MIPIM UK 2015: The “southern powerhouse” needs to get back into the government narrative, according to Tim Smith, chief executive of Thames Valley Property.
At the Engines for Growth panel discussion at MIPIM UK, the delegates heard that with more than 200,000 businesses across the LEPs leading in sectors such as techology, maritime and motorsport, the focus should not be competing with the North and the Midlands but on a providing a complementary offer.
Richard Harrington, chief executive of Buckinghamshire Thames Valley LEP, called for further investment in infrastructure to retain talent.
He said: “We create more start-up businesses than anywhere in the country. We can’t take that for granted. If we want these businesses to be productive, we have to invest in that opportunity.”
But Heathrow’s expansion, dubbed the “elephant in the room”, was also a critical investment, according to the panel.
Smith added: “The tech sector is the golden thread running through all of our economies. In the greater Thames Valley you have a technology-driven economy which is second to none.
“It is up to all of us as the business community to continue that mantra that there is a southern powerhouse that is fundamental to Britain’s competitiveness.”
shekha.vyas@estatesgazette.com
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