Promoting the Central South region on a national and international stage has gained a major boost thanks to a new strategic partnership with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.
The endorsement by the council will enable Business South to build on the work it has done to promote our region and attract investment to the Central South.
Welcoming the agreement for further place partnership activity, Business South Group CEO, Leigh-Sara Timberlake said the investment was a crucial step forward for the Central South.
“We are delighted that Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has decided to support the work we do to coordinate promotion of the Central South
“This year so far, we have attended MIPIM, the world’s leading real estate event in Cannes and we flew the flag for the Central South at UKREiiF in Leeds with a strong presence from local authorities. In October we also travelled to Munich to take part in Expo Real, as part of the UK Cities and Partners (UKCAP).
“We bring together the public and private sector with our leading universities and major organisations to shout about the Central South, encompassing the counties of Hampshire, Dorset and West Sussex. and this endorsement by the council will help us to continue this important work for the region.”
Councillor Paul Harvey, Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said he and the economic development team had been impressed with the promotion of the Central South at UKREiiF and they wanted to add their support for 2026.
“It is important for us to work together on promoting the Central South region which includes North Hampshire – one of the UK’s most competitive and productive regional economies. Basingstoke’s GVA per hour worked is in the top 10% nationally, and as the gateway to the Central South and to London, we are in a prime position to attract the right businesses, investors and jobs for our residents.
“Basingstoke is a prime location for investment. We have several sites and potential development opportunities across the borough where we are keen to work with partners. We look forward to working more closely with Business South to showcase everything our area has to offer.” As the gateway to the world’s fifth largest economy, the Central South is strategically placed when it comes to offering the perfect location to establish a business and invest for the future.
Over 20% of all FTSE 100 companies and more than 10,000 SMEs are based within the Central South region.
From stunning coastal settings to ancient woodlands and an A to Z of heritage sites that many regions would covet, we quite simply have it all! Our universities are centres of innovation and world class research, producing the talent that will help our region to prosper.
Ends
