The editor’s view

Nicky Godding Editor-in-Chief

07966 510401 nicky.godding@nkmedia.co.uk

@Nickywritesbiz

We’re out. Has the world stopped turning? Are our supermarket shelves bare? No, of course not. So it’s only the first step and negotiating trade terms with our former union-mates will be particularly painful, but we are edging forward. And another piece of news: HS2 is going ahead. Whether you’re for it, or vehemently against, the government – for the moment at least, appears all steam ahead in its strategy of levelling up the regions.

I recently met a former Network Rail Board member. She is frustrated at the media constantly reporting that people think that HS2 isn’t worth it because who cares if it shaves just half an hour off a journey from London to Birmingham? That’s not the point, she said.

I don’t live close to the proposed new track so I’m not going to be personally affected (and I accept I might feel differently if I did), but that does allow me to look at it from a wider perspective.

The stark facts are that much of our rail infrastructure was built more than a century ago. Our trains are full, the tracks are full and if we are serious about getting people out of cars and onto public transport, the country must invest in major transport infrastructure.

Yes it will be eye-wateringly expensive (and HS2 is certainly that – why is it so overbudget?). To mollify those against the plan, Boris has launched a £5 billion fund to boost cycling and bus travel.

This issue looks at our regional economies. The Midlands is already benefiting from HS2 – because private money follows goverment investment.

And we also look at intellectual property – if you have a good idea, make sure it’s you who benefits. We also celebrate some of the region’s most successful women in industry.

And among all that, there’s our usual coverage of new companies, new investment and new ideas from across the region. Enjoy the read.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS

IN THE HEADLINES

NEW:

INTERNATIONAL NEWS FROM OXFORDSHIRE AND THE THAMES VALLEY

INTERVIEW:

JAMES GARDINER PUTS HIS BEST FOOT FORWARD

FEATURE SPECIAL:

THE VALUE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

LEADING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE GIRLS

P100 P104

SPOTLIGHTS ON: CYBER SCIENCE & TECH MANUFACTURING

INTERVIEW: P30

JAMES WOOLLARD, POLYTHENE UK