This event formed part of a series of six regional roadshows taking place throughout this week. Visitors toured Medherant, a clinical-stage company founded by Professor David Haddleton and The University of Warwick, with a focus on developing innovative treatments, including a testosterone patch for women, using its novel transdermal drug delivery technology.
This was followed by a Business and Trade Committee Roundtable where MPs and visitors connected with 25 businesses to discuss opportunities, and the role of government in breaking down barriers to success.
Liam Byrne MP, Chair of the Business and Trade Committee, said; "Today, it’s been an absolute privilege to bring the Commons Business and Trade Committee to one of the world’s greatest universities. For nearly 60 years, The University of Warwick has been a powerhouse of industrial revolutions, bringing together academics, entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors to drive growth, launch ideas, and adapt for the future.
"Our visit today wasn’t just important-it was essential. We’ve been listening hard to the country’s great innovators and businesses, small and large, brought together today and what was striking was the shared excitement at opportunity offered by the race to net zero, the shared analysis about the challenges we have to overcome and a huge consensus about the things Britain has to fix from investing in infrastructure to incentives to invest, skills for work, a better environment for SMEs and sorting out new trade arrangements with Europe.
"The University of Warwick, the city of Coventry, and this region have a unique partnership ethos that is a model for us all. The insights gained today will be critical in shaping the committee’s work as we move forward."
Greg Clark, Executive Chair of The University’s Warwick Innovation District commented:
"I was pleased to welcome the Business and Trade Committee to The University of Warwick. The University has long been a place of innovation where research and education are closely engaged with the national and regional economy, public services, and people. Today’s discussion draws on the deep relationships we have with civic leaders and businesses across our region. We are honoured that the Committee has chosen Warwick to examine these prospects right as it forms its agenda at the beginning of this Parliament."
Alongside the week long roadshow, the Committee wishes to hear views on the Government’s goals for the UK economy to have the fastest sustained economic growth in the G7; how it will deliver a pro-business, pro-worker agenda; develop closer trading relationships with others; and maintain the UK’s status as a global leader in protecting customers. The Committee will publish a report in the New Year listing who it has heard from and what the top priorities will be for its work.
In addition to the invite only events happening in regions across the UK, the Committee has opened an online survey to canvass wider views that will begin shape its work through this Parliament. The 7 question survey is open here until December 20 - the Committee is inviting all’interested stakeholders to please take part. All responses will be analysed and compiled and contribute to a report of the Committee’s initial findings, priorities and direction going through this Parliament.
ENDS
For further information contact:
Helen Annetts
Media & Communications Officer (Press Office)
Helen.Annetts@Warwick.ac.uk / 07779 026720
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