Business leaders will call for more regional investment in jobs and infrastructure when they gather in Portsmouth for Hampshire Chamber’s second annual conference.
Taking place just a month before the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, the Talking Business event will feature a keynote address from John Longworth, Director General of British Chambers of Commerce.
Mr Longworth, whose career history includes senior roles at Asda, Tesco and the British Retail Consortium, said the conference was a chance to keep up the pressure on Ministers to boost the stagnating economy and transform weak growth.
He said: “Hampshire is a prime example of a region on which the future prosperity of the UK depends. Wise investment in training, skills and infrastructure, and providing businesses with easier access to capital, are all vital ingredients in driving the recovery. I will be setting out some of the measures we would like to see the Chancellor implement in the Autumn Statement and they include doing more to support regions such as Hampshire.”
Maureen Frost, Deputy Chief Executive of Hampshire Chamber, said: “Given the state of the economy, it’s an important time to debate and focus on the policies that will allow business to grow. We are delighted that John will be joining us for what is set to be a fascinating day.”
Also speaking at the conference is Stephen Gates, CEO of Winchester-based dental healthcare provider Denplan, and Richard Brown, Operations Director of Waterlooville plastics manufacturer Hi-Technology Group.
Following the presentations, an expert panel will debate topical business issues raised by the audience. Participants are Marc Long, partner at law firm and event sponsors Clarke Willmott; Ray Wright, Head of Partnership at Portsmouth-based software intelligence company Lead Forensics; Jacquie Shaw, Head of Communications and Operations at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard; and Richard Lay, Director of White Horse Ferries.
The compere for the day is Cheryl Buggy, Director of radio station Express FM and a recent Lord Mayor of Portsmouth.
Alongside the conference are an exhibition and networking opportunities for chamber members.
The conference takes place at Portsmouth Guildhall on Thursday 8 November from 9am to 2.30pm.
