One of the greatest strengths of our area is what we can achieve when business, government and the community work together with a shared sense of purpose. As Executive Councillor for Economic Development, Sport & Leisure and the Arts, I see daily how collaboration delivers practical results that directly improve people’s lives.
Economic development cannot succeed in isolation. It depends on strong partnerships with our business community, voluntary sector, educational institutions and residents. By working together, we move beyond policy documents and into real-world outcomes: new investment, job creation, vibrant public spaces and opportunities that are accessible to all. A clear example of this approach is our Town Centres Strategy. Our town centres are not just places to shop; they are social, cultural and economic hubs. To succeed, they must reflect the needs of modern communities. That is why we are enabling businesses to take a leading role in shaping their future. From independent traders to larger employers, businesses understand how places function day to day. By giving them a stronger voice and supporting innovation, we are helping our town centres become more resilient, more diverse and more welcoming.
Equally important is our growing relationship with the University of Reading. The university is a major economic and cultural asset, and closer collaboration benefits the entire area. By strengthening links between the council, local businesses and the university, we can better align skills, research and enterprise. This helps retain talent, encourages start-ups and ensures our economy is future-focused and inclusive.
Economic prosperity must go hand in hand with health and wellbeing. That is why Sport and Leisure sit at the heart of our vision. Physical activity is not a luxury; it is fundamental to individual health, mental wellbeing and community connection. By directly linking sport and leisure opportunities to our wider health agenda, we are investing in prevention as well as participation. Accessible facilities, active travel and inclusive programmes all contribute to healthier lives and reduced pressure on public services. Arts and culture are equally vital. They enrich our daily lives, shape our identity and bring people together. Our aim is to embed arts and culture into everyday life, not treat them as optional extras. Whether through public art, festivals, creative education or supporting local artists, culture has a powerful role in regeneration, wellbeing and pride in place.
Ultimately, our success will be measured not just in economic statistics, but in how people feel about where they live and work. By fostering strong partnerships, empowering business leadership, embracing education, promoting health through activity and weaving arts and culture into the fabric of daily life, we are building a place that is prosperous, healthy and inspiring for everyone. This is what collaboration looks like in practice — and it is how we will continue to move forward together.
Cllr Mark Ashwell, Executive Member for Economic Development, Sport, Leisure and the Arts
