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Vision for Reading Chamber of Commerce
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Aim/Mission
To ensure that Reading remains as the commercial capital of the Thames Valley.
This will be achieved by creating a partnership with:-
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Large and small business.
- Local government.
- All sectors of the community.
- The education sector.
We wish to strengthen the links between business and the University by supporting enterprise hubs. We are keen to encourage the development between business and education that will provide and support both the commercial growth of the town and the economic improvement of all sectors of the community.
Key Local Business Issues
Transport
The Chamber supports an integrated transport strategy, which affords viability to all forms of transport. We are keen to see improved public transport via bus, a wider range of rail services and improved road infrastructure. In order to encourage business to change transport choices appropriate alternatives must be available. The Chamber will establish contact with appropriate transport organizations and groups.
The Chamber will:
The Chamber supports an integrated transport strategy, which affords equal viability to all forms of transport. In order to encourage business to change transport choices, appropriate alternatives must be available. Fundamental is a fast link to Heathrow and the recognition through sustained investment into the improvement/redevelopment of Reading station, given its strategic importance as a central hub for the rail network.
Planning
The Chamber believes that planning regulations should support business to provide jobs, employment and wealth. Decisions should be made quickly, efficiently and with due consideration of their impact on business and the economic wellbeing of the area.
- The Chamber believes that planning regulations should support business to provide jobs, employment and wealth. Decisions should be made quickly, efficiently and with due consideration of their impact on business and the economic well being of the area.
- The Chamber will be keen to work with the local authority following its success as a BID (Business Improvement District) whilst also supporting cost effective measures for affordable housing for key workers.
Business Security
- The Chamber believes that whilst business has the prime responsibility to protect its own staff and property, the Thames Valley police should support this activity by regarding business security as a prime objective. The Chamber will continue to support the Thames Valley police in its efforts to retain officers from moving to adjacent/alternative forces that are able to provide higher living allowances. The Chamber also wishes to see an extension of the successful CCTV, which has been instrumental in reducing business crime and the safety of employees and visitors to the town.
- The Government must recognise the special needs of areas in the Thames Valley where exclusion and depravation are as bad as anywhere in the UK. Support is essential to those local authorities struggling with these difficulties. The Government should also provide the incentives to encourage the police to increase priorities for reducing crime against business.
People and Education
People are this area’s greatest asset. Business has a duty to support and train staff to the highest standard. Government support organisations such as the Small Business Service and the learning and skills councils alongside schools, colleges and Universities have a key role to play in training and educating the workforce. The Chamber is keen to encourage a self-reliance and inclusive culture to harmonise with the social needs/aspirations of the area.
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