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All Events 3 Mar 2022

Thames Valley Development Conference

Name: Thames Valley Development Conference
Start: 2022-03-03T08:00
End: 1970-01-01T16:00
Location: Reading Town Hall

Thursday, 3rd March 2022 0800hrs – 1600hrs

Reading Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH | Hybrid Conference – Attend Physically or Virtually

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Event Programme Speakers Exhibitors Become a Partner

The Thames Valley region has an exciting future in the making, with billions of pounds worth of projects in the pipeline set to increase economic growth, improve infrastructure and push towards Net Zero.

The Thames Valley is the fastest-growing region in the UK, outside of London, with a wide array of regeneration and development set to transform the region whilst driving innovation, cutting carbon and providing housing. Throughout the conference we will hear from the region’s policy-makers, investors, developers, and forward-thinkers to share expert insight into the schemes and initiatives they’re working on and their plans for the future. From town centre renewals, cutting edge University campuses and major infrastructure projects to new trainlines, key logistics hubs and solar power development, the event will cover a plethora of topics from a range of experts.

Topics to be discussed:

Plans across Gladman’s 200-acres of development land
New Oxfordshire village with 2,200 homes proposed
Newbury Market Street’s £61m Redevelopment
Bracknell’s £124m Town Centre Regeneration
Oxford City Housing’s £1bn Sustainable Housing Development Framework
Oxford’s £215m Housing & Growth Deal
RBWM’s £400m Development Pipeline
£150m Shinfield Studios Project

Clearstone Energy’s £50m Chosley Farm Solar Project
Swindon’s 8,000-home ‘New Eastern Villages’ scheme
Winnersh Triangle’s Multi-million Pound Expansion
FPUK’s 3.2 million square feet of assets within the Thames Valley
Frasers Property’s Thames Valley Net Zero Roadmap
Completing Energy Efficiency Upgrades Across FPUK’s 5 Thames Valley Sites

Speakers include:

Rachel Wileman,
Assistant Director, Strategic Infrastructure and Planning

Professor Robert Van de Noort,
Vice Chancellor

Sarah Knight,
Head of Development

David Dewart,
Head of Strategic Place

Cllr Susan Brown,
Leader

Chris Joyce,
Head of Infrastructure, Sustainability and Economic Growth

Amira Hashemi,
Head of Sustainability

Edd Pickering,
Commercial Director

Frances Martin,
Executive Director for Economic Growth and Neighbourhoods Services

