Business Southampton Newsletter - Spring 2011

pril is an important month for Business Southampton as it develops to re� ect the growing area of in� uence it represents.

The evolutionary move will see the establishment of Business Solent as the umbrella organisation at the heart of the region.

Business Solent will mean more opportunities for Champions to get connected within the Solent region stretching from Bournemouth/Poole in the west right along the coast to Chichester and beyond.

For Business Southampton there will be no change. It will continue as an active area brand working on behalf of the Southampton city region but it will also be joined by:• Business Wessex (Bournemouth, Poole

and Dorset)• Business Portsmouth (PO districts)• Business Isle of Wight• Business Sussex (Chichester and districts)

Sally Lynskey, CEO of Business Southampton, explained the move had come as a result of listening to City Champions and recognising their needs.

“This is a really important time for Business Southampton as we move forward. The new set up re� ects the in� uence and connections that are at the heart of everything we do.

“This change has been on the cards for a while and we have established Business Solent as a result of listening to what City Champions want.

“We now have a real and current opportunity to look outwardly to the wider Solent region, while retaining a city focus on Southampton as the regional business centre on the South Coast,” she said.

Under the new framework, Champions will continue to make the same contributions and in return they will be part of their own brand area such as Business Southampton as well

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A Solent remit with a city focus...

Setting Sail for Business Solent

Above: Early Start: The big boat class start the J. P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race as the sun rises over the Solent. Copyright onEdition 2010.

Newsletter

ISSUE 09 • SPRING 2011

champions o f the cit y r egion

We now have a real and current opportunity to look outwardly to the wide Solent region, while retaining a city focus on Southampton as the regional business centre on the South Coast

Sally LynskeyCEO of Business Southampton

02 Business Southampton Newsletter Spring 11

Business Southampton News

Welcome to the Spring edition of the Business Southampton newsletter giving you an update on the work of Business Southampton and business news from the city region.

In this edition we bring you up to date on the busy Winter months that have passed, as well as looking to the exciting months ahead as we develop Business Solent. We also highlight the work of our Action Groups and new Chairman, Philip Warr, talks of his ambitions for the organisation.

This newsletter will also cover the regular updates from City Champions, including a spotlight on Bronze Champion, Balfour Beatty.

Sally LynskeyCEO Business Southampton

Welcome

Business SouthamptonBusiness Southampton is a business-led organisation working with partners to engage the most in� uential leaders to challenge and address issues and maximise opportunities for the Southampton city region. Organisations, known as City Champions, support the work of Business Southampton.

Action Groups:Digital Southampton, Future Southampton, LEADER, Marketing Southampton, Olympics Legacy Board, SkillsVoice & HR Forum, Solent Maritime.

Business SouthamptonOcean Village Innovation CentreOcean Village, SouthamptonHampshire SO14 3JZT: 0844 225 3130F: 0844 225 3132E: [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter: Bizsouthampton

www.businesssouthampton.com

Contents2-5 Business Southampton News6 Champion Spotlight8-9 City Champion News10 Skills & Education Update12-13 Action Group Update14 In My View15 Upcoming Events

as automatically being recognized as a Champion of the Solent region.

“We remain an independent, not for pro� t organisation working for the greater good of the region. It is all about collaborative economic development and collective social responsibility” said Sally.

Explaining the bene� ts, Sally said the number of Champions could more than double – allowing, for example, Business Solent to stage major events in the region as a showcase for all the Solent area has to o� er.

“The revenue generated through annual voluntary contributions from Champions over and above the capped costs of running Business Solent in a lean and e� cient way, will mean we can promote the region proactively through major events and campaigns.

“These will encourage more inward investment, attract entrepreneurs to establish in the region and create the connections for more business to business activity.

“Any size, shape or sector of business can be involved with Business Solent – the more who get involved, the louder our collective voice will be heard at regional and national government levels to in� uence positive change. It will be totally inclusive and collaborative, open to all, ” she said.

The new Business Solent structure also � ts well with the establishment of the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

“Our new structure will help enable delivery and action as well as in� uencing the Solent LEP – it is a business engagement model that other areas in the UK aspire to generate,” said Sally.

Business Solent will build on the lessons learnt establishing Business Southampton and develop, facilitate, promote and support Action Groups and Alliances across the region.

“In Southampton our Action Groups have really established their voice in the city. Our achievements include in� uencing the master plan for Southampton, establishing a transport vision and helping to unite business leaders.

“Why wouldn’t you champion the Solent region? It makes sense for the greater good of your business and the betterment of everyone who lives, works and studies in this area,” said Sally.

The development of Business Solent will be phased over the coming months. We look forward to working with you. To get in touch or � nd out more information please email [email protected] or call 0844 225 3130.

The programme enables the business community to contribute to raising the pro� le of the city region, advocate support for and in� uence decisions on public policy and to drive forward change, whilst bene� ting from increased PR, networking opportunities and a comprehensive calendar of business events.

City Champions represent a diverse cross-section of business and provide a powerful forum for debate, generating ideas and project initiatives for the bene� t of the city region.

