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Wednesday, 20th January 2010
Michael Portillo, British journalist, broadcaster & former Conservative Party politician, will be sharing his views on the UK economy at the highly anticipated launch of the ‘Business Insight 2010’ series of events, to be held at Ascot Racecourse on Friday 5 February.
Having left Cambridge University in 1975 – where he gained a first class honours degree in History – Michael joined the Conservative Research Department in 1976, and at the General Election in 1979 he was responsible for briefing Margaret Thatcher before her press conferences. For the next two years he was special adviser to the Secretary of State for Energy.
Michael was also a special adviser to the Chancellor of the Exchequer (Nigel Lawson) and in December 1984 won the by-election in Enfield Southgate. He represented the seat for thirteen years but was defeated in the 1997 Election.
Subsequent to the loss, Michael embarked on both a broader career in the media, and returned to the Commons in a 1999 by-election. He rejoined the front bench as Shadow Chancellor, standing for the leadership of the party in 2001. In 2005 he left the House of Commons and has since pursued his media interests, presenting a wide range of television and radio programmes.
Commenting on the launch of Business Insight 2010, Philip Montague, business manager for the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group, said: “The launch of Business Insight 2010, organised by the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group, is set to be sell-out event, and we are looking forward to gaining an understanding of the UK economy from such a celebrated individual.
“Michael will draw on his personal and professional experience to share his thoughts on how the UK economy will fare over the next few months and we expect a lively debate in the Q & A session when he will welcome questions and comments from attendees.
“As with all Chamber events, there will be ample networking opportunities – so make sure you bring plenty of business cards.”
The event will also welcome four students from Charters School, Sunningdale, who have competed for the opportunity to meet with and pose a question to Michael Portillo.
To book your place on this event, visit www.thamesvalleychamber.co.uk or call our customer services team on 01753 870500.
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Notes to Editor
Event agenda
07:30 – Registration
07:30-08:30 – Tea, Coffee, networking opportunities and the chance to meet our exhibitors
08:30 – Presentation, Q&A
A light breakfast will be provided
Cost
Chamber members – £16 + vat
Non members – £21 + vat
About the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group
The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group works with businesses across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire 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.
For all press enquiries, please contact Marianne Creaney on 01753 870 518, email: mariannecreaney@thamesvalleychamber.co.uk
