Business South’s Action Group Chairs convened for a strategic session focused on planning for 2026 across their respective groups. The meeting was a valuable forum for chairs to share their upcoming themes, align priorities, and discuss how their groups can support one another to maximise regional impact.
Kate Pearce, alongside one of Business South’s newest recruits, Public Affairs Assistant, Ella Sutcliffe, presented compelling insights from the latest Office for National Statistics data pack. Their analysis highlighted where key regional sectors are located, including Digital and tech, professional and business, life sciences, and creative sectors, along with some eye-opening statistics on a break down across the Central South’s GVA annual growth rate and deprivation measures. These insights will really help shape the focus of Action Group initiatives moving forward.
Steve Jolly also joined the discussion to provide an update on Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation. With the proposed unitary council structure announced on March 25th, staying informed on these developments is critical for regional planning and advocacy.
Although the mayoral elections have now been delayed until 2028, Business South’s Action Groups will continue to use the Priorities for Good Growth document—launched at the last Annual Conference—as a guiding framework. This ensures that all groups remain aligned in preparing the region and future leadership for sustainable, inclusive growth.
The session concluded with a discussion on the next Annual Conference, including potential themes, content, and speakers. By bringing these ideas together early, the group aims to shape a conference that is insightful, collaborative shaping of tomorrow, together.
