To amplify the voice of businesses in the region, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce (TVCC) recently held a Political Engagement Question Time with heavyweight Parliamentarians Lord David Blunkett, The Rt Hon Theresa May MP and Catherine Bearder.
Held at the University of Reading on Thursday 30th November, the event was co-hosted by Pro-Vice Chancellor, Robert Van de Noort. The focus was on the ‘Future Competitiveness of the Thames Valley’ and saw a capacity audience of the Chambers Business Alliance and Thames Valley Assembly (TVA) members and students from the University participate.
The TVA is a new Chamber initiative to strengthen the regional voice of business being promoted by the Chamber and help future proof the competitive edge of the business community at a time of significant political and technological change.
The Assembly includes employers and anchor institutions such as leading universities and healthcare providers, reflecting a diverse cross-section of the regions’ economy.
Paul Britton, CEO, TVCC, said “I was delighted to introduce the new Parliamentary Question Time and such a remarkably experienced panel. Through events like these, our goal is to ensure a broad range of local businesses from micro to multinationals are engaged and applying their industry experience to decisions that will be made about our business environment. Our Chamber is in a unique position to provide that breadth of engagement, and only strengthened through working with a respected anchor institution such as the University of Reading.
Businesses could be forgiven for hunkering down and focusing on dealing with the day-to-day challenges, but the new PQT confirms the appetite of business leaders to be in the conversation which bodes well.”
He continues “The voice of business is so important during times of change. We are being presented with new ideas by policy makers for devolution, new international trade agreements, and the transition of LEPs into Local Authorities. Will we see the return to Regional Development Agencies or something similar? We are certainly seeing Regional Partnerships to the north of our region, and it is unclear if this will this provide additionality to the challenging business environment for local economy or distraction.”