OUR main Chamber of Commerce has launched its first business manifesto.

The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce , which is the fifth largest in the UK, launched the document to outline the key issues it will be tackling on behalf of the region’s businesses.

Among these are the delivery of the third runway at Heathrow, which the chamber strongly supports, securing a ‘business-friendly’ Brexit deal, promoting the Thames Valley amongst the private and public sectors, and supporting and awarding business excellence.

Chamber chief executive, Paul Britton, said: “The manifesto shows a willingness by the business community to not only challenge, but also engage Government and regional stakeholder in delivering sustained economic, social and environmental well-being.

"We encourage businesses, policymakers and organisations with civic responsibilities to get involved and help support the delivery of a more productive, attractive and competitive Thames Valley.”

TVCC hopes to transform the Thames Valley into a ‘turbo-economy’ in future, and make it an economic powerhouse for the UK.

The director general for the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), Adam Marshall, said: “Thames Valley Chamber’s manifesto is a testament to the forward-looking outlook and ambition of one of the UK’s most dynamic economic areas.

“All of us at the British Chambers of Commerce look forward to supporting TVCC throughout 2018 in delivering its goals.”