Martyn Twigg,
Group Planning Director

Susan Halliwell,
Executive Director of Place

Ben Pratt,
Director

Alison Webster,
Chief Executive

Andy Howell,
General Manager

Kate Ives,
Strategic Partnerships Director

Professor Alistair Fitt,
Vice Chancellor

Naomi Green,
Managing Director

Paddy Bradley,
Chief Executive Officer

Richard Marsh,
Partner

More Speakers,
TBC Soon

08:00-09:00	Breakfast & Networking
09:00-09:30	Conference Welcome and Keynote Speaker Alison Webster, Chief Executive of the Thames Valley Berkshire LEP joins us to share her thoughts on inclusive growth, inward investment and creating a healthier, more sustainable Thames Valley Region. Thames Valley Berkshire LEP; Alison Webster, Chief Executive
09:30-10:45	Session One: Setting The Priorities for a Cleaner, Healthier and Smarter Thames Valley Senior policy influencers will join thought leadership panel featuring leading developers and other key public sector officials to discuss plans for inclusive economic growth via major regeneration and development, and how the region can attract global inward investment. Chair: Thames Valley Berkshire LEP; Alison Webster, Chief Executive Oxford City Council; Cllr Susan Brown, Leader University of Reading; Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice Chancellor Swindon and Wiltshire LEP; Paddy Bradley, Chief Executive Oxford Brookes University; Professor Alistair Fitt, Vice-Chancellor
10:45-11:15	Break & Networking For our in-person delegates you’ll be able to grab refreshments and build commercially rewarding relationships within this networking period. For our online delegates we’ll have a Roaming Cam where Conference Host Phil Laycock will talk live with sponsors, exhibitors, delegates and speakers live from the conference floor.
11:15-11:45	Best Practice Presentation: Reading’s Minster Quarter In this session we will hear insight into the Reading town centre’s major regeneration programme and how Reading Council are planning to develop strategic areas throughout the borough to lead to inclusive growth. Reading Borough Council; Frances Martin, Executive Director for Economic Growth and Neighbourhoods Services
11:45-12:45	Session Two: Delivering a Net Zero Thames Valley; Sponsored by BDB Pitmans Almost three years on from the UK becoming the first major economy to pass net zero law, the deadline for reducing greenhouse gas emissions creeps ever closer. This session will explore a variety of sustainable developments within the Thames Valley region and examine future plans to continue green schemes and initiatives within the built environment. Chair: BDB Pitmans; Richard Marsh, Partner Clearstone Energy; Ben Pratt, Director Oxfordshire County Council; Rachel Wileman, Assistant Director, Strategic Infrastructure and Planning Oxford City Housing Ltd; Sarah Knight, Head of Development Frasers Property UK; Amira Hashemi, Sustainability Manager
12:45-13:30	Lunch & Networking For our in-person delegates you’ll be able to grab refreshments and build commercially rewarding relationships within this networking period. For our online delegates we’ll have a Roaming Cam where Conference Host Phil Laycock will talk live with sponsors, exhibitors, delegates and speakers live from the conference floor.
13:30-14:30	Session Three: Delivering High-Quality, Affordable Homes and Creating Inclusive Communities Public sector stakeholders, residential developers and investors assemble to discuss housing objectives, future housing developments and major investment. As well as addressing what more can be done can help combat the key housing issues within the region. Chair: (Available to Sponsor) Countryside Properties; Kate Ives, Strategic Growth Director Slough Urban Renewal; Andy Howell, General Manager Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council; Chris Joyce, Head of Infrastructure, Sustainability and Economic Growth
14:30-15:45	Session Four: Revitalising the Thames Valley – Innovative Placemaking and Regeneration for the Future With the pandemic in the rear-view mirror, delegates will hear plans to reinvigorate towns and cities across the Thames Valley. The region’s public and private sector will come together to discuss a range of opportunities for major regeneration and placemaking, as we look to futureproof our communities for years to come. Chair: (Available to Sponsor) Gladman; Martyn Twigg, Group Planning Director West Berkshire Council; Susan Halliwell, Executive Director of Place Swindon Borough Council; David Dewart, Head of Placemaking England’s Economic Heartland; Naomi Green, Interim Programme Director University of Reading; Edd Pickering, Commercial Director
15:45-16:00	Conference Summary and Close

This unique conference will bring together the construction industry to drive economic growth through development and regeneration across the Thames Valley Economic Growth and Development Conference. There will be plenty of exhibitors showcasing their brand and best practice in the industry, whilst helping them reap the rewards of being prominently displayed within the events exhibition area in front of some key and influential business leaders.

Modular Construction Off Site Development Build Public Sector

Exhibiting will allow you to:

Meet 400+ delegates face to face
Be part of the annual Thames Valley Economic Growth and Development Conference
Be seen as a leading firm in the industry’s bid to drive sustainable growth in the regions
Network with hundreds of your business clients and peers
Showcase your work to regional authorities, government officials, leading private sector firms, blue-chip companies, investors and more

Confirmed Exhibitors:

CLICK HERE FOR EXHIBITOR FLOORPLAN

If you’re interested in exhibiting at the conference then get in touch with our team – with space available for standard exhibition stalls or larger spaces to showcase more of your brand and create an eye-catching area contact:

Email: opportunities@built-environment-networking.com

Associate your brand with the Thames Valley Economic Growth and Development Conference and position your brand at the forefront of one of the UK’s biggest discussions and debates about economic growth, development and regeneration within the region.

