward shift in money spending as well as positive business survey outturns as evidence of a rebound. He also believes that expectations of large margins of spare capacity have not been borne out by the available data. And he suggests this may, along with the depreciation of sterling, help to explain the failure of inflation to drop back in the way the MPC expected a year ago. Andrew also concurred with business surveys that are showing a generally positive picture including the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey which points to a particularly strong rebound in manufacturing, with a slower recovery in the services sector. Both manufacturing and services are showing a return to positive growth. Andrew concluded by saying: “In my experience, recoveries have momentum. While growth might not be totally steady and even across sectors, as recovery progresses, various mechanisms begin to operate which can give it added momentum”. He adds: “A year ago, the predominant worry was that inflation could be significantly depressed by the impact of the recession. That risk did not materialise. And while I’m not yet worried that we face a major and serious risk in the opposite direction, I do think we need to adjust the policy settings we put in place to head off the downside risks to inflation identified in the immediate aftermath of the big financial shocks in late 2008 and early 2009.” About Dr. Andrew Sentance Dr Andrew Sentance is an external member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England, appointed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in 2006. The Monetary Policy Committee is responsible for setting interest rates in the UK to meet the Government’s inflation target. He is also a part-time Professor of Sustainable Business at the University of Warwick, based at Warwick Business School, and a member of the Commission for Integrated Transport - which provides advice to the Government on transport policy issues. Before joining the Bank of England, Andrew was Chief Economist and Head of Environmental Affairs at British Airways. He was one of the five senior managers appointed in 2001 to prepare the company's "Future Size and Shape" turnaround plan. He joined British Airways in 1998 from London Business School, where he was Director of the Centre for Economic Forecasting. Previous positions held include Head of Economic Policy and Director of Economic Affairs at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). He was a founder member of the Treasury’s Panel of Independent Forecasters - established in 1992 to provide advice to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Andrew was educated at Eltham College, Cambridge University (Clare College) and the London School of Economics, where he gained his PhD. He holds a visiting professorship at Royal Holloway, University of London and is a Fellow and former Chairman of the Society of Business Economists. Note to editors The full transcript of the speech can be found in the link below Press enquiries to: ginettegower@thamesvalleychamber.co.uk

08 Jul - Thames Valley towns named in UK top 10 places to find work

A report produced by The Work Foundation, entitled ‘No city left behind? The geography of the recovery – and the implications for the coalition’ revealed the UK cities/towns with the most potential for employment growth. Much of the gains in employment are likely to be in the cities which already have strengths in these industries. Because of this, the recovery is likely to be led by cities such as Cambridge, London and Reading. These cities have high levels of employment in growth sectors, highly skilled populations and are not dependent on public sector employment. Ginette Gower, head of PR & communications, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group said: “We welcome the assessment of urban growth, naming Reading & Bracknell combined as No 1, Oxford at No 5, Aylesbury (with Milton Keynes) at no 6 and Swindon at No 9.” This reflects the strength of the Thames Valley region, particularly in the industry sectors predicted to grow in the next decade. However, we concur with the conclusion that targeted action needs to be taken to assist the cities most affected by low skilled populations and public sector cuts” The report concludes that four sectors are likely to be crucial for growth over the next decade. These are: • The creative industries – these will continue to grow, driven by the UK’s international specialisation in these industries and the increasing importance of intangibles as factors of production; • Manu-services - where the manufacturing sector is increasingly linked into service based activities, with firms designing physical goods for niche markets and gaining longterm revenue streams from the maintenance and servicing of these products; • Low carbon industries - driven by regulatory shifts to a low carbon economy, markets for carbon trading and consumer preferences for environmentally friendly goods; • High-tech and high-value added networked services - which act as intermediaries in the production process, adding value to other sectors. About ‘No city left behind’ The report by The Work Foundation published today investigates the geography of the UK recovery and sets out which policies will support economic prosperity and respond to the distinctive circumstances faced by different cities. The report explores how cities can prosper over the next decade, the report warns of the danger of a split recovery. This would result in a number of already successful cities, mainly located in the South East, leading the recovery leaving less successful cities with low growth, low employment and low prospects. Setting out the implications for the Coalition Government, No city left behind? shows that cities with highly educated populations, high levels of employment in knowledge intensive industries and relatively low levels of employment in the public sector are likely to lead the recovery. But there is real concern that cities with low skilled populations and a strong reliance on the public sector for jobs will remain scarred by the recession for many years to come unless targeted action is taken. Neil Lee, the author of the report, added, “Government action is now needed to ensure that no city is left behind by the recovery. The government must ensure that appropriate finance is made available to support high growth small and medium size enterprises, particularly those outside of London and the South East who can struggle to obtain finance to expand. This could be achieved through a more diverse range of financial institutions and by correcting the bias in finance for certain regions.” Other policy recommendations in the report include concentrating resources for enterprises with potential for rapid employment growth and ensuring that public sector cuts do not affect the ability of firms to commercialise university research. This will rely on support for innovation, access to growth finance and an improved digital infrastructure. Note to editors No City left behind? The geography of recovery and its implications for the Coalition Government by Neil Lee available at www.theworkfoundation.com. About The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group works with businesses across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire to help them achieve their full business potential through; meeting new customers, cutting costs, developing their workforce, influencing local decision makers and arming them with business intelligence. Membership is available to all businesses in the Thames Valley. Media enquiries: For The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group Ginette Gower 01753 870552 ginettegower@thamesvalleychamber.co.uk For the Work Foundation Gideon Benari or Nasreen Memon 020 7976 3507 or 07825 527 036 nmemon@theworkfoundation.com