A NEW group is being set up aimed at getting across the views of Oxfordshire businesses to the Government.

The Oxfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry is working with Business Link Heart of England and the Heart of England Training and Enterprise Council to take the lead in forming the Oxfordshire Economic Partnership.

TEC chief executive Barrie Giles said: "The future prosperity of Oxfordshire relies heavily on the success of business and commerce.

"There is an urgent need for the business community to get across its views to the Government in a way to make sure it plays an active part in influencing decisions destined to shape the county's future economy."

The chamber's president, Rob Jonckeer said businesses, local authorities and influencers such as the chamber, Business Link and the TEC had many shared aims on the overall economy and their points of view were often put separately.

He said: "The immediate impetus for a more co-ordinated approach to Government is the formation of the South East Regional Development Agency (RDA).

"This could become the engine for future devolution of some of the powers of central Government to the regions. The RDA will develop a strategy for economic and technological development, identify major infrastructure needs and maximise the competitiveness of the region."

Other founder partners are the Association of Rural Businesses in Oxfordshire and The Oxford Trust. Other organisations are expected to join in the near future.

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