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Chamber steps up efforts to champion the voice of businesses across the region with new look assembly

The competitiveness and international appeal of the Thames Valley region, whilst well-established, faces real challenges. As the General Election approaches, it is a critical period to ensure that local businesses have effective representation both locally and nationally.

To amplify the voice of businesses in the region, TVCC is inviting its Business Alliance members and leaders of its sector and place working groups to participate in the newly established Thames Valley Assembly (TVA). This forum includes employers and anchor institutions such as leading universities and healthcare providers, reflecting a diverse cross-section of the regions’ economy.

Paul Britton, CEO, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, said “By launching the new Thames Valley Assembly we will provide a go to for policy makers and local civic leaders across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Swindon to engage with business. Being the voice of business is not enough, we want to provide opportunities through the TVA and our wider events programmes such as Windsor Debates to bring the public sector and local employers together to co-develop solutions. We have seen how this can work using the Chambers reach through the Local Skills Improvement Plans and we are proud that we have a track record of success in influencing policy decisions that affect the local and international business community.”

In recent years, TVCC has invested in strengthening its policy team, growing its influence into the British Chambers of Commerce national policy priorities during the ever-evolving trading relationship with the European Union. Recognising the substantial impact of policy decisions on our local business community, and the need for a longer-term plan to support business investment, Accredited Chambers have a key role to play.

TVCC held its first in-person TVA meeting in July at the Chambers Slough Headquarters with guest speakers Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, Iain Anderson, Chair, Cicero and Bill Esterson MP Shadow Minister for Business and Industry. The TVA endorsed the 2024 draft strategic priorities for the Chamber which will feature in the Chambers’ 2024 Business Manifesto 2024.

These priorities are –

Infrastructure network resilience and adoption – Promoting the opportunities of technology and supporting investment that can future-proof our region.

Shaping our future skills needs – Implementing LSIPs next steps and shaping the future of the Thames Valley Skills Unit.

Pathway to net zero (and climate change) – Advancing our work around sustainability outlined in the State of the Region report.

Trade and Inward Investment – Delivering services that enable trade and inward investment flows to continue.

Delivering regional leadership, championing the Thames Valley – Putting, and representing, businesses at the heart of stakeholder engagement, political decision making, ensuring investment in success, and promoting our wider sector/market strengths.​

The next TVA meeting on November 30th will feature a new Political Engagement Question Time. Hosted by Pro-Vice Chancellor, Robert Van de Noort, University of Reading, it will take place at the University from 1.30pm-3pm and the session will include notable Parliamentarians such as Lord David Blunkett and Theresa May MP.

Paul Britton added “The goal is to use our reach and our politically independent status to help drive real change and champion the needs and contribution of local and international businesses. The TVA and our wider programme of work will help to connect businesses and civic leaders on key matters for the local economy.”

 
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