Key speakers confirmed for Reading 2030 conference

The issues that will shape the economic future of Reading are set to be discussed by influential voices from across the Thames Valley.

The half day conference will take place at the Royal Berkshire Conference Centre on March 2 between 9am and 12.30pm and will attract a senior audience of company directors, business owners, professionals and support agencies across the region.

Register here for the free Reading 2030 conference >>

The Reading 2030 conference is a celebration of Reading's position of being second only to London in economic contribution per worker in the UK and in the number of businesses per capita, as well as being the best place to start a business in the UK.

Peter Laurie, senior advisor at The Business Magazine, said: "We are pleased once again to be able to facilitate another thought provoking conference with a line-up of guest speakers that will help us to understand how the region continues to evolve with many notable changes and opportunities ."

The event will see Becky Coffin, director of Sustainability & Communities at Heathrow Airport discuss how the international hub plans to work with local businesses and communities to drive forward its green-focused future strategy.

READ MORE: Reading 2030 event overview >>

The opening of the Elizabeth line later this year will open a wealth of economic opportunity for the Thames Valley providing faster links to central London through the connection of Reading Station to the Elizabeth Line.

Crossrail concession manager at Transport for London, Daniel Gierhart, will talk about how the project will support business, communities and urban regeneration in the town.

With how and where we work reshaped by the pandemic, head of design at Morgan Lovell, Adrian Norman, will talk about how employers can make their offices a destination that their employees will want to spend time in.

Stantec's director of transport and infrastructure, Scott Witchalls, will talk about the importance of community in designing the places that we live and work and the challenges of designing for a more sustainable future.

Managing director of Westcoast Alex Tatham will talk about the skills challenges facing businesses in the Thames Valley and how, as the largest privately owned company in the region, it is working with key partners to address the problem.

Head of Savills Reading Office, Phil Brown, will look at opportunities for the property industry in Reading and the Thames Valley during 2022 and beyond, and discuss ways in which the industry is responding to climate change and embracing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG).

Register here for the free Reading 2030 conference >>