Thames Valley Assembly event hears from political heavyweights

By Stephen Emerson

15 December 2023

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Picture: Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce

The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce held a political question time style event as part of its Thames Valley Assembly project.

The assembly is a new initiative to strengthen the regional voice of business being promoted by the Chamber and to help future proof the competitive edge of the business community at a time of significant political and technological change.

It includes employers and anchor institutions such as leading universities and healthcare providers, reflecting a diverse cross-section of the regions’ economy.

The event was attended by parliamentarians Lord David Blunkett, Theresa May and Catherine Bearder.

Held at the University of Reading in 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.

Paul Britton, CEO, at the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, 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."

By Stephen Emerson

Stephen Emerson is the Managing Editor of The Business Magazine and is responsible for the publication's print publications and online properties including the newly launched Biz News websites in Hampshire and Dorset.

Stephen has been a journalist for 20 years and has worked at local, regional and national publications and led a team which made The Scotsman website one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK with over eight million monthly users.

He has a keen interest in technology, property and corporate finance and telling the stories of the people behind the successful firms in these sectors.