Could you be a City Champion? Find out how you can help to make the Southampton region a world-class location in which to live, work, study and visit, contact Leigh-Sara Timberlake by emailing [email protected] or call 0844 225 3130.

New City Champions Over 160 City Champions support the work of Business Southampton in aiming to position the city as the regional centre for business on the South Coast, outside London. Organisations for the SO postcode region continue to pledge and renew support as City Champions. We welcome the most recent City Champions:

The City Champions are the driving force behind Business Southampton

City Champion Programme

Business Southampton Newsletter Spring 11 03


outhampton is well placed for the recovery thanks to organisations like Business Southampton.

That was the message from former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lord Norman Lamont when he made his key note speech at Business Southampton’s � fth Annual Conference.

Around 300 delegates packed the DeVere Grand Harbour Hotel for the event titled ‘Southampton: Back to the Future.’

Lord Lamont, who was Chancellor under Mrs Thatcher from 1990 to 1993, said, “It’s quite unusual to � nd this degree of business involvement and I applaud what you are doing here with Business Southampton.

“I’ve been really impressed by the enthusiasm and positive attitude - it puts Southampton and the wider region in a better position as part of the powerhouse of the British economy,” he said.

Lord Lamont said he believed the worst of the economic downturn was behind us but business could still be in for a bumpy ride.

“We are through the worst and into a recovery but it is fragile,” he said.

City Champions and guests at the conference were given an insight into what lies ahead for the city and the important role business has to play in the future prosperity of the region.

Speakers covered topics ranging from the creation of the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership to the opportunities for Southampton to become a leading digital city.

Alexandra Jones, CEO of the Centre for Cities think-tank, said Southampton was better

placed for the recovery than many other cities.“Cities are at the heart of the recovery and

Southampton is in a good position because it is among the strongest for private sector jobs growth and it has a high level of skilled workers,” she said.

Alexandra revealed during the 10 years from 1998 to 2008, 57,000 private sector jobs were created in the Solent LEP area, with 15,000 in the public sector.

“Other areas relied far more on jobs in the public sector and Southampton is now well placed because it has a strong private sector,” she said.

Business Southampton CEO Sally Lynskey questioned whether the time was right for the business community to champion a virtual

‘Southampton PLC’ to promote the city and its region.

“Are we ready for the next stage of evolution?”“The City Champions provided a mandate

to look at how we can develop and expand the in� uence that we currently have which includes looking towards the Solent region. This is something we will be taking forward in the coming months,” she said.

Newly appointed Chief Executive at Southampton City Council, Alistair Neill, said his aim was to change the outlook of the council.

“We need to be more businesslike – placing the customer at the heart of everything we do,” he said.

Professor Nigel Shadbolt, a world renowned expert in digital science, said Southampton had the chance to seize the opportunity that was developing in the world of sharing open data.

“There is a huge opportunity for businesses to begin to share business intelligence and Southampton has a big part to play in that,” he said.

Managing Director of Crest Nicholson, Debbie Aplin, outlined her company’s plans for the former Vosper Thornycroft site in Woolston.

Other speakers at the conference included Mark Dyer from Morgan Sindall and Commercial Leader of GE Capital, John Nelson.

Headline sponsors for the annual conference were Thomas Eggar, Morgan Sindall Investments and Capita along with Destination Southampton, Newsquest, MCM, Crest Nicholson, Smith & Williamson, DeVere Grand Harbour, The Coast and Handover HR.

Above: Former Chancellor of the Exchequer Lord Norman Lamont

Above: Speakers at the 2011 Annual Conference

SPositive Vibes for the Region’s Future



Businesses see New Opportunities to Live and Work in the City

e’s been at the helm of Business Southampton for the past � ve years but now founding chairman Malcolm

Le Bas is handing over the baton.From the early days when the City Champion

programme was still only a dream, Malcolm brought stability and stature to the role.

Having retired as a solicitor, Malcolm was approached to become chairman of Business Southampton because of his high pro� le in the city.

He recalled: “Being locally born and bred and having worked in the city for 46 years, I knew Southampton was in need of a bit of oomph to push it in the right direction.

“The case for an organisation like Business Southampton was made crystal clear after a conversation with the then leader of the City Council. I remember asking who they went to for the business perspective.

“And was told they didn’t really have a regular means of making contact with the business community. It was that more than anything that encouraged me to get involved with Business Southampton.”

Business Southampton CEO, Sally Lynskey, said: “Malcolm has been a founder chairman and friend.

“He had a clear vision for Business Southampton and his charm and style meant we were able to connect with business leaders in the city.

“He brought credibility to the role and he has helped to build a strong foundation for our future as Business Solent.”

Gary Whittle, Business Southampton Board Director, said: “As Chairman of Business Southampton, Malcolm has been instrumental in the success of the organisation.

“His considerable in� uence and experience, compounded by his dedication, passion and tireless commitment to the cause has been invaluable. He has been an inspiration to us all

and we thank him for his e� orts over the past � ve years.”

