Over 70 delegates gathered for the Thames Valley Assembly (TVA) Parliamentary Question Time (PQT), a key event that fosters dialogue between local businesses, policymakers, and civic leaders.
Hosted by sponsors the University of Reading, speakers included Professor Robert Van de Noort CBE DL, Vice Chancellor of the University of Reading, Jack Rankin, Conservative MP for Windsor, Yuan Yang, Labour MP for Earley and Woodley, and Rt Hon Robert Halfon, former Minister of Skills and Apprenticeships.
The event aimed to address the challenges, opportunities, and risks facing the Thames Valley’s key industries, and to explore ways to ensure the region remains competitive in a rapidly globalising economy.
One of the central themes of the discussion was the importance of developing the skills in our workforce required for the future. Paul Britton, CEO, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce (TVCC) said:
The future of the Thames Valley economy depends on a collaborative, cross-party effort to deliver the infrastructure, skills, and investment necessary for long-term success. It’s essential that we come together, across all political parties, industry sectors and public sector boundaries, to ensure the region remains a competitive place to live and work.
The PQT provides a valuable platform for local businesses to connect directly with policymakers and MPs and discussions ranged from healthcare and social care to the future expansion of Heathrow and the need for better mobility and workforce agility. A standout topic was the growth of the creative industries, with particular emphasis on the burgeoning film and TV sector, which has become an economic powerhouse for the region.
Paul Britton continues “This event demonstrates the importance of collaboration between businesses, government, and educational institutions. It is clear the Thames Valley must come together to build on its strengths, tackle its challenges, and ensure a competitive future. Our next opportunity is to respond to actively shape Governments Industrial Strategy”.
Looking ahead, TVCC plans to establish an All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Thames Valley, further solidifying the partnership between local businesses and national policymakers across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon.
