Historically a one-day event, in 2020 the Debates took place over a full week, using digital platforms and providing an opportunity for the Thames Valley business community to debate the impact – both present and future – of the COVID-19 pandemic. During a series of 9 sessions, themes ranging from Technology and The Future of Travel (imminent and medium-term) and Mental Health to A Scientific Perspective on COVID-19 and The Future of Trade with the USA were covered. The Chamber also hosted an MPs’ Roundtable and held a conversational session with Ambassador Robert Wood Johnson, US Ambassador to the UK.
Key conclusions from this event, which have informed TVCC’s 2021 Business Manifesto, included:
• The need for an integrated digital and physical infrastructure to support the rebuilding of the UK economy, including a carbon-neutral driven recovery, post COVID-19
• The need to work locally to retrain and reskill those who have been most impacted by the pandemic
• The need to work together to address the challenges of exiting the EU, e.g. product regulation.
• The need for inclusive recovery for all.
• Re-affirmation that the Chamber is well placed to be a (loud) voice of business for the Thames Valley region.
Please view the programme HERE, to learn more about the sessions and keynote speakers. You can also read a full write up of the debate HERE.
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Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE, President, British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) | Paul Britton, Chief Executive, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce (TVCC) | Dr Katharina Hauck, Reader in Health Economics at the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London |
“Congratulations to everyone at the Chamber on the sessions you have put on… they have been – without exception – interesting and engaging.”
Andrew Barrett, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
“Windsor Debates going brilliantly… Well done!”
Susan Matos, University of Reading
“…What a fabulous virtual Windsor Debates you produced. The session topics were spot on, the presenters superb with facilitators to match. The sessions I joined were all extremely informative and even better – they were very thought provoking. They were perfect.”
Sally Hanson, Sally Hanson Marketing Ltd