Chief Executive Shaun Whittaker commented:

"The other side of the coin to supporting inward investment is helping businesses already based here to survive and thrive. One way to do this is by spreading best practice. TVEP has unique ability to call on world class companies such as Microsoft, ING Direct and Honda to share their expertise with the Thames Valley business community. In the New Year, we are launching a new series of free breakfast seminars to help small and medium-sized companies increase their competitive edge by learning experience from larger companies. This follows the success of our 2003 seminar program. 100% of those who attended the last series of seminars found them to be informative, with 98% saying they would use what they learned. The 2004 seminars are open to any Berkshire business".

Ian Campbell, senior partner for the property and development company Campbell Gordon:

"The seminars are a great opportunity for companies to draw on best practice and for managers and staff to appreciate the significance of their contributions to the team."