Package	Exhibition Stand	Chair/ Speaking Opportunity	Tickets	VIP Backstage Access	Cost (+VAT)
Corporate Partner	Yes	Yes	15	Yes	£8,250	View Details
Session One Partner: Setting The Priorities for a Cleaner, Healthier and Smarter Thames Valley	Yes	Yes	10	Yes	£5,500	View Details
Session Two Partner: Delivering a Net Zero Thames Valley	Yes	Yes	10	Yes	£5,500	Sold Out
Session Three Partner: Delivering High-Quality, Affordable Homes and Creating Inclusive Communities	Yes	Yes	10	Yes	£5,500	View Details
Session Four Partner: Revitalising the Thames Valley – Innovative Placemaking and Regeneration for the Future	Yes	Yes	10	Yes	£5,500	View Details
Best Practice Presentation Partner	Yes	Yes	7	Yes	£3,250	View Details
VIP Speaker Table Partner	Yes	–	5	Yes	£2,750	View Details
Pre Conference Dinner	–	–	2	Yes	£2,750	View Details
Programme Partner	Yes	–	5	–	£2,250	Sold Out
Breakfast Partner	Yes	–	5	–	£2,250	View Details
Lunch Partner	Yes	–	5	–	£2,250	View Details
Email Partner	Yes	–	5	–	£2,250	View Details
Registration Partner	Yes	–	5	–	£2,250	View Details
Exhibitor Packages	Yes	–	4	–	£1,750	View Details

We have various partnership packages available, including packages with speaking opportunities and huge exhibition space large enough to promote your business, allowing you to address your whole target audience for maximum brand awareness and impact. Our partnership packages will put you at the forefront of the industry discussion allowing you to be there, be active and be an expert within the construction and property sector, the future vision for the region and the whole built environment industry.

Corporate Partner

£8,250+VAT

Be at the forefront of the conference with onstage branding, a 15-minute keynote speech to kickstart the conference, access to the VIP Speakers’ Room and much more. This package will elevate your brand and drive awareness, loyalty and trust in front of industry leaders. This is the ultimate package if you’re looking to be seen as a leading figure within the industry with branding within the title of the event – ‘Thames Valley Economic Growth and Development Conference in association with YOUR BRAND’. Benefits include:

Position yourself alongside Built Environment Networking to shape the conference agenda and content to bring your strategic thinking to the conference, with the option to recommend speakers
Inclusion within pre-conference speaker communications including speaker briefing calls
Direct access before and after the sessions to the speakers and panellists; an excellent opportunity to establish rapport and build commercially rewarding relationships
Prime branding for the whole conference
One pull-up stand on stage for the entire conference
Option to do a Keynote speech
3x1m² exhibition space
Fifteen delegate passes for the conference
One ticket to the VIP Speaker’s dinner for one of your selected event speakers, which takes place the day before or day of the event – allowing you to meet speakers in a relaxed environment
Attendance at Networking Training sessions for up to fifteen people per year
Access to the Speakers’ Green Room
Digital Media Branding: your logo appears prominently at the top of the event website, reminders and promotional emails for each event (subscriber list size: 80,000), and across social media platforms
Print Media Branding: One full (A5) page advert in the conference programme
Chairman’s ‘thank you’ in the closing speech
Social media – pre, during & post-conference activity
Inclusion within all PR and Outreach to regional, national and industry press
Access to photographs and video of the conference
Virtual exhibition stand – to allow connectivity to hybrid/virtual event users

Become a partner >

Session Partner

£5,500+VAT

The role of the session partner provides an opportunity for you to chair or participate in one of the sessions to build brand awareness, loyalty and trust amongst hundreds of civic and business leaders from across the industry. You’ll be seen to be a thought leader within your area of expertise and showcase your company in front of key decision-makers from across the industry. Benefits include:

Ability to chair one of our exceptional panel sessions
Position yourself alongside us to shape the session agenda and content to bring your strategic thinking to the conference, with the option to recommend speakers
Inclusion within pre-conference communications including speaker briefing calls
Direct access before and after the sessions to the speakers and panellists; an excellent opportunity to establish rapport and build commercially rewarding relationships
Prime branding for the conference
Option to do a five minute introduction to the panel OR thought leaders presentation
3x1m² exhibition space
Additional pull-up stand on stage during your conference session
Ten delegate passes for the conference
50% off tickets to the VIP Speakers’ dinner which takes place the day before or the day of the event – allowing you to meet speakers in a relaxed environment
Attendance at Networking Training sessions for up to ten people per year
Access to the Speakers’ Green Room
Digital Media Branding: your logo appears prominently at the top of the event website, reminders and promotional emails for each event (subscriber list size: 80,000), and across social media platforms
Print Media Branding: One full (A5) page advert in the conference programme
Chairman’s ‘thank you’ in the closing speech
Social media – pre, during & post-conference activity
Inclusion within all PR and Outreach to regional, national and industry press
Access to photographs and video of the conference
Virtual exhibition stand – to allow connectivity to hybrid/virtual event users