While fellow Board Director, Tony Lubman added: “I was recently asked to say a few words of thanks to Malcolm for his � ve year chairmanship of Business Southampton.

“Leading up to the occasion, I spoke to many other business partners across the city and asked them of how they saw Malcolm and his particular talents. This gave me an insight into the man who has lived and loved Southampton and has left a huge legacy for future generations. “

“What became clear is that Malcolm has that rare ability to bring people together, to share a vision and to inspire individuals into action. His persuasive charm, wise counsel and focused determination have created a strong and unique partnership network we now appreciate in Business Southampton.”

Founder Board Member for Business Southampton, Adam Wheeler, said: “Malcolm has played a very important part in making Business Southampton the success it is today. He cares very deeply about the city he calls home and has worked tirelessly to gather the support of business leaders.”

“Business Southampton is making rapid progress to the next stage in its evolution as a result of the hard work and enthusiasm that Malcolm has brought to the role of chairman.”

Looking ahead, Malcolm will continue to be involved with Business Southampton as a Board Director and he will also remain the chair of the Olympics Legacy Board.

Taking over the reigns as Chairman is Philip Warr from P H Warr plc - see In My View on page 14 to read his views and strategy for the future of Business Southampton and Business Solent.

Business Southampton Bids a Fond Farewell to Founding Chairman

City Champions were so keen to view the latest living and work spaces at Ocean Village, there was a waiting list for places at the Business Southampton event.

Business leaders had the chance to see the live/work units at the Splash! development before heading to the Ocean Village Innovation Centre (OVIC) next door.

Managing Director of Linden Homes, Patrick Feighery, explained the concept for the live/work units harked back to the days of ‘living over the shop’.

He said: “The live work units are ideal for entrepreneurs and they give the

opportunity to reduce your carbon footprint by having your work space and home together.”

Chris Allington, Managing Director of Oxford Innovation who manages the Ocean Village Innovation Centre, welcomed City Champions and explained that they had 17 centres across the UK but the Southampton venture was the � rst to be wholly private sector funded.

Business Southampton CEO, Sally Lynskey, said: “It was really well attended and proves just how keen City Champions are to keep up to speed with what is happening in Southampton.”

Above: Founding Business Southampton Chairman Malcolm Le Bas (pictured right) presented Plaque by Board Director Tony Lubman at the 2011 Annual Conference

Above (left to right): Sally Lynskey from Business Southampton, Chris Allington from Oxford Innovation and Patrick Feighery from Linden Homes

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City Champions Embrace Doing it for LoveBusiness leaders and the voluntary sector got together on Valentines Day to discuss what the Big Society could mean in reality for Southampton. The event, organised by Southampton Voluntary Services and Business Southampton, aimed to look beyond the rhetoric to see how business can develop its caring side.

Jo Ash, Chief Executive of Southampton Voluntary Services, said it was important for the Big Society to equal a Better Southampton.

“2011 is the national year of volunteering and a real opportunity for the voluntary sector to better engage with the business community,” she said.

Key Speaker Dame Julia Cleverdon, Vice President of Business in the Community, was described by The Times as one of the 50 most in� uential women in Britain and she did not mince her words when she said there was a need to change the way we look at the world.

“We need to move away from asking ‘what are THEY doing about something?’ to asking ‘what are WE going to do about it?” she said.

Sally Lynskey, CEO of Business Southampton, said work had been going on behind the scenes to create a Volunteer Alliance.

“At our planned event on 11.11.11 there will be an opportunity to bring together the voluntary sector of Southampton to showcase what they do and how the business community can become involved,” she said.

Food buyers attending the exhibition, held in January, represented businesses including:

• Carnival UK, National Trust • Hampshire school meals service HC3S • The Southern Co-operative • Red Funnel • Blake Lapthorn • Coastline Distribution • Skandia • Plus chefs from a range of Hampshire

restaurants, hotels and caterers.

Hampshire food producers included cheese makers, artisan bakers, vineyards, cider and juice makers, butchers, vegetable growers, watercress products, confectioners and ice cream producers.The Hampshire Suppliers Exhibition was organised by Business Southampton in conjunction with county food group Hampshire Fare, Hampshire County Council and Cavendish Ships Stores, and hosted by De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel, Southampton.

Over 140 food buyers, procurement managers and chefs attended the Hampshire Suppliers Exhibition in Southampton, to meet up to 40 local producers with a view to sourcing more local food and drink.

Above (left to right): John Davey from Cavendish Ships Stores, Leigh-Sara Timberlake from Business Southampton, Michael Wright from Hampshire Fare and Cllr Ray Ellis from Hampshire County Council.

Hampshire Suppliers Exhibition Proves Successful for Local Business

City Champions had a chance to get to grips with the important role of manufacturing when they visited the Ford Assembly Plant in Southampton. With an estimated 5,000 jobs in the region dependent on the Plant, it has an important role to play in the economy of the city region.

Business Southampton CEO Sally Lynskey addressed business leaders on the key role manufacturing has to play in the recovery and her words were echoed by Ford Plant Manager, Thomas Fischer.

