The Regenerate South Action Group Workshop, held at Portsmouth Guildhall, brought together regional business leaders and stakeholders to align on key priorities for growth, devolution, and inward investment.
Kate Pearce provided an update on the upcoming refresh of the ONS data on the Central South. The new document is scheduled to be completed by the end of June and we will be sharing an update on the Business South LinkedIn page and website. The report will include data on new businesses by sector and a collaborative dataset with the University of Southampton focused on devolution.
Gavin Hall, Chair of the Action Group, introduced the region’s emerging growth proposal, centred around seven strategic themes: Energy, Skills, Transport, Economic Development, Housing, Health & Wellbeing, and the Natural Environment. These priorities will guide future Action Group meetings and shape a strategy document, expected by August. Title options under consideration include A Programme for Growth for All, The Central South Vision, and A Hampshire and Solent SDS, with feedback welcomed.
Attendees also heard from Peter Schneid of Harwin, who shared a compelling case study on the company’s £30 million expansion in Farlington. The project will create 42 construction jobs, 63 new permanent roles, contribute £4.2 million to the local economy, and launch an in-house apprentice school training 10 apprentices annually. Sustainability measures include the installation of 388 solar panels, projected to save 32 tonnes of CO₂ each year.
In the section focusing on economic development, local authority lead officers shared their insight and considerable experience. Transport infrastructure, skills retention, and sector-specific strategies were identified as top priorities. Leigh-Sara Timberlake highlighted the Maritime and Transport Careers Programme as a transferable model and underscored the need for Prosper to evolve into a full investment prospectus for the Central South.
Next meetings are scheduled for 11th June (Teams), 27th August (Building 41, Cowes)
