The potential of business organisations to challenge and influence government policy on investment and jobs was a key theme at Hampshire Chamber of Commerce’s second annual conference.
More than 160 business leaders attended the Talking Business event, which featured a keynote address from John Longworth, Director General of British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).
A packed audience at Portsmouth Guildhall heard Mr Longworth describe the input that the chamber network was making to national initiatives such as the Heseltine report on economic growth.
He said BCC had also put forward targeted, costed proposals in a positive dialogue with government that he hoped would influence aspects of the Chancellor’s forthcoming Autumn Statement.
Mr Longworth said: “The proposition we are putting forward to government on behalf of the chamber network is based on the fantastic work that accredited chambers do on behalf of business. Ministers are recognising that there is only one ideally placed organisation to provide support services to local business and that is the accredited chamber in each area. This is a huge step forward in government’s relationship with business.”
The pivotal and inclusive role of chambers in supporting regional economies was a theme picked up by Hampshire Chamber’s Chief Executive, Jimmy Chestnutt. He outlined the remit of the recently-formed Hampshire Business Alliance which involves Hampshire Chamber, the Southern Enterprise Alliance and the Federation of Small Businesses.
Mr Chestnutt said: “The Hampshire Business Alliance is the business point of contact for the new Solent and Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnerships. In this way, we can influence priorities for government investment.”
The opening address was given by Stephen Gates, CEO of Winchester-based dental healthcare provider Denplan. Mr Gates highlighted ways to achieve what he described as “sparkling leadership”, so inspiring individuals and teams in the workplace. He said there was a difference between leadership and management, adding: “Great leaders win hearts and minds. They have the power to inspire, generating feelings of challenge, involvement, ownership, commitment and excitement.”
Richard Brown, Operations Director of Waterlooville plastics manufacturer Hi-Technology Group, used his presentation to highlight the cultural change his company has undergone to become a leader in its field.
An expert panel debated topical business issues raised by the audience including measures they would like to see government take to support the economy. Ideas included changes to business rates, tax relief and employment law and more support for training and skills. Participants were: 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 was Cheryl Buggy, Director of radio station Express FM and a recent Lord Mayor of Portsmouth. She introduced the current Lord Mayor, Councillor Frank Jonas, who welcomed delegates to the day.
Two chamber members, an employee relocation firm in Basingstoke and a Southampton marketing specialist, were presented with awards at the conference. HCR Group and Carswell Gould are both South East regional winners of the Chamber Awards 2012, picking up awards for sustainability and marketing campaigns respectively.
The conference ended with a request for members to join a new Portsmouth Ambassadors scheme, part of a wider initiative to shape the future of Portsmouth through a focus on youth, community and business.
Alongside the conference was an exhibition and networking opportunities for chamber members.