Rob Ardley, HR Manager said: “It was great to have this opportunity to show o� the site to City Champions and share experiences with business leaders.”

The Ford Transit is a British icon. It has been the UK’s best selling van since it went on sale in 1965 and outsells its nearest rival by about three-to-one. The Transit has been produced in Southampton since 1972. Nowadays, the factory operates a single shift system to meet demand and a Transit is produced every two minutes, with approximately 50 percent exported. The � ve millionth Transit was produced last year – the year of its 40th anniversary.

Mr Ardley added; “The feedback we had following the tour was excellent. Where we can accommodate visitors we will as it gives us a chance to show o� the plant which we are all very proud of.”

City Champions Visit Ford Assembly Plant

Above: Transit in production at the Ford Assembly Plant


Business Southampton Champion Spotlight

hey have survived one of the worst winters in living memory and maintained safe surfaces during the freezing temperatures on approximately 575km of roads

in the city.And now Balfour Beatty are hard at work

tackling an initial ‘to-do list’ of 2,000 repairs that includes � lling potholes and making sure pavements are safe to walk on.

Terry Woodhouse, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty Local Authority Services, said:

“We are pleased with the progress we’ve made to date – it has been a good start to the partnership with the Southampton City Council.

“We started our work in the city during the worst winter conditions but we managed to get good coverage on the network in terms of gritting and ensuring the roads were safe.”

The Highways Service Partnership between Balfour Beatty Workplace and the City Council began last October and money saved through the partnership will be re-invested back into the highway service.

Southampton City Council commented, “It will ensure the Council is maximising the output from its existing budgets, ensuring maximum value for money spent on the highway network, investment in the service delivery infrastructure with increased capacity and resources available to the service.”

Mr Woodhouse explained Balfour Beatty was keen to explore other ways it could work in Southampton – and the opportunities were varied.

“We have a broad range of capabilities and over time we could do more in the city. Balfour Beatty is well known for construction and maintenance of the built environment. We also have strong engineering and design capabilities as well as the ability to design complex highway schemes.

“We have a lot of experience with regard to harbour and port developments and we are investors in alternative energy technology,” he said.

Balfour Beatty has been operating for more than 100 years and now has a strong UK and global presence.

They are a world-class infrastructure services business, with four market-leading businesses in professional services, construction services, support services and infrastructure investments.

They deliver services essential to the creation and care of infrastructure assets including investment, project design, � nancing and management, engineering and construction and facilities management services.

Working for customers principally in the UK, Europe, the US, South-East Asia, Australia and the Middle East who value the highest levels of quality, safety and technical expertise.

“We are quite an unassuming organisation that has built up quietly and competently a very strong UK and global presence. We don’t make a song and dance about things – we just get on with it,” he said.

Balfour Beatty became a City Champion at much the same time as they signed the partnership agreement with the City Council.

“It is part of our vision that we should contribute to the economic well-being of the boroughs, cities and communities that we are involved with.

“Business Southampton seemed to be a much more forward thinking and well-networked vehicle to us than some of the other options. It is quite revolutionary in terms of the focus of the organisation and its outlook on a national stage.”

And recently they hosted the Directors Forum at the MacDonald Botley Park Hotel.

“It was very well attended and we had some interesting debate. The level of support it was able to command was an immediate measure of the success of Business Southampton,” he said.

Balfour Beatty Hits the Road Running in SouthamptonJust � ve months into their 10-year £100m contract looking after Southampton’s highways network for the City Council, Balfour Beatty is pleased with progress to date.

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FACTS & FIGURES | Balfour Beatty

Industry: Infrastructure ServicesEstablished: Balfour Beatty Group was established in 1909Employees: 120 sta� on the Southampton contract

Terry Woodhouse Managing Director of Balfour Beatty Local Authority Services


Business Southampton City Champion News

City ChampionNews-in-BriefNew Appointment for Halo Conferences and Events

Halo Conferences & Events are Proud to Announce the Appointment of Katie Crow as Assistance Sales Manager. Katie graduated

from Bournemouth University in 2010 with a 2:1 in Events Management. During her degree she undertook two placements, one of which was a year long tenure with Southampton FC. Her previous experience within Southampton FC gives Katie the advantage of knowing and understanding the catering and events operations within the Club.

DP World Southampton Continues to Equip for the Future

DP World Southampton made an important step in upgrading its equipment capability,

as the second and � nal shipment of sections of two new super post-panamax cranes (with 22 containers wide reach) arrived onboard the MV Beluga Formation. The cranes were built in sections by Liebherr Container Cranes in their manufacturing plant in Ireland. Over the coming months a team of engineers will erect the cranes on site in Southampton. Once assembled, the cranes will stand over 85m tall and will be moved to the quayside on specialised transportation wagons.

Terence O’Rourke Ltd Wins RTPI Planning Consultancy of the Year 2010

Planning, design and environmental consultancy, Terence O’Rourke

Ltd, won the Royal Institute of Town Planning’s (RTPI) Planning Consultancy of the Year Award for 2010 – the year the practice also celebrated its 25th anniversary. The award (the country’s highest accolade for professional planning consultancies) was announced at the RTPI’s annual national award ceremony at the London Park Lane Hilton in February.

