What could devolution deliver for the Thames Valley?

The Thames Valley has a tremendous story to tell. That was the resounding message at this year’s Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Conference, held at Syngenta’s offices in Bracknell and sponsored by Knights plc and Buckinghamshire New University.

The event embodied the Chamber’s pivotal role in uniting the region’s businesses, educators, and civic leaders to co-create a shared vision for growth.

With an emphasis on building a greener, healthier and more prosperous Thames Valley, keynote speakers included Martin Reeves (Chief Executive, Oxfordshire County Council), Nigel Milton (Heathrow Airport), Rich Fisher (GnW) and many more.

Charlie Nicholson, Regional Managing Partner at Vail Williams, attended the event to explore how the region can deliver solutions to the UK’s major challenges and seize the opportunities ahead — particularly through devolution – a subject matter we are monitoring closely for our clients, including those in the public sector.

What could a Thames Valley Mayor achieve?

There were refreshingly candid opinions expressed at the event, including a focus on what devolution could offer for the region. There is a lot to learn from successful models like Greater Manchester, where mayoral powers have unlocked investment and accelerated regional transformation.

At the heart of the case for public sector devolution is the need for a single, strategic voice to represent the Thames Valley. Currently, the region’s local authorities, while high-performing, operate independently. However, a devolved mayoral authority could:

• Unite the Thames Valley’s diverse towns and cities under one leadership structure.
• Strengthen the region’s influence in Westminster, allowing it to secure the funding and freedoms it needs.
• Coordinate priorities across infrastructure, skills, housing, and innovation.

Devolution in action: Infrastructure and investment

A clear example of where devolution could make a difference, which was discussed at the event, is transport and infrastructure.

Despite decades of proposals, the Western Rail Link to Heathrow and the long-debated third Thames bridge remain undelivered.

These projects are vital to reduce congestion and improve West London connectivity WRLtH would ease pressure on the M25 corridor between Heathrow and Slough — yet progress has stalled without a unified voice pushing them forward.

We’ve seen the impact of joined-up transport planning in the Elizabeth Line, which has already boosted inward investment

The addition of the Western Rail Link would take this further, directly linking the main train lines and Elizabeth Line directly into Heathrow and unlocking wider economic benefits — not just faster journeys, but greater mobility, productivity, and regional resilience.

A global opportunity for innovation

The Thames Valley — and the wider OxCam Arc — is home to world-class clusters in R&D, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.

During the pandemic, the region proved its credentials, from mRNA research collaborations to the rapid delivery of the UK’s national immunisation centre at Harwell Campus.

These are not just local success stories; they are examples of the global competitiveness the region can offer — if we invest, retain and commercialise the talent and IP generated here.

According to attendees at the event, devolution has the power to ensure:

• Stronger partnerships between universities, businesses, and government.
• Better-targeted investment to scale key sectors like biotech, satellite technology, and clean energy.
• Local retention of economic value and expertise, rather than losing it to overseas markets.

Challenges and a need to collaborate

Of course, devolution must be done well if it is to succeed and there is much to be learned from Greater Manchester.

Potential challenges of devolution include everything from securing agreement among local councils on a shared governance model and balancing the priorities of urban growth hubs like Oxford and Reading with the needs of rural communities; to avoiding bureaucracy and duplication in new structures.

On this, the message from the Chamber Conference was clear: now is the time for collaboration.

The Thames Valley has the expertise, ambition and track record to lead — but it needs the tools and structures to do so effectively.

At Vail Williams, we are fully on board with the overall vision of a more innovative, connected, and influential Thames Valley.

The question is – will it be one that speaks with a united voice to deliver sustainable, inclusive growth for the future? We will be monitoring developments carefully – both for our corporate and public sector clients in the region.