The speaker at the event, Andrew Carter, Chief Executive for Centre for Cities shared his insight on the growth and ambitions of the UK’s cities and how he sees Reading building on its strong position going forwards. 

Andrew highlighted productivity in Reading, which is driven by a knowledge intensive economy with Reading coming out above the national average on employment rates and qualifications, leading to higher weekly earnings. 

Also discussed were the challenges that lay ahead for Reading after Brexit, Europe is Reading’s main trade partner so we are bound to see a big impact on the city over the coming years. With automation and globalisation, Andrew believes we will see a reduction in demand for some jobs. 

He continued on to discuss what can Reading and the wider Thames Valley can do to compete in a world of growing regional ‘Powerhouses’ and political complexities. Mayors are being given more money and there is a risk that Reading could miss out of the ‘Devolution Dividend’.

Summarising, it is safe to say there are great opportunities to be had within the Thames Valley for the commercial and residential property market, with the Elizabeth line edging ever closer to completion, is the Thames Valley set to become a new extension of London? 

Nick Coote, Head of the Thames Valley for Lambert Smith Hampton comments “It was great to see such a rich mix of professionals attending the event including a high number of developers. The venue, speaker and ambience were a resounding success and we look forward to the next event in May.”

The Reading Real Estate Network (RREN) Group is exclusively for businesses involved in real estate in Reading, Berkshire. It encourages networking among members through regular events jointly hosted by Natwest, Barton Willmore, Field Seymour Parkes and Lambert Smith Hampton.

The next Reading Real Estate Network event will be held in May 2018 – to be added to the invite list please contact rwilkinson@lsh.co.uk.