Thames Valley’s Faces of a Vibrant Economy revealed by Grant Thornton

• Maggie De Pree, Co-Founder at League of Intrapreneurs, Reading
• Joy Foster, Founder at TechPixies, Oxford
• Steve Plumridge, General Manager at Gulfstream, Luton
• Steve Buckmaster, Managing Director at Asmodee UK, Alton
• James Capel, CEO and Founder at Simply Waste Solutions, High Wycombe

The Faces of a Vibrant Economy list has been curated to showcase and celebrate UK businesses, public and third sector organisations that are clearly demonstrating the value of purpose in action. The Faces are selected from across the UK and represent diverse sectors and industries. Among them are a range of business leaders, entrepreneurs, local government innovators and third sector trailblazers – each recognised for their commitment to developing an economy that enables people, organisations and communities to flourish.

The 2018 Faces have become part of a wider community that is now 300-strong. The community connects leaders with similar mind-sets and missions, who may otherwise never meet. It gives an opportunity to share ideas and insights, as well as learn from each other.

Jim Rogers, practice leader at Grant Thornton in the Thames Valley, said: “Now in its third year, Faces of a Vibrant Economy is building and shaping a community of inspirational leaders of some of the most exciting and dynamic organisations operating in the UK – and it’s great to see such strong representation for the Thames Valley.

“Our Faces are incredible natural leaders, who strive to drive positive results against a clearly defined purpose and set of goals. From uniting innovators at League of Intrapreneurs to empowering women in the world of tech at TechPixies, they all show us how business can be a force for good. Each of our leaders drive forward the values which contribute to making an economy truly ‘vibrant’ and are playing valuable role in helping our region to thrive, as we saw in our Vibrant Economy report released earlier this year.

“For our part, we are committed to continually building and connecting this network of inspirational people and their organisations, in the Thames Valley and across the UK, so that they can learn, share ideas, teach others and ultimately continue to grow for the benefit of our economy and society. By curating this community of likeminded business leaders, we hope they will share their stories to inspire others to follow their example.”

Five aspiring student photographers worked alongside a professional photographer and mentor from JSR Agency to undertake portrait photography of the leaders of these organisations. These talented artists were selected as part of a nationwide competition to complete the commission. These photos, along with profiles of the 2018 Faces of a Vibrant Economy, are available on the campaign website.