Thames Valley: Local MPs champion region's tech economy in parliament

Adam Afriyie, MP for Windsor, held a parliamentary debate in Westminster on March 19 highlighting the importance of the Thames Valley as a tech cluster in the UK and Europe.

"Thames Valley Berkshire is the largest and one of the most dynamic digital clusters in Europe. Long may it reign," he said.

He also commended Thames Valley Berkshire LEP for playing a leading role in driving growth in the technology sector across the sub-region: “...the LEP has established a Berkshire business growth hub to support and upskill small and medium-sized enterprises, and it will invest EU funds to fast-track the creation of the first-ever science park in the region.”

Afriyie highlighted five-key areas in relation to the local tech economy that an incoming government will need to address in the Thames Valley.
1. Security in the way data is held, used and owned
2. Encouraging open competition in order to drive down prices and spur innovation
3. The removal of bureaucratic obstacles to enable ‘disruptive innovation’ and a framework for 'permissionless creativity' that allows inventors to profit from their products
4. More clarity and consistency on the definition of clusters
5. The use of satellite broadband and better broadband access for rural areas, which is crucial for agricultural business.

Tim Smith, chief executive of Thames Valley Berkshire LEP, said: “As we deliver our Strategic Economic Plan, a key priority is to ensure that the economy of Thames Valley Berkshire continues to grow and contribute to the success of the UK. Projections for the next decade show our economic growth outpacing the South East, London and the UK as a whole. The tech sector is key to this – we have 11 of the top 15 global software companies in our region as well as being a leading 'Big Data' hub – and we will continue to support innovation, talent and entrepreneurship through our Funding Escalator, Business Growth Hub, Start Up Berkshire and support of Connect Thames Valley Tech.”

Richard Benyon, MP for Newbury, also participated in the debate, and spoke on the role of technology in agricultural jobs and the European single digital market.

Responding, the minister for culture and the digital economy Ed Vaizey, acknowledged the vital importance of Thames Valley as a tech cluster: “I agree that the Thames Valley is the largest tech cluster in Europe. When politicians say that they want to create a Silicon Valley in the UK, I say, you already have it.”