Business leaders from across the Central South region flocked to the Business South Annual Conference, the flagship business event in the region’s calendar.
“Time for Change”, was the theme for the conference and 250 business leaders listened to an energising array of speakers reflecting a focus on evolving opportunities, new collaborations and the transformational potential of regional devolution.
The conference at the Hilton at the Utilita Bowl near Southampton offered delegates the chance not only to hear from national voices but also to reflect on how those voices apply locally and how we can learn from others, as business in the region prepares for devolution, investment and growth.
The day kicked off with a fascinating talk from Sir Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority from 2017 to 2024. He famously steered that region through one of its most ambitious investment and regeneration programmes and he had plenty to share regarding the opportunity that devolution presents for Hampshire and the Solent.
“This is an exciting time for the region and how successful the mayor will be is in your hands. Having a mayor is not a prerequisite for success, but Mayors are enabled, and it presents a great opportunity to attract investment.
“The spirit must be one of collaboration, openness and transparency with the public and private sectors working in partnership for the general good of the people and region – getting the right individual for the job is crucial,” he said.
Luke Murphy MP for Basingstoke talked about how our region is driving the UK’s next chapter of growth, and with a long list of business strengths in the Central South we have a fantastic story to tell. The mayor will be a voice for the region and key to delivering prosperity.
He added that he is proud to be chair of the Central South All-Party Parliamentary Group and to represent the businesses that work hard for the region.
While Professor Dame Wendy Hall, Regius Professor of Computer Science at the University of Southampton, Associate Vice-President (International Engagement) and Director of the Web Science Institute gave an update on moves to make Southampton a Centre of Excellence for AI. The theme of AI was further explored by Rachael Randall & Mark Bretton, Solent Growth Partnership who discussed Solent’s AI Skills Pilot.
Business South CEO, Leigh-Sara Timberlake reflected on the highlights for the year and looked ahead to what 2026 might hold.
She said: “We want to ensure that all our Business South Champions – the 150+ leading employers in the region who support us – survive and thrive; that they are able to recruit to the skills they need and that we protect our fabulous environment.”
Kate Beal-Blyth, an award-winning producer in the unscripted TV space with over 20 years’ experience and founder and CEO of Woodcut Media, talked about why our region is so special and why it is ripe for good growth.
Henri Murison, CEO of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, brought the conference to a close reflecting on the opportunity our region holds and how important partnership and collaboration will be.
“If the goal of Hampshire is growth people must work together to make the tough decisions.
“The fundamentals need to be sorted. Transport is key to economic success; enabling people to commute across the region to the well-paid jobs will drive prosperity.
“To make these big decisions, the public and private sectors and academics must collaborate, to ensure the right thing is done in the interest of their place,” he said.
Photo: Left to right: Gavin Hall, Rachael Randell, Henri Murison, Leigh-Sara Timberlake, Luke Murphy MP, Emily Hudson, Mark Bretton
