Business leaders from across the Central South region had two opportunities to engage with our MPs on matters close to their heart.
At the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Central South, approval was given for the housing paper which was collated by Business South’s Housing Group led by Mark Perry, CEO, VIVID.
Central South: A Call for Housing Change was later officially launched at a reception held at the House of Commons. More than 70 guests including many MPs from the region were welcomed by Caroline Nokes, MP. They heard about the success of the Maritime and Transport Careers Programme and the work was endorsed by Carnival UK’s VP for Corporate Affairs, Simon Ashwell.
While Dame Caroline Dinenage, MP, spoke about the opportunities for water taxis to become a feature for our coastal cities and towns.
Leigh-Sara Timberlake, Group CEO Business South, explained: “It was a busy day of meetings in London and a great opportunity for business leaders to raise the issues that are high on their agendas. We were delighted to have Ross McNally, Chief Executive and Executive Chairman of the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce joining us for the APPG meeting and to hear about the cultural highlights in Southampton from Claire-Whitaker, CEO of Southampton Forward. We are planning to hold our next parliamentary reception in the Autumn and look forward to continuing to discuss important issues for our region at the regular APPG meetings.”
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Central South is chaired by Amanda Martin MP for Portsmouth North. It serves as a crucial conduit for dialogue between regional MPs and business leaders. Business South proudly takes on the secretariat role, using its Action Groups to shape discussions and activities for the APPG.
With four annual meetings at Portcullis House, the forum allows for mutual exchange of insights and strategies on pressing issues.