Become a partner >

Session Two Partner: Delivering a Net Zero Thames Valley

Become a partner >

Best Practice Presentation Partner

£3,250+VAT

This package enables you to speak at the conference – providing you an opportunity to deliver a thought leadership presentations and/or on-stage Q&A utilising our expert Chair. You’ll be able to position yourself as a though-leader and go-to-business in your sector in front of sector/regional stakeholders and influencers. Benefits include:

15-minute timeslot before one of the main session to deliver a thought leadership presentation and/or Q&A session
Direct access before and after every session to the VIP speaker room, an excellent opportunity to establish rapport and build commercially rewarding relationships
Prime branding at the conference
3x1m² exhibition space
Additional pull-up stand on stage during your Best Practice session
7 x delegate passes for the conference
Attendance at Networking Training sessions for up to ten people per year
Digital Media Branding: your logo appears prominently at the top of the event website, reminders and promotional emails for each event (subscriber list size: 80,000), and across social media platforms
Print Media Branding: One full (A5) page advert in the conference programme
Chairman’s ‘thank you’ in the closing speech#
Social media – pre, during & post-conference activity
Inclusion within all PR and Outreach to regional, national and industry press
Access to photographs and video of the conference

Become a partner >

VIP Speaker Table Partner

£2,750+VAT

Become the official partner of the VIP Speakers’ Table – where our high level event speakers will cogregrate throughout the day.

Get VIP access to join the table alongside our guest speakers
Build one-to-one relationships with key decision makers and work givers
2 x pop-up banners around the Speaker Table area
Literature can be placed on the Speaker Table
3x1m² exhibition space
Five delegate passes for the event
Attendance at Networking Training sessions for up to five people per year
Digital media branding – your logo appears prominently at the top of the event website, reminder and promotional emails, social media and more
Chairman’s ‘thank you’ in the closing speech
Social media – pre, during and post-conference activity
Inclusion within all PR and Outreach to regional, national and industry press
Access to photographs and video of the conference

Become a partner >

Pre Conference Dinner

£2,750+VAT

The day before the event we’ll be hosting a Speaker and Sponsor VIP dinner – and this invite-only event offers a unique opportunity to network one-on-one with the industry’s leading figures. This partnership enables you to have prominent involvement and branding at the dinner with benefits including:

Speaking opportunity – with a 10-minute promotional talk at the VIP Dinner
2 x pop-up banners at the conference dinner
Promotional material and literature placement on the dinner tables
2 x VIP Dinner invite-only tickets for the meal
2 x delegate passes for the conference
Attendance at Networking Training sessions for up to ten people per year
Access to the Speakers’ Green Room
Digital Media Branding: your logo appears prominently at the top of the event website, reminders and promotional emails for each event (subscriber list size: 80,000), and across social media platforms
Logo on the evening dinner programme
Print media branding: A full-page advertisement in the dinner programme
Social media – pre, during & post-conference activity
Inclusion within all PR and Outreach to regional, national and industry press
Access to photographs and video of the conference

Become a partner >

Programme Partner

Become a partner >

Breakfast Partner

£2,250+VAT

A package to enable mass brand awareness and visibility during the busiest periods of the day. Becoming a partner would ensure branding is at the forefront of the breakfast period area along with additional marketing benefits including an exhibition stand and inclusion within all marketing material. Benefits include:

Prime branding in the physical breakfast area space for the duration of breakfast
3 x pull-up banners in the refreshments area
3x1m² exhibition space
Five delegate passes for the event
Attendance at Networking Training sessions for up to five people per year
Print media branding: A half-page advertisement in the conference programme
Digital media branding – your logo appears prominently at the top of the event website, reminders and promotional emails for each event (subscriber list size: 80,000), and across social media platforms
Chairman’s ‘thank you’ in the closing speech
Inclusion within all PR and Outreach to regional, national and industry press
Access to photographs and video of the conference
Virtual exhibition stand – to allow connectivity to hybrid/virtual event users

Become a partner >

Lunch Partner

£2,250+VAT

A package to enable mass brand awareness and visibility during the busiest periods of the day. Becoming a partner would ensure branding is at the forefront of the lunch period area along with additional marketing benefits including an exhibition stand and inclusion within all marketing material. Benefits include:

