We first introduced our local Thames Valley Berkshire LEP to members via a breakfast event in February 2014. 

Since, we have sought to broaden our perspective; in February 2015 our  'LEP Update'  included EnterpriseM3 and in 2016 the Oxfordshire LEP. Thus ensuring that we are expanding the discussion, geographically, in terms of understanding the annual progress and priorities for the LEPs, and by bringing a fresh perspective so that we can support and input into their activity.

Speaking from a Local Authority perspective this year was Councillor Tony Page (Lead for Strategic Environment, Planning & Transport for Reading Borough Council), and with LEP introductions from Bill Hicks of Thames Valley Berkshire LEP and Richard Byard from The OxLEP  the focus was on 'Growth and Skills'.

While there were distinct differences each spoke with conviction about talent, skills and growth and through the subsequent debate these themes connected back to broader visions for the Thames Valley. It was a pleasure to see the conversation encompassing the property and construction industries plus the big issue of affordable housing. 

It is this silo busting that we strive for; facilitating a dialogue between the private and public sectors, enabling conversations across institutional, organisational and geographical boundaries. More than an update on ‘Growth Deals’ and funding opportunities this was silo busting with immediate and direct impact; Cllr. Tony Page reminded Oxfordshire that a third vehicular river crossing is essential; recruiters in our audience persuaded practitioners to participate in their new cross sector research; home grown engineering consultancy JDP is now feeding directly back to Reading and Oxfordshire Councils on recruitment, growth and business rates; and Derek Rees of SECBE /Constructing Excellence petitioned for a new construction network connecting the three organisations.

As always the powerpoint presentations are the starting point, the word ‘tech’ appeared on the screen a number of times but there is diversity across the two markets; TVBLEP referred to tech in the digital / computer industry while Oxfordshire is now leading the way in ‘Space Tech’ and, as a by-product, their electronics sector is gaining significant momentum too. 

The LEPs are clearly helping to identify and promote the factors that distinguish our regions, be they economic opportunities or niche sectors. Did you know that Reading Buses offer a social dividend instead of a financial one to their Local Authority? An innovative idea, right. By understanding the nuances of each interconnection and providing the support required we can build strong growth in the years to come. 

We need more innovative ideas. The LEPs work at a strategic level to address long term stability and opportunity as well as immediate challenges. There is a lot of activity in our region today, all helping to drive these ideas, be it Reading CIC from an economic growth perspective or visioning exercises such as Reading 2050, Futurebuild and many more. As local practitioners and businesses we need to try to understand and actively feed into the work of the LEPs.

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts; the face-to-face conversations that enliven and move the debate forwards happen when you are in the same room. In the meantime can you contribute by making one new cross sector introduction? Come on, get involved! 

Many thanks to Kier Group and Oxford Properties for their generous sponsorship of this event.

By Jen Forakis (HOOP / Constructing Excellence Berkshire) and Jenni Montgomery (Barton Willmore / Thames Valley Women in Property)