NatWest Appoints New Director of Commercial Banking for Southampton

Andy Swift has been appointed as the new Director of NatWest

Commercial Banking for Southampton. He will lead a team of thirty experienced, locally based sta� who will provide a dedicated and individually tailored service to businesses with a turnover of between £2m and £25m in a patch that covers Southampton and the surrounding area, including Winchester. As well as nine Relationship Managers and their dedicated assistants, the team also includes two Business Development Managers, (one of whom is focussed on not for pro� t organisations, education and charities), plus specialists in Corporate Finance, Asset Finance, Invoice Discounting, International Trade, Private Banking and Real Estate Finance.

Upton McGougan MoveLeading Hampshire engineering consultancy and City Champion Upton McGougan is moving into new premises in Winchester. But the award-winning � rm will not be moving far – in fact, just next door to Partnership House in Moorside Road.

The company o� ers multi-disciplined solutions to all aspects of major public and private sector works, including the feasibility and engineering design of a wide variety of projects involving both major buildings and associated road and drainage infrastructure.

Recently, it has also been responsible for the multi-million pound project to transform The May� ower Theatre site in Southampton, the new build residential elements of which are now starting to transform the local skyline.

MD Steve Miles said: “This is an exciting and strategic move for us. Not only is the building a major improvement, o� ering ample space for our growing team of consultants, it will also be a much nicer environment for us to

work in as we drive the business forward over the next 12 months and beyond.”

The team should be fully ensconced in its new home by the end of April. Upton McGougan also has o� ces in Edinburgh.

Above: Upton McGougan Managing Director Steve Miles with Chairman Alan McGougan

City Champions have jumped at the chance to support awards at the � rst ever South Coast Business Awards organised by the Southern Daily Echo, Business Southampton and Destination Southampton and sponsored by The Coast.

At the launch of the event in March at the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel, it was revealed � ve of the nine awards were being sponsored by City Champions – and Business Southampton is also sponsoring the award for ‘City Champion of the Year.’ Awards being sponsored by City Champions include:

• Corporate Social Responsibility – aap3

• Best Use of Technology – Taylor Made Computer Solutions

• Commitment to Education & Training – BAT

• Business Individual or Entrepreneur of the Year – RSM Tenon

• Growth Business of the Year – Smith & Williamson

The top four businesses shortlisted in each category will also be put forward for the Business of the Year award sponsored by The Coast.

Fellow City Champion, Oxford Innovation, will be sponsoring the dinner at the glittering awards evening on July 15th.

Business Southampton CEO, Sally Lynskey, said she was delighted so many City Champions are involved with the awards.

“This event has been a long time in the planning and it will be a wonderful showcase for business.

“In such a di� cult economic climate, it’s easy to lose sight of the many positive, innovative outcomes that businesses in the Solent region are achieving – this will be a chance to recognise excellence.

“I am pleased that so many City Champions have agreed to sponsor the awards. I know this event will be a huge success and it will run for many years,” she said.

City Champions Back South Coast Business Awards

In association with

Any company within the Solent region is eligible to enter or to be nominated for the competition. Visit dailyecho.co.uk/scba for more details or email [email protected] date for entries is Thursday 21st April 2011.

City ChampionNews-in-Brief


Business Southampton City Champion News

preferred developer for the £450m Royal Pier Waterfront scheme in Southampton has been chosen.

City Champion Morgan Sindall Investments Limited (MSIL) is a leading project development and funding solutions company and is part of construction and regeneration group, Morgan Sindall Group plc.

Councillor Royston Smith, Leader of Southampton City Council said: “I am con� dent MSIL is the right company to bring Southampton’s waterfront back to life. MSIL is � nancially strong and will bring a large number of vital jobs to the city. They also have a good track record of working with councils delivering excellent developments.”

“Despite the current � nancial climate Southampton continues to attract interest for developments in the city and the council is working hard to attract many more jobs for residents.

“I am con� dent MSIL will create a scheme that will place Southampton as one of the most dynamic waterfront cities in Europe, but also to create a legacy for the city of which everyone can be truly proud.”Business Southampton CEO, Sally Lynskey, said: “This is great news for the city and it will mean that another vital piece of the city’s development jigsaw can now be put in place.

“We welcome the City Council’s and ABP's decision and believe this development will

help to endorse the city’s standing both nationally and internationally.”

Ernie Battey, Executive Chairman of MSIL said: “We are delighted to have been selected as preferred developer for this major waterfront scheme. Being South Coast based and familiar with Southampton, I know how important it is to achieve an exciting and vibrant development for which we can all be proud.

“This key site provides the opportunity to position Southampton at the forefront of internationally recognised waterfront schemes and MSIL has the experience, knowledge and � nancial stability that will be crucial to its successful delivery.”

The Royal Pier Waterfront development is a key element of the city’s masterplan, which is currently being drawn up by David Lock Associates and will go to public consultation later in the year.