Prime branding in the physical lunch area space for the duration of breakfast
3 x pull-up banners in the refreshments area
3x1m² exhibition space
Five delegate passes for the event
Attendance at Networking Training sessions for up to five people per year
Print media branding: A half-page advertisement in the conference programme
Digital media branding – your logo appears prominently at the top of the event website, reminders and promotional emails for each event (subscriber list size: 80,000), and across social media platforms
Chairman’s ‘thank you’ in the closing speech
Inclusion within all PR and Outreach to regional, national and industry press
Access to photographs and video of the conference
Virtual exhibition stand – to allow connectivity to hybrid/virtual event users

Become a partner >

Email Partner

£2,250+VAT

A package to enable excellent brand exposure before the event – with your logo appearing on all weekly emails sent out to prominent the events, above the fold in a prominent location. Benefits include:

Your company logo will be prominently displayed on all emails sent to promote the conference with delegates, before and after the conference
Positioned as the ‘Email Partner’ in all branding
3x1m2 stand space in the exhibition area
4 x delegate passes for the conference
Attendance at Networking Training sessions for up to five people per year
Access to the Speakers’ VIP Green Room
Your logo will be displayed on the conference website, and all documents and promotional content relating to the event
1 x full A5 page advert in the conference programme
Access to photographs and video of the conference
Virtual exhibition stand – to allow connectivity to hybrid/virtual event users

Become a partner >

Registration Partner

£2,250+VAT

Sponsorship of the registration area – the delegate entry point to the conference. Benefits include:

Branding on the sign-in iPads at check-out where all delegates sign-in
2 x pull-up banners in the registration area
3x1m² exhibition space
Five delegate passes for the event
Attendance at Networking Training sessions for up to five people per year
Programme advert: Half page advert in the official event programme
Digital media branding – your logo appears prominently at the top of the event website, reminders and promotional emails for each event (subscriber list size: 80,000), and across social media platforms
Chairman’s ‘thank you’ in the closing speech
Inclusion within all PR and Outreach to regional, national and industry press
Access to photographs and video of the conference
Virtual exhibition stand – to allow connectivity to hybrid/virtual event users

Become a partner >

Exhibitor Package

£1,750+VAT

If you’re looking for access to the event and a space to hold meetings and showcase your services, our Exhibitor Partner package is perfect. There is no limit to the exhibition space enabling you to simply drive brand awareness through a standard exhibition package or bring excitement to the room with the ability to take exhibition space to stand out from the crowd. Benefits include:

3x1m² exhibition space
4 x delegate passes
Digital media branding – your logo appears prominently at the top of the event website, reminders and promotional emails for each event (subscriber list size: 80,000), and across social media platforms
Attendance at Networking Training sessions for up to four people per year
Chairman’s ‘thank you’ in the closing speech
Inclusion within outreach and press release
Photo & Video Library: access to professional photographs and video of the event
Virtual exhibition stand – to allow connectivity to hybrid/virtual event users

Become a partner >

Exhibitor Partner

Become a partner >

Become a Partner

If you’re interested in any of the packages above or if you’re interested in finding out additional information then contact us on:

0113 390 4700

opportunities@built-environment-networking.com

We’re set to have a plethora of expert names join us for this physical conference. They include:

Oxfordshire County Council – Rachel Wileman, Assistant Director, Strategic Infrastructure and Planning

A qualified planner and organisation development consultant with over twenty five years local government experience, working at a senior level within unitary, borough and county councils. Proven leadership capability for people and place with a successful track record in strategy development and delivery, partnership working and regeneration. Previously Head of Strategic Planning & Infrastructure at Buckinghamshire County Council where I worked closely with senior members on housing growth and led on a range of strategic infrastructure projects and consultations including HS2, proposed Heathrow expansion, the Bucks Strategic Infrastructure Plan, Bucks Minerals and Waste Local Plan and Aylesbury Garden Town.

University of Reading – Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice Chancellor

The University of Reading has a proven track record of delivering world-class teaching and research facilities. Over recent years, they have made significant investments into excellent facilities, ranging from student accommodation and contemporary teaching spaces. The University’s 2026: TRANSFORM programme has seen £200m invested into the improvement of our campus sites. Robert joins us to discuss the University’s importance to the local economy whilst highlighting their continued commitment to supporting sustainability and ecology using their land.

