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Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce launches, All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Thames Valley

Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce (TVCC) have launched an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Thames Valley (covering Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon), aimed at advancing the region’s global reputation as a business location of choice.

At their Inaugural General Meeting (IGM) MPs unanimously accepted the Groups Statement:

“To advance the Thames Valley’s global reputation as a business location of choice and an engine of growth for the UK.  The ambition is to shape local and national growth plans that can serve the thriving, green, healthier future we want for a truly competitive Thames Valley… ”

The new APPG is sponsored by notable global and national brands including, Honda Motors Europe, Heathrow, the University of the Built Environment and the University of Reading. As the a-political secretariat for the APPG, the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group will bring together the regions key employers, educators and other institutions with the twenty parliamentarians who represent the new cross party group.

This is the first time that efforts on this scale have been coordinated in this way and reflects the increasing focus on regional leadership and working across traditional geographical and political boundaries. The APPG has ambitious plans to work with TVCC and its members to co-develop research and commission projects to improve the prospects for the region.

Clive Jones, MP for Wokingham, was elected Chair of the APPG.  He will be joined by the following, elected as Officers – Peter Swallow, MP for Bracknell, Jack Rankin, MP for Windsor and Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith.   

Clive comments,  “I am proud to be elected as the Chair of the APPG with the cross-party support of the region’s MPs.  The APPG will provide a voice and the leadership for the Thames Valley.  By convening Parliamentarians, business and academia, we are providing a unique framework for commercially-focused action that will highlight the success of the Thames Valley, and showcase how we are, and can, provide the ideas and solutions to deliver productivity growth.”

Jack Rankin, MP for Windsor adds, I’m so pleased to be backing the brand-new APPG for the Thames Valley, which will ensure that regional growth is spoken up through a single, compelling proposition. 

The Thames Valley economy is the strongest in the country outside London, but we do so whilst being green and safe. We have a secret sauce that could help drive a happy and healthy economic growth nationally. I look forward to standing up for this ambition both locally and in Parliament.”

Will Stone, MP for Swindon North says, Swindon’s future is very much the Thames Valley. There is a cluster of skills and job opportunities in high growth industries including defence, science and technology across the Thames Valley region which Swindon is a key player in and I look forward to working together to further grow our economy in the region.”

Greg Smith, MP for Mid Buckinghamshire adds: “The Mid Buckinghamshire constituency is an economic powerhouse within the Thames Valley with a rich array of businesses, from agritech (including farming) to advanced engineering (including literal rocket science) and traditional industries such as furniture making and hospitality.  A jewel in the crown is our place in Motorsport Valley, bringing cutting edge innovation and technology to market.  As I meet many businesses, the APPG will be an opportunity to ensure the voice of business is heard and represented and we will continue to campaign for lower business taxes and a focus on skills and opportunities to keep our Thames Valley economy growing.”

Paul Britton, CEO, TVCC, says: “The Thames Valley is a vibrant and international business community and with one clear coherent voice the APPG will set out the hugely significant contribution businesses and educators can make to prospects for the future of the whole of the UK. As the largest and most influential business membership organisation in the Thames Valley, we are proud to work with businesses large and small, home grown and international to champion the economy of the Thames Valley.

For further information on the APPG for the Thames Valley contact the public entry contact point: secretariat@thamesvalleyappg.co.uk

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Members can feature their news alongside regional and national news from the Chamber and the British Chambers of Commerce. Submit your news through the Members Zone, or email emarketing@tvchamber.co.uk

We also provide comment for local and regional newspapers, radio or TV stations and websites.

If you would like a comment from the Chamber or a business in our region please contact our Press Office on 01753 870513

Sarah Irving

Head of Marketing & Communications

Email: sarahirving@tvchamber.co.uk
Direct dial: 01753 870500

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