Southampton 'willing to be centre of enterprise'

A prominent figure in the county's business world has stated that Southampton is positioning itself as a genuine economic hub for the broader area.

Ross McNally, executive chairman of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, spoke after announcing a major conference - SOGROW - will take place in the autumn. It is aimed at "shaping the future of the city"

Mr McNally wants the symposium, set to be held at the Spark building on October 8, to allow for "strategic discussions and high-value networking".

READ MORE: New enterprise summit to mould Southampton’s future

He stated, "This event goes beyond being merely a conference. It represents the convergence of Southampton’s city leadership, the impending devolution, along with the initiative known as the Southampton Renaissance."

"What we're doing is representing this sort of global growth city, to really identify the business needs and to bring the business voices together.

"I think the interesting thing is that the city right now is in such a strong position through its leadership to place it as a real economic centre for the wider central southern region, and I think the devolution aspect adds to that picture.

"We know that businesses are telling us that they like the idea that the mayor will put a spotlight on economic development.

The city is very keen to rise up and become that hub for entrepreneurship.

The Southampton Renaissance is an initiative aimed at rejuvenating significant parts of the city over the upcoming 15-year period.

Mr McNally says that the largest issues that businesses talk about are based around people, skills and employment.

He added: "Businesses have been telling us that the costs of employment have been going up.

"The minimum wage has gone up, and the Employment Rights Bill is coming through now.

"No business that I speak to opposes these things, but they do want to see that economic development is placed at the centre of it, to help them to grow their business so they can afford to be in a position to share the success."

READ MORE: Southampton Renaissance Committee reveals upcoming developments for the city

SOGROW has partnered with various stakeholders such as Paris Smith, Southampton City Council, Venturefest South, port operator ABP, Solent University, Business South, and Carswell Gould.

To learn more about SOGROW and indicate your intention to attend, get in touch with the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce at 01329 242420 or go to tinyurl.com/m46876s8.