Business South’s new Social Value Group met at Blake Morgan to bring together experts and professionals from across sector to shape strategies and priorities for social value in the Central South.
We were pleased to appoint the group’s co-chairs: Laura Read, CEO of Marwell Zoo, and Ben Silsby, Senior Sustainability Manager at Willmott Dixon. Together, they bring valuable experience from the conservation and construction sectors, alongside a shared commitment to fostering cross-sector collaboration beyond their own and delivering meaningful social value across the region.
The group discussed its objectives, principles and intended outputs, focusing on inclusive collaboration, alignment with existing frameworks, shared learning, and setting clear, deliverable goals. Social value will be guided by four key pillars: environmental stewardship, responsible business, a fairer economy, and cohesive communities.
Initial areas of focus include exploring the development of a regional kitemark, tackling the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), and advancing environmental sustainability and green skills.
We are also keen to learn from others. Nicola Millard from Willmott Dixon’s Cardiff office joined the session to present on the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. She shared insights into how social value-led legislation is implemented in Welsh organisations, highlighting both its benefits and its challenges. While England currently lacks equivalent legislative scope or strength, the group is committed to learning from Wales to drive excellence and champion social value across the Central South.
