We highlighted that Thames Valley Berkshire has seen the greatest overall growth in productivity (between 2013 and 2014) of all LEP areas (including London), and is one of only four LEP areas to score highly on measures of both economic prosperity and social inclusion, according to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (2016). This demonstrates that government can be assured of a return on its future investment and underpins the strapline of our strategic economic plan: Thames Valley Berkshire: delivering national growth, locally.

 

We made the case that enhancing the connectivity of our area is especially critical now that Brexit is a reality: Thames Valley Berkshire has the highest proportion of foreign-owned businesses (among all LEP areas) and investment here we will send a strong and positive message to those international companies with UK, European or Global HQs in TVB. Their retention is more critical than ever, not only to secure the economic contribution they make but also to sustain the supply chain they share with other, smaller businesses.

Our focus on connectivity enabled us to re-emphasise the need for the expansion of Heathrow Airport and to accelerate the implementation of a Western Rail Link to Heathrow. The acknowledged economic benefits of these strategic infrastructure projects are of national significance and no time should be wasted in realising them as soon as possible. We argue that a swift decision to invest in a third runway at Heathrow will strengthen the UK’s negotiating position on global trade deals.
 
Our proposal also includes an application for development funding from the ‘Large Local Major Schemes Fund’, in order to complete an Outline Business Case for a new crossing on the Thames east of Reading.
 
If successful it will more than double the £107m that we are already investing in Thames Valley Berkshire and complement the £15m of Growing Places Funds that we continue to invest through a recycling loan scheme.

The CEC is conducting Employer and Satisfaction surveys; the purpose is to gather data about the engagement employers have with schools and colleges and improve the connection between the two parties. Please note the deadline for surveys to be completed is 16 September. 

The LEP is appealing for business volunteers to work with a school or college on a one-to-one basis and help students understand the employment opportunities available to them. Training for Enterprise Advisers will be provided by the LEP's Careers and Enterprise Adviser, Allison Giles. To apply to become an Enterprise Adviser, email Allison at allison@thamesvalleyberkshire.co.uk. 

We are pleased to announce the first successful match between The Emmbrook School in Wokingham and an Enterprise Adviser. Read the full case study here.

In May 2016, the LEP has agreed to forward fund the third phase of procurement for the Superfast Berkshire project using up to £1.8m of Growing Places Funds. This will enable an open procurement process that will eventually take TVB to >99% coverage of all premises.

The Brittelstand Symposium on 22 September will address the challenges of mid-market enterprises, as the drivers of UK business growth. The event is supported by the LEP and it is organised by business for business. 

Click here for a full list of upcoming events.