Yesterday morning saw the second Business Leaders Group meeting of the year, held at Portsmouth Guildhall.
City leaders gathered for the invitation-only event to hear updates from around Portsmouth, which kicked off with Cllr Steve Pitt, Cabinet Member for Culture & Economic Development, providing a candid but optimistic look at Portsmouth City Council’s Economic Development and Regeneration Strategy. Steve was then joined by Jane Lamer, Head of Economic Development & Skills, to answer questions from delegates.
Laura Watford, STEMunity
After a Networking break, Laura Watford spoke about STEMunity, which is developing an education network in which students, teachers, working professionals, and academics all prosper from real-life experiences and connections.
Laura was followed by Mike Sellers, Port Director at Portsmouth International Port, who gave details of the growth plans for the site in the next couple of years.
Mike Sellers, Port Director
The event closed with a brief update from Shaping Portsmouth CEO Stef Nienaltowski on the next steps for our new Business Climate Action Board programme and Andy Grays, CEO of the Guildhall Trust, giving details of the venues upcoming basement redevelopment project.
Stef said, “The meeting was upbeat given the economic conditions we are facing at the moment. Whilst there was sense of realism in the challenges we face as a City, the mood was also one of determination that collectively we will work together and help each other on specific programmes and projects.”
“As ever when the Shaping partners meet, it’s always vibrant, noisy, and positive that we can do things together. Great meeting and thanks to all that came and to the speakers who provided some excellent materials.”
The presentations from the event can be downloaded here.
