need to have delivered a more regional cultural and leisure offer to complement some of the Grade A business space, and the strong high street and retail offer.” Appropriate housing supply and embracement of the ‘smart agenda’ was also key.


“If Reading is to grow successfully without dramatically increasing traffic congestion, the town centre needs to be developed as a future city, embracing the idea of well-connected places and public realm that do not rely on car access at all. Reading already has one of the best bus networks in the country, but to deliver long-term sustainable growth, upgrades to a fully segregated rapid transit network will be needed."


All of these elements needed forward planning and funding, he noted. “There is a risk that Reading will lose out in future funding and delivery of smart technology, energy and transport infrastructure because the area doesn’t have an established funding stream.”


. . . and the emerging talent . . .


Reading has renowned educational resources from nationally recognised secondary schools to the world-class University of Reading and Henley Business School.


“The next decade will see both Reading and its University flourish,” says Prof Ginny Gibson deputy dean, Henley Business School, part of the University of Reading.


Already in the top 1% of universities globally, the university will continue to build its scope, scale and reputation with the launch of a new Architecture programme, creation of the Institute of Environmental Analytics and investment in Biological Sciences. Supporting this will be a campus transformation including a library fit for the 21st century, a hub for the creative arts and a major Henley Business School complex expansion.


“The student community will not only make a major local economy contribution while studying but provide a strong diverse talent pool for employers of all sizes. The academic community will work closely with industries on innovation projects helping to drive R&D and productivity increases. Henley Business School will also support leadership development within SMEs to major international organisations.”


The new Science Park at Shinfield, with its specialist but flexible space and high- quality support services will “encourage and support the commercial development of next generation new technology companies that will be critical to future Thames Valley success,” says David Gillham, the University of Reading’s Science Park director.


Green Park’s Carson says: “The ‘war for talent’ continues to rage and occupational decisions are now influenced more than ever by providing the right working environment to attract and retain the very best staff.”


Connect TVT’s Louize Clarke sees talent shortage as a potential barrier to future success.


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – NOVEMBER 2015


She stresses the need to harness the flow of talent coming through Reading’s world-class schools, colleges and universities within the region. “Talent attracts talent. Our town is full of good employers; let’s work together to make them great – competitive, dynamic and more attractive.”


She’d also like to see “more home-grown businesses coming through as authentic flagships for our region.”


. . . or the right image and drive to succeed?


Clarke also sees lack of identity as a barrier. “Let’s put a stake in the ground as to what our brand is and what our town represents from an economic perspective.”


READING THAMES VALLEY


2025 &


critical is investment in cultural and amenity facilities that will make Reading ‘cool’.”


Barclays Robin Reynolds adds: “In order to continue to thrive, Reading will need the continued support and drive from policy-makers and business stakeholders throughout the region to further boost its growth, attract people and businesses, and truly put the area on the map.”


Let us know your views. Email: editorial@elcot.co.uk


29


Is the region a London gateway or satellite, “or do we invest in becoming a co-economy, that benefits from our location, our strong business foundations and great future potential? Right now, I’m not clear who’s leading that critical conversation.”


Gillham says: “It’s essential that the Thames Valley continues to talk as one voice as a great place for entrepreneurial and innovative companies to locate.


“To stay leading-edge we must continue to attract, nurture and encourage the next generation of new knowledge-based, innovative and technology companies to develop – particularly critical as innovation and business cycles get shorter.


“Continued investment in 21st century infrastructure is critical – and not just road, rail and airport capacity, and world-leading communications,“ he notes, but “equally


www.businessmag.co.uk


1 The annual Family Hotspots report puts Wokingham top and Earley/Lower Earley in fifth place as the best places for families to live in England and Wales


2 Barclays UK Prosperity Map 2015


3 Study of Crossrail route towns by property company JLL 4 Data provided by Centre for Cities


Reading & Thames Valley 2025 sponsors


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