The latest Sustainable South Action Group meeting marked a first for Business South, featuring an innovative walking meeting to the historic Cowdray Ruins and hosted at the South Downs Centre in Midhurst—one of Business South’s newest Champions.
This walking format gave Champions the opportunity to network and exchange fresh ideas while enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the Central South region. Leigh-Sara Timberlake, CEO of Business South, described the region as a “National Park Sandwich”, nestled between the New Forest in the west and the South Downs in the east.
Co-Chairs Rich Knight (Ridge) and Dan Walster (Atkins Réalis) emphasised the importance of measurable physical deliverables and KPIs to track and guide the group’s sustainability progress, with a particular focus on achieving Net Zero with nature. The group also committed to collating a simple emissions-reduction guide drawing on experience and case studies from Champions. A draft guide will be shared in October.
Anne Rehill and Chris Hannon (South Downs National Park) presented the South Downs Partnership Management Plan review, covering engagement highlights, priorities, and long-term aims. Key themes included Nature Recovery, Climate Action, Water Management, Young People’s Training and Skills, Accessibility for All, Cultural Heritage Preservation, and Rural Economy & Community Growth.
Looking ahead, Gavin Hall (Savills) outlined work on a regional Vision for Growth document to guide upcoming devolution changes, addressing housing, energy, water management, digital connectivity, and graduate retention – with sustainability at its core.
Finally, members were invited to join the New Forest Climate Centre’s Green Leadership Programme, launching in September. For more information, please contact joe@businesssouth.org.
The next Sustainable South Action Group meeting will take place online via Teams on 1 October 2025, 10:00–11:00 am.
