Thames Valley business leaders swarm to annual dinner on election night

The event hosted by KPMG, Shoosmiths and a major high street lender was the 8th annual Thames Valley Business Leader's Dinner at Reading Hilton Hotel.

Business leaders from across the Thames Valley gathered at the Hilton Hotel in Reading last Thursday to attend the 8th annual Thames Valley Business Leaders' Dinner, co-hosted by Shoosmiths, a major high street lender and KPMG.

The dinner - held on the evening of the general election - saw more than one hundred guests from all industries attend to network and share best practice.

Pertinent issues for Thames Valley businesses were discussed around the room, particularly around the general election and what the country could look like under different outcomes, in addition to Brexit and potential knock on effects - positive of negative - to the regional economy.

Emma Gibson, head of corporate at Shoosmiths, said: 'The Thames Valley is a region rich in national and global businesses. For the last few years, these dinners have become an important annual event in the calendar to exchange views on topical issues, to network and to share best practice. This year, there was more political discussion than usual given national and global events, and we were very pleased to offer our clients and contacts expert insight into the political landscape on the evening of the general election.'

Andrew Morgan, senior partner for KPMG in the Thames Valley, said: 'It was clear from speaking to local businesses in the room that there is plenty of uncertainty and mixed feelings about both Brexit and government policies. However, what we need to see now is the region's businesses taking advantage of this turbulent period of risk and opportunity, and using it as a catalyst for change.'

Gareth Thompson, head of tech & large corporate at NatWest Thames Valley, said: 'This year's speaker gave engaging insight to the current economic situation and provided a springboard for discussion and debate around the room.'