Acorn Engineering, e-Careers, Eacotts, Kidd Rapinet, Handlesbanken, Lambert Smith Hampton, Paragon Multimedia, Resource Productions, Slough Aspire Community Interest Group, Stott & May and Slough Borough Council, were just some of the businesses attending the highly anticipated ‘Made in Slough’ campaign launch, held at the Copthorne Hotel Slough-Windsor.
The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce event, which was strongly supported by the local community including representatives from the Slough Chamber Council and SEGRO showed the success of local, regional and international businesses based or founded in the town.
Speaking at the launch Ginette Gower, Head of Marketing & Communications, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce outlined the plan for the campaign and how to get involved: “Response to the campaign has been fantastic and we are already being contacted by companies keen to participate. A dedicated page on our website will bring together case studies, hot topics on Slough news, business tips and thought leadership views as well as details on upcoming events. The campaign will be supported with a comprehensive social media programme.”
Paul Britton, Chief Executive, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce said: “Attendees are being asked to share their achievements and aspirations. As we all know Slough is a magnet for investment and we are keen to contribute to its status as a renowned gateway to the world. The Chamber works with many companies that consider the Thames Valley as their UK Headquarters and with all the changes facing the UK this year and beyond, this is an important campaign for the wider Thames Valley business community.”
Jeffrey Smith, President of Slough Chamber, highlighted that Slough’s unique selling point was its people. He also gave a message of support for the campaign and benefits of getting involved.
Regional Director for the Thames Valley, SEGRO, Paul Lewis addressed delegates and shared why the Made In campaign was good news for the Slough Trading Estate and its 350 businesses. Providing an anecdotal overview of how SEGRO formed in 1920 by four second hand car dealers he presented strong statistics about the Trading Estate including high profile residents and its value at over £1bn. He added: “I could provide countless examples of the extraordinary things companies on the Slough Trading Estate are doing. However, for me the most important statistic is the 350 businesses that employ 10,000 people – these are the people who make things happen, these are the people who get things done.
“Many towns will shout about what they do or they aspire to do, whereas here in Slough we just get on with the job and maybe because we are so busy with that we don’t shout very loud about our achievements. The Made in Slough campaign will give us the platform to shout about the successes in the town and increase both trade and inward investment.”
Made in Slough themed balloons and delicious cupcakes from local company Kris Kakes were especially prepared for the launch and proved popular with visitors.
The action-packed event was also the setting for an exclusive preview of a video case study with Jazz Gandhum, CEO & Founder, e-Careers discussing his journey as a Slough based business and why “he wouldn’t want to be anywhere else”. Future video case studies will showcase entrepreneur Shelley Stevens, Director, Dynamic Print Media and John Ryan, MD, Hanovia UV, who has been in Slough for over 90 years.
Attendees were particularly positive about the launch including: Alex Turner, Partnership Consultant, Learn Direct who commented: “Brilliant, really good opportunity for businesses to network and make links with likeminded organisations. Came to see what the event was like – incredibly positive.”
Henry Forde, Director at Net:Telecom, further added: “As a newcomer I found the event extremely welcoming and I have made a good introduction into a primary contact.”
Many took to Twitter to highlight their enthusiasm and excitement for the event with messages of support coming in throughout the event. Organisations can follow the campaign on Twitter via @madeinslough.