Above: Morgan Sindall Investment’s initial proposals include a landmark hotel and casino leisure complex, surrounded by o� ces, shops and restaurants and an expanded May� ower Park with improved waterfront access.

Southampton Airport Scoops Top UK Airport Award

Southampton Airport has scooped the ‘Top UK Airport Award’

at the 2011 Wanderlust Readers’ Travel Awards held at the Destinations Travel Show in London. The annual awards saw 2,000 well-travelled readers score their favourite travel providers and destinations based on their travel experiences between December 2009 and November 2010. Wanderlust readers checked into 632 airports last year and travelled on 265 di� erent airlines during the year.

Two New Recruits at Hilton SouthamptonHilton Southampton has recently recruited a new Hotel Manager and Area Sales Executive.

Nathan Cook is the new Hotel Manager at the Hilton

Southampton. He replaces Helen Ellis who was previously at the hotel for two years.

Hilton Worldwide has appointed Sue Harvey as the Area Sales Executive covering Southampton & Basingstoke. Sue has worked for Hilton Worldwide Sales for 5 years starting her career as Sales Coordinator to the Director of Sales after completing her degree at Southampton Solent University.

Cofely, a GDF SUEZ Company, Secures UK Government Funding for Southampton Geothermal Project

Cofely District Energy, subsidiary of Cofely UK, the energy and environmental e� ciency

services company of GDF SUEZ, has secured £200,000 from Department of Energy and Climate Change’s (DECC) Deep Geothermal Challenge Fund to part-fund the re� t of the Southampton District Energy Scheme’s deep geothermal well. The Southampton District Energy Scheme, operated by Cofely District Energy in partnership with Southampton City Council, has been in operation since 1986 and serves a range of public and private properties in Southampton.

Flybe Scoops Top Award for Second Consecutive Year at Prestigious Business Travel Awards

Leading regional airline sees o� major opposition to win ‘Best Short-Haul Airline’ and in Top 5 for

Best Airline Worldwide. Flybe, Europe’s leading regional airline and the UK’s Number One Domestic carrier was named ‘Best Short-Haul Airline’ for the second consecutive year at the 2011 Business Travel Awards held in London.

The awards are judged by top industry professionals and as such are not only regarded as the highest recognition given by the UK travel industry but also considered to be amongst the most valued recognition in the business travel sector worldwide.

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Preferred Developer Chosen for Southampton’s Royal Pier Waterfront

Above: May� ower Park and Royal Pier

Business Southampton Skills and Education Update


An innovative and exciting employment and skills programme is being delivered in Southampton to address the skill and workforce development needs of Employers and to provide enhanced routes into work and education for Southampton Citizens.

Southampton Skills Development Zone (SSDZ), a partnership initiative, was set up by the Chief Executives of the city’s largest public sector employers in 2008. Following its successful delivery within the public sector SSDZ has now expanded to encompass private sector employers within the city.

The SSDZ strategic aim “to enable the workforce development needs and skills gaps identi� ed by public and private sector employers to be met…” is achieved through the collaborative delivery of three core

projects, all of which aim to enable the city, its employers and residents to prosper and grow.The SSDZ projects are:• Worklessness and Newly Unemployed • Apprenticeships• Graduate Retention SSDZ programme activities are driven by employers and delivered in collaboration with education and training providers and key agencies from the private, public and community sectors within the city. Founder partners include some of the city’s largest public sector employers including Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, NHS Southampton City, Southampton City Council, Southampton Solent University and Southampton Jobcentre Plus.

Southampton Skills Development Zone

Growing their own talent is a key objective at aap3 and a key component of this philosophy is the launch of the Apprenticeship Programme – part of the aap3 Academy. They have committed to recruit � ve people onto their modern apprenticeship programme

covering the areas of Sales, Corporate A� airs, IT, Business Support and Web Design. Working in conjunction with fellow City Champion Totton College, aap3 have just recruited two ambitious and motivated apprentices based at the company’s Head O� ce in Chilworth. In addition they signed the pledge to support the NAS 100 Apprentices in 100 days campaign.

Being an Apprentice at aap3 means working in a fast paced environment and gaining new skills and knowledge to provide the foundation for a future career. An Apprenticeship is a great way to earn whilst working towards recognised quali� cations. At aap3, they believe it’s a great route to

harness new talent and o� er employees an opportunity for future development.

Rod Jackson, President & CEO is a strong supporter of the programme and instrumental in its introduction, saying “In my previous roles I have always held the view that developing ‘in house’ talent is fundamental to any growing and successful business. An Apprenticeship programme which is well structured and co-ordinated as the programme we have introduced into aap3 means we can provide both practical and educational support as well as ensuring the Apprentice is trained and equipped with the necessary skills to enable them to develop in their career. The world of technology and business is ever changing and our modern apprenticeship programme has been developed to keep up with the pace of change.”

