The director general of the Confederation of British Industry, John Cridland, has hailed Slough as a “southern powerhouse” that deserves greater recognition.
Speaking at a breakfast event, Slough Trading Estate in the Thames Valley, Cridland said the town has an impressive collection of commercial and industrial communities and “plays a critical role” in the Thames Valley’s economy.
He said: “The Prime Minister may be focused, quite rightly, on developing the northern powerhouse, but I believe a southern powerhouse already exists right here.”
Cridland pledged that the CBI would improve its engagement with new MPs, particularly in the South East, and would ensure the voice of business is heard in debates, votes and legislation.
He also said the CBI would call on ministers to back the findings of the Airport Commission’s report on the expansion of Heathrow or Gatwick, which is of “critical importance” to many companies in the Slough Trading Estate.