Ox Place – Sarah Knight, Head of Development

Swindon Borough Council – David Dewart, Head of Strategic Place

Swindon Borough Council are looking to further improve on existing infrastructure and further develop the borough within the next five years. A variety of projects will be taking place throughout the borough, featuring one of the largest urban regeneration developments in the UK at New Eastern Villages, that will consist of 8,000 homes, new schools, employment spaces and community and leisure facilities. The council are also working on the £25 million redevelopment of Fleming Way Bus Boulevard and Kimmerfields mixed-use business district regeneration with up to 60,000 sq m of new office spaces and 450 homes.

Oxford City Council – Cllr Susan Brown, Leader

Oxford is set to undergo a wave of regeneration and development over the next decade, with the Strategic Economic Plan for Oxfordshire setting out a vision and plan for future growth across the county by 2031. Oxford City Council are leading projects that work towards this vision including the Oxford rail station redevelopment and expansion that has been valued at £160m. In addition, the council are working on a major £60m Cowley Town Centre regeneration and the £53m Barton Park development that will deliver 441 homes.

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council – Chris Joyce, Head of Infrastructure, Sustainability and Economic Growth

Windsor and Maidenhead are set for a wave of regeneration and development over the coming years. With a development pipeline exceeding £400m in value, the borough council will deliver several major projects over the next decade including the £155m The Landing regeneration scheme that will see the delivery of 429 homes, 23,000 sq ft of ground floor retail space and 104,000 sq ft of office space. Another notable scheme is the £280m Chapel Arches project that will redevelop the Maidenhead Waterfront. The council are seeking to develop a further 2,000 homes on the site of the Maidenhead golf club in the near future.

Frasers Property UK – Amira Hashemi, Head of Sustainability

Frasers Property own, develop and manage property in Europe, China, Southeast Asia, Singapore and Australia and reported a revenue of $3.7bn for 2021. In the UK they create vibrant living and business environments across the country, with a focus on providing sustainable developments that create and enhance communities. Amira has been the driving force for Fraser Property’s sustainability credentials, aiding in the release of the company’s net zero roadmap back in 2021, which set out the company’s aims to achieve net zero across its portfolio by 2050, net zero carbon across operational areas by 2030, to certify 80% of its portfolio with green building certifications by 2024, and to finance most of its portfolio with green and sustainable financing. An example of her work is the securing of a £110m 5-year bilateral sustainability linked loan for Hillington Park, the company’s business park in Scotland. This is in addition to a huge $6bn+ in sustainability linked loans company-wide.

University of Reading – Edd Pickering, Commercial Director

The University of Reading have been received a green light to move ahead with a new purpose-built TV studio located at the Thames Valley Science Park to form a part of a new ‘Cine Valley’. The new state-of-the-art, 21st Century film and television production complex will cover 65 acres of land near the M4, located in Shinfield, Berkshire. This new Hub has the potential to bring £500 million into the UK and will cost around £150 million to build. The studios will offer film and television producers 18 new purpose-built sound stages with a development exceeding 1 million square feet together with a workshop and mill space.

Reading Borough Council – Frances Martin, Executive Director for Economic Growth and Neighbourhoods Services

Reading Borough Council has again surpassed its three-year target for new homes with 2,080 delivered against a target of just over 1,500. With 43% of this target made up of one bedroom homes or small flats, the council is reaching out to developers to increase the delivery of three to four bedroom homes. In addition to this, following a successful £2m bid from the Brownfield Land Release Fund, the council are looking to kickstart their Minster Quarter town centre regeneration programme. The proposed Minster Quarter development framework roughly sets out plans for a mixed-use development including up to 1,100 homes, offices and public squares.

Gladman – Martyn Twigg, Group Planning Director

As one of the UK’s most active and successful land promoters, Gladman has over 30 years in the development industry. The developer has recently been approved to deliver a major 250-home development in Highworth. The project will cost approximately £25m to complete and will be the first of many schemes the developer has planned for the region.

West Berkshire Council – Susan Halliwell, Executive Director of Place

Sue is Executive Director, Place at West Berkshire Council overseeing place shaping functions including planning, infrastructure, economic development, public protection and environment, creating places where people want to live and work. Sue’s current focus is on delivering the council’s zero carbon ambitions. Susan will join the session to give a West Berkshire perspective on the built environment climate challenge and to detail some of the changes delegates may see in West Berkshire in the coming years.

