What our members say...

Bill Payne, Vice President, Strategy and Development Managed Business Process Services, IBM Europe

“There is a tendency these days when we use the word network, to assume it’s the way we communicate through our pc.
It’s too easy in the electronic age to forget the network we make through face to face contact with colleagues, collaborators, competitors and clients alike. The human dimension of contact can never be replaced by the keyboard or mouse!
Business Alliance provides a perfect environment for formal and informal contact, communication and exchange between business leaders. It provides a highly cost effective way of reminding me that business works through personal contact, not just the technical world in which we live.”

Ian Smith, Senior Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers

“Business Alliance is unique for the way strategic networking opportunities are offered as an integral membership benefit.
Increasingly time-poor management find that their time is well-spent in attending well-organised events that provide a perfect environment for making new contacts and re-connecting with existing ones. Held in the best venues the region has to offer and featuring thought-provoking speakers, these occasions are always enjoyable, and always useful.”

Peter Cowen, Partnership Director, South East BT

“Chamber membership and particularly the additional benefits enjoyed within the Business Alliance scheme is highly regarded within BT. The undoubted quality of the membership and of the programmes delivered, allows us to strengthen our local and regional links with other businesses and supports our drive to successfully meet the future needs of SMEs and micro-businesses across the region.”

Andy Cresswell, Group General Manager, Midcounties Co-operative

“I have been actively involved with The Business Alliance for about six months after taking over the lead role for our organisation from a colleague. In this short time I have benefited in a number of areas, from the opportunity for general networking and time to consider business issues away from the office at the excellent dinners with like minded people, to focussed support for my personal development. One of the reasons I got actively involved was to increase my awareness of other business streams and challenge myself in different areas. After a long discussion with Business Alliance about my needs I am now an inaugural Governor of the Swindon and Marlborough NHS trust. This was only possible through Business Alliance and I am very excited about the experiences this will give me in the future and hopefully I will be able to bring a benefit to the Trust.”

Peter Marsh, Regional Skills Director, Learning and Skills Council (LSC) in the South East

“Being an active member of Business Alliance has given the LSC the ideal opportunity to engage in high level networking with key employers and stakeholders across the Thames Valley. This is crucial to our organisation, as it has provided us with the appropriate forum to hear and respond to the specific needs of employers from across a wide range of industry sectors.
It also means that the LSC has a visible platform to both raise awareness and promote discussions about the Skills Agenda – in particular areas such as ‘Train to Gain’, Apprenticeships, the South East Skills Challenge and the Integrated Employment and Skills programme.
We look forward to building on the strong relationships we have made through Business Alliance.”

Dr Pat Upson CBE, Chief Executive, Enrichment Technology Company

“I run an international business in the nuclear power industry based in the Thames Valley but, frankly, apart from local support services, pretty independent from being there – apart from the proximity to London and Heathrow. I was, however, keen to take Business Alliance membership, and I really benefit from the ability to mix with other business leaders. It is surprising how many of our issues are similar, but then again, we are all dependent on people issues and the global economy, and it helps one keep our industry issues in perspective.
I recommend Business Alliance membership to anyone. It gives an excellent peer support group and the possibility to take part in current debates on key issues; like the energy debate, where I have had an opportunity to bring an insider view to other Thames Valley companies.”

Cllr Roderick Bluh, Leader of the Council, Swindon Borough Council

“I am delighted to offer my support for Business Alliance. One of my goals is to make Swindon the number one place in the UK to do business. As part of this, we are delighted to work in partnership with Business Alliance as an active participant in developing and delivering the Swindon Strategic Economic Partnership. Business Alliance has also been a valuable contributor towards the development of our transport vision to help us deliver our goal.”

Lyn Hill-Tout, Chief Executive, Swindon & Marlborough NHS Trust

“At Swindon & Marlborough NHS Trust we are lucky that we are at the heart of our local community. It is sometimes forgotten however that we are also one of the local areas major employers, and Business Alliance gives us an ideal opportunity to be engaged with the business community. It is of great benefit to us to have the opportunity to meet, learn and share ideas and knowledge with other businesses in the area. This is especially true as we move to Foundation Trust status whilst still remaining firmly part of the NHS.
Our dedicated Project Manager has made the process much smoother, and our individual membership plan will help us to advance our aims and objectives in the future.”

Mike Godfrey, Honda, UK Manufacturing

“Through Business Alliance membership, we are confident that our funding contribution supports the development of programmes and support activities that make a difference.
Additionally as Business Alliance members there are many opportunities for meeting peers from companies both locally and in Thames Valley region – these events can be themed to locally important issues but also involve national and international aspects.
Recently Honda worked with the Chamber on the new Migration Points Based System requirements and specifically on the English test requirements – this positive support contributed to a change to the language test requirements for intracompany transfers which had been a significant concern for our company.
Business Alliance does give a strategic relationship with the Chamber coupled with a dedicated project manager supporting agreed individual corporate aims and objectives – these could range from simply achieving CSR requirements to specific business plan improvements.”