Hampshire Economic Partnership (HEP) recently held three business engagement events across Hampshire entitled The Way Forward, The New Government agenda – What it means for you.

With over 210 people attending across Southampton, Basingstoke and Winchester over 77% of delegates where from the Private sector and ranged from SME’s through to large corporate companies.

Paul Kinvig, Chief Executive of HEP, kicked of the business engagement event with an overview of the current economic situation including facts on current UK deficit, changes in public sector structure and funding and the formation of new Local Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP’s).

This then led into round table discussions, facilitated by key private sector business people. The base questions were:

1. What are the key issues facing business/organisations since the emergency budget? and
2. What are the key issues you are examining to ensure future growth for your business?

These provoked conversations around skills, funding, LEP’s, partnership working and positive working with the Public Sector.

Paul commented: “This was a highly encouraging event with a significant number of private businesses attending where topics ranged from LEP’s through to skills to funding issues, Public sector structure and cutbacks.

Without doubt through the three events, the private sector has shown real desire to work with the public sector especially in the new frame work.”

Veterus Consulting MD Bradley Wright said of the event: “I’m incredibly grateful to Paul and the team for having the vision to put his event together.  It was very encouraging to so many leading organizations and their senior managers getting out to really understand the issues at grass roots level and working collaboratively to support and position Hampshire for growth in an unusually challenging market.

He continued: “Our area is perfectly positioned to thrive in the new knowledge-based economy with world-leading research and high-calibre individuals.”

HEP are currently collating all of the comments and views discussed at the events and a report will be available on the HEP website by 23^rd August. www.hep.uk.com