Clearstone Energy – Ben Pratt, Director

Clearstone Energy is a leading independent developer of onshore energy infrastructure projects. They are currently working with National Grid to develop a portfolio of transmission connected flexible, solar and battery generation assets in strategic locations across the UK. They have recently secured planning permission for a 40-year, 95.47-hectare, solar project located on part of Chosley Farm valued at just under £50m.

Thames Valley Berkshire LEP – Alison Webster, Chief Executive

Alongside London, the Thames Valley region is the UK’s economic powerhouse, contributing over £42.5bn in GVA to the national economy. The LEP agreed three Growth Deals with government, worth a capital investment of over £140m to implement its Strategic Economic Plan between 2015/16 to 2020/21. Under the plan, several major projects were allocated funding from the LEP, including the £19m Newbury Railway Station, the £20m Reading Green Park Railway Station, and the £10m Newbury Sandleford Park scheme. Alison joins us to share insight into the LEP’s economic development plans from 2022 onwards.

Slough Urban Renewal – Andy Howell, General Manager

Slough Urban Renewal is a joint venture between Slough Borough Council, Morgan Sindall and Muse Developments to deliver a £60m investment into regenerating leisure facilities, delivering enhancements and improvements to schools and providing more homes across the borough. Ahead of schedule, the JV has already completed a major series of schemes worth £48m, including a nine-storey hotel. Following a greenlight from the council the regeneration company is working to deliver the next phase of the programme, featuring the £24m Stoke Wharf development that will provide 312 flats and commercial units.

Countryside Properties – Kate Ives, Strategic Partnerships Director

Countryside Partnerships is one of the UK’s leading mixed tenure developers and has major growth plans for London. Their upcoming projects include the major regeneration of Kingston’s Cambridge Road Estate which will see 2,170 new homes created, 45% of which will be affordable. Kate will discuss their work with partners including local authorities and registered providers and plans for further growth in the capital.

Oxford Brookes University – Professor Alistair Fitt, Vice Chancellor

Professor Alistair Fitt is the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, where he was previously Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research. He joined Oxford Brookes in 2011 from the University of Southampton, where he was Pro Vice-Chancellor (International). He is chair of various committees and boards, including the UUKi TNE Advisory Group, and Deputy Chair of both the University Alliance and Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP).

England’s Economic Heartland – Naomi Green, Managing Director

Naomi Green is Managing Director of England’s Economic Heartland (EEH), the region’s sub-national transport body focused on a major programme of work, including development and delivery of the region’s infrastructure priorities and establishing a pioneering ‘centre for excellence’ to bolster local authorities’ capacity to plan future schemes. Their proposed Ely Area Capacity scheme will allow 2,900 extra freight services to operate from Felixstowe per annum, remove 98,000 lorry journeys off the road every year, reduce congestion by 5.6 million hours and cut carbon emissions by 1.7 million tonnes over 60 years.

Swindon & Wiltshire LEP – Paddy Bradley, Chief Executive Officer

The Swindon and Wiltshire LEP is a business led partnership between the two Unitary councils of Swindon and Wiltshire, the Military, and the private sector. The SWLEP plays a vital role in determining local economic priorities and undertaking schemes and initiatives to drive inclusive economic growth. By 2026 they aim to make Swindon and Wiltshire renowned for innovation, entrepreneurialism, and a great quality of life.

BDB Pitmans – Richard Marsh, Partner

Richard is a partner in the Tier 1, 10-partner Planning and Infrastructure team at BDB Pitmans and he is also Head of the firm’s Climate Action Group.

He specialises in planning law and the authorisation of major energy and transport infrastructure projects and commercial developments. He has more than 16 years’ experience of guiding a wide range of private and public sector clients through the planning process, including all aspects of application processes, inquiries and hearings and legal challenges. He has promoted and opposed a wide range of solar / renewable energy, energy-from-waste, rail / urban transit, road, airport, housing / CPO, leisure / stadium, harbour and water projects, and has a particular focus on the Development Consent Order planning process.

He regularly speaks at conferences on planning and energy-related and also co-writes a Net Zero Blog (https://www.bdbpitmans.com/blogs/net-zero/the-road-ahead-for-our-electric-vehicle-revolution/) with fellow BDB Pitmans partner, Angus Walker.