Harrison Warr is the � rst Apprentice to join aap3, he said: “In joining aap3 as a Corporate A� airs Apprentice I didn’t really know what I

was getting myself into. I understood what some of my role would be and that I’d be set tasks to complete by the company and college, but I didn’t know what to expect from the job. On my � rst day I was instantly made to feel welcome; I had various induction meetings, was shown around the building plenty of times and was issued with a laptop and a phone. Everything was put simply and straightforward for me and that really helped me get settled in with the company. I feel that aap3 made a special e� ort to make me feel welcome and understand everything about my job and the company in my own time”.

Growing Their Own Talent Why Apprenticeships are important to aap3

... Enabling Business!All About People, Process, Productivity

3®

Adopting Sholing Technology Collegeaap3 is also pleased to be able to work with local Schools, Colleges and Universities in order to o� er opportunities for short or long term placements or an Internship providing workplace experience to support schooling or further education. They are currently building a relationship with Sholing Technology College to not only bring the business and educational sector together but to enable both organisations to utilise the resources and talents of each other.

For further information please contact: Sue Francis, Southampton Skills Development Zone Programme Director on 023 8084 2919 or 07710 609741, email: [email protected]

Above: Harrison Warr, new apprentice at aap3

Rod Jackson President & CEO of aap3

Above: Harrison Warr, new apprentice at aap3


Business Southampton Action Group Update

2010 was a year of unprecedented political change and upheaval. With the formation of the coalition government, a new political landscape was born. The coalition governments stated open approach to engaging with the business community and its desire for business to play a greater role in the strategic development of regional economic growth and prosperity is evident through the introduction of the LEPs.

Business Southampton has been a strong supporter of the Solent LEP and � rmly believes that it is now time for businesses to unite with a single voice to in� uence local, regional and national government to support the economic development across the region.

The newly launched Business Southampton Public A� airs group held a summit at St. Mary’s stadium titled ‘In� uencing Policy’. Business

leaders from across the region were asked to discuss how collectively they could help to in� uence political decision of a local regional and national basis. Several key themes emerged from the summit including how Business Southampton could work more closely with the Solent LEP as a strong lobbying voice. Summit agenda items also included the People and Skills agenda, Inward Investment and Urban Renaissance, Olympics Legacy, Digital City, Transport, Logistics and Maritime.

One particular area of interest that arose was the suggestion to replicate the existing Transport Alliance model on a regional basis taking on the LEP geographic region. Members of the Transport Alliance have been tasked with exploring the concept with their counterparts in other parts of the region.

Public A� airs Group

Promoting, co-ordinating and developing lasting legacies for the city through the Business, Health, Disability and Cultural Working Groups

Above: Facilitators at the ‘In� uencing Policy’ Summit

26th June 2011, Southampton Sports Centre

Initiated by the Health Group, ‘Dance O� Southampton’ is a secondary schools dance competition that the working group is delivering in conjunction with Wessex Cancer Trust to celebrate their 30th anniversary and hosted by Capital FM.

What is hoped to be the start of an annual event to promote activity and vitality, the competition will take place on 26th June 2011 at the Southampton Sports Centre. With over 500 spectators expected we are working closely with Solent Creatives on supporting the marketing of the event – providing real live projects to undergraduates in the creative industries.

The Health Group is also developing a new local sports grants scheme, ‘20Twelve’ – inviting 20 local businesses to support twelve local talented athletes. The 20 businesses will become the ‘20Twelve Partners’ with active input into the scheme and will receive sponsorship bene� ts.

Are you organising Olympic inspired activities in the lead up to, or following the Olympics and Paralympics? If so we would like to hear from you. Email: [email protected]

The Future Southampton Group has put together a 38 page document regarding the city’s Master plan. The group has delivered the document to Southampton City Council in order to aid David Lock Associates with the masterplanning process and assert the groups proli� c knowledge of the local built environment to make Southampton a more attractive city for the future.

Richard Summers of LHC and Chair of the Future Southampton Group said: “The Future Southampton Group has produced this document with the aim of assisting the masterplanning process which is ongoing within Southampton City Council. We also hope it will help provoke a wider debate about what sort of city centre we all want.”

“As well as supporting the big new developments in the city we also believe smaller scale changes can be signi� cant, that the city could make more of

its historic buildings and neighbourhoods, and that its time to embrace living, working, learning or visiting in a great city.”

The full document can be viewed online, please visit: www.businesssouthampton.com

Above: Document put together by the Future Southampton group: ‘Centre of the City – Thoughts on a Master Plan for Southampton’


Business Southampton Action Group Update

Is your business directly promoting Southampton? If so we would like to hear from you! Marketing Southampton is compiling a rolling database of marketing activity for city campaigns, city publications and big city events, but we are also keen to know other ways in which businesses promote the city – whether this is through a ‘city’ page on a website, in recruitment packs or in publications. Compiling what activity is taking place is the starting point for our aim to deliver a consistent marketing message about the city.

A new Business Southampton Action Group led by the world authorities on linked data and web science Professor Nigel Shadbolt and Professor Dame Wendy Hall has been launched with the aim of creating a truly digital city.

The move comes in the week when UK crime � gures were made available on line for the � rst time, allowing anyone to check crime rates in their area – and the launch prompted 30 million hits in an hour.

