The Social Mobility Commission’s State of the Nation 2025 report identifies Reading, West Berkshire and Oxfordshire as some of the strongest-performing areas outside London when it comes to the conditions that support innovation, growth and long-term opportunity.
The findings underline the region’s growing importance as a hub for innovation, productivity and skilled employment. This reflects the Thames Valley’s established strengths in high-value sectors mirroring the Government’s Industrial Strategy such as technology, life sciences and professional services, alongside strong connectivity and a highly skilled workforce.
Sue Staunton, Chair of TVCC’s Health and Life Sciences Working Group said,
“The report highlights the favourable conditions for innovation and growth in our region with specific reference being given to life sciences. It is to be hoped that, with continued investment and recognition, these conditions will also be able to provide opportunities for enhanced social mobility.”
The report’s data shows that Reading performs particularly strongly across several of the Commission’s core indicators, including labour market opportunities for young people, conditions of childhood and innovation and growth. Oxfordshire also records consistently above average performance across the Commission’s composite measures, reflecting the strength of its research-led economy and access to high-skilled employment. West Berkshire performs in the upper ranges of the Commission’s measures, indicating solid economic foundations and positive labour market conditions relative to many other areas across England.
A key theme of the report is the uneven geography of opportunity across the UK. Against this backdrop, Reading, West Berkshire and Oxfordshire stand out as examples of places beyond London that are successfully generating economic momentum and high-quality employment, reinforcing this region’s role as a nationally significant growth hub.
While the commission notes that continued focus is needed to ensure growth translates into improved outcomes for all communities, the report underlines the Thames Valley’s strong starting position. With the right investment in skills, education and access to opportunity, this region is well placed to build on its existing strengths and drive inclusive, sustainable growth.
To read the report in full, please see here.
