Scott Witchalls, director of transportation and infrastructure for Stantec, has been appointed chair of REDA with Reading Borough Council leader, Cllr Liz Terry as deputy.
Scott, who replaces Adam Jacobs in the role, has been involved in many of the most significant infrastructure schemes in Reading and further afield.
Those include Reading station area regeneration, Christchurch Bridge, Green Park, J11 expansion and the Thames Valley Smart Cities Cluster.
Cllr Terry, who is on the Berkshire Prosperity Board, led Berkshire Women’s Aid for seven years and has been involved in many officer roles in local government.
Scott said: “Reading has great strengths such as our talented workforce, great connectivity, surrounding environment and attractions, and it is undoubtedly an attractive place to live and work.
“However, we still need to enhance the business offer in Reading by working with the council and other stakeholders to make the best use of our collective resources, find the right solutions and leverage external funding to make doing business here as easy and attractive as possible.
“The REDA priorities will keep us focused on ensuring Reading remains the pre-eminent place to do business in the region, while our Reading 2050 Vision provides the inspiration to deliver for Reading in the longer term as a smart and sustainable city of the future.”
Cllr Terry said: “As deputy chair of REDA, I am keen to understand more about how our fantastic local economy works and how as a partnership we can fine tune it.
“Equally, I want to encourage businesses to support their local communities and make the most of the talent base among local residents and in our schools, college and University.
“I also want to see Reading play a key role in the growth agenda across Berkshire, supporting a diverse economy including our town centre and visitor and destination economy through to our knowledge based, digital and technology-based businesses.
“Our partnership with the private sector through REDA is a real benefit in this respect, helping develop strategies, identify business needs and deliver solutions.”
Nigel Horton-Baker, chief executive of REDA, said: “With their considerable experience and complementary backgrounds, Scott and Liz make a great team to lead REDA.
“I’m really looking forward to working with them to fly the flag for Reading and delivering on our five-year priorities to boost business and enhance the visitor experience in a way that improves the quality of life for all in the Reading region.”
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