Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce (TVCC) had the honour of welcoming Clive Jones MP, Member of Parliament for Wokingham and Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Trade, to the State of the Region roundtable event, sponsored by James Cowper Kreston and hosted at Becton Dickinson (BD).
This event was an integral part of the Chamber’s broader policy and regional leadership initiatives, designed to facilitate interactions between Members of Parliament from Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon, and local businesses, as well as key institutions including colleges, universities and healthcare providers.
In light of the recent publication of the Q1 2025 results from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), discussions centred on evolving business confidence and economic outlook.
The attendees were welcomed by Paul Britton, Chief Executive Officer of TVCC, followed by a detailed analysis of the BCC’s QES results presented by David Bahrier, Head of Research at BCC.
This was succeeded by an engaging and spirited discussion among key regional and local businesses, who shared case studies and expressed their sentiments regarding business confidence and the broader economic outlook.
The panel, which included Clive Jones MP, participated in a ‘fireside chat’ to discuss various aspects of the survey results, facilitated by Alan Poole, Partner at James Cowper Kreston, sponsors of TVCC’s regional QES.
Clive Jones MP said:
It was a privilege to engage directly with local business leaders at the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Region event. The Thames Valley is a vital engine of economic growth for the UK, and it was invaluable to hear first-hand about both the opportunities and challenges facing the region. Open dialogue between policymakers and the business community is essential to ensuring we create the conditions for continued investment, innovation, and prosperity across the Thames Valley.
Alan Poole, Partner at James Cowper Kreston and co-host, commented:
“It was a pleasure to co-host Friday’s roundtable event with the Thames Valley Chamber, local MP Clive Jones and representatives from some of the region’s best businesses, including our excellent hosts at Becton Dickinson. It was fascinating to hear and contribute to a wide-ranging debate on the challenges facing business and how the government and industry can work together to drive growth and protect and create high quality jobs.
He continues:
Whilst it is clear that business confidence is quite fragile at present, it is also clear that there are huge opportunities and that the Thames Valley remains incredibly well placed to help lead the UK’s quest for economic growth during these uncertain times. We look forward to continuing to help our clients and the wider business community thrive, develop and grow.
To read more regarding the Quarterly Economic Survey as well as links to both the British Chambers’ and Thames Valley’s reports, see here.