City Champions who signed up to a workshop held at The Hub at Southampton City College, were given the chance to develop ideas that will be taken forward by the group which is led by Professor Dame Wendy Hall and Professor Nigel Shadbolt from the University of Southampton.

They looked at four themes:• How to create a Wi-Fi city• How the city can take a lead in making

linked open data available to all• Southampton's digital footprint in terms of

marketing the city• Creating a digital cluster to attract new

business to the region

Dame Wendy Hall said there was a major opportunity for the city to take the lead.

“We are trying to get things moving in our area to put us at the forefront of what is happening in the digital world,” she said.

Feedback from the groups showed there was great enthusiasm within the business community to get involved and there were key areas of action.

Ideas coming from the workshop included:• Creating a digital City Champion network• Promoting Southampton as a digital city pioneer• Ensuring a sustainable approach was

taken to creating a Wi-Fi city using next generation technology• Developing a mindset change so

organisations are happy to share data

Sally Lynskey CEO of Business Southampton said the city had a huge opportunity to be at the forefront of the digital revolution.

“We are so lucky to have the world's leading experts in our city and leading this Action Group. This is a great opportunity for the private and public sector to work together with our experts to put Southampton on the digital map,” she said.

Above: Professor Nigel Shadbolt and Professor Dame Wendy Hall leading the Digital Southampton Action Group

To provide information or � nd out more, email: [email protected]

Representing City Champion interests by uniting business leaders across the region

0844 225 3130 * [email protected] www.businesssouthampton.com

Priorities for the Southampton city region:R Supporting economic development and regeneration

R In�uencing the skills agenda and workforce development

R Marketing and promoting the city

Could your organisation become a City Champion, in�uence positive change for the future and receive direct bene�ts? Contact us now for more information.


Business Southampton In My View

s I take over as Chairman of Business Southampton the local economy faces a number of challenges and objectives.

The solution to our current economic di� culties is clear – we need to maximise the level of economic activity so that companies are doing more pro� table business and paying more tax. In the end that will be what gets this country back on an even keel – and both the private and public sectors have their parts to play.

The role of the public sector historically has seen them almost policing business and in some circumstances, impeding business from being able to move forward. Instead we need government both locally and nationally to be in a position where it is helping businesses to prosper.

One area where local government could really help business, is in the time it takes businesses to obtain planning permission for building work. The longer it takes a planning permission to go through, the more it costs businesses. Planning applications should ideally be decided in weeks – not months as it is at the moment.

I intend to build upon the e� ective dialogue that Business Southampton has developed with local government in recent years as part of my new role. It is really important there is a common purpose so we have maximum impetus to build economic activity.

Sterling is relatively weak at the moment and that gives business an opportunity to sell overseas. The truth is we are not going to emerge from the current � nancial crisis by concentrating our e� orts within UK plc – we have to look at selling our goods and services overseas.

As an exporter myself, I have been taken aback by the extent to which other countries want to buy British. They respect the quality and integrity of our goods and services. My own company has been exporting its construction project management services

and the people commissioning those services say they want British companies more than others because we can be trusted.

My company became a City Champion because we understand the importance of dynamic business representative organisations and the value they bring to the local economy.

In the current � nancial climate it is critically important for business to have a clear voice – and that is what Business Southampton provides. There has been a high level of engagement with business and Business Southampton has succeeded because it has listened and acted on what business has said.

I am becoming chairman at a crucial time for Business Southampton as we expand our horizons and become Business Solent. This is a logical development for Business Southampton in the light of the establishment of the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for the natural economic area in which we all live and work.

It is important the views of business are heard by central government and I want to ensure we are engaged with government nationally as well as locally.

The � rst priority of the new government has been to arrest the alarmingly rapid decline of public � nances. Government is now consulting with business organisations to � nd out what business would like to see happening to promote growth. I see Business

Southampton and Business Solent having pivotal roles feeding into government about what is important for economic growth in the Solent region.

My approach to being chairman of Business Southampton/Business Solent is going to be quite strategic and I am going to be talking with key stakeholders in the region about dismantling any ‘business prevention units’ that are getting in the way of economic activity.

I am looking forward to working with the committed and hard-working team at Business Southampton and seeing Business Solent develop in the coming years.

By Philip WarrChairman of Business Southampton and Chief Executive of P H Warr plc

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About Philip Warr and P H Warr plc

P H Warr plc is a leading provider of Property & Construction Surveying services. They are a dynamic and diverse organisation and have grown strongly since being established in 1992.P H Warr plc tailors Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Building Surveying and Construction Health and Safety services to meet the needs of their clients

Philip Warr originally established the practice and has pioneered its development during the past 19 years. He is responsible for business strategy and overseeing the continued development of the company which to date has included the acquisition and integration of Trinick and Hamilton H Turner & Son within the plc. He became a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors at the age of 32 under the Institution’s exceptional achievement criteria. At the heart of the company's success is Philip's guiding principle of focusing absolutely on delivering client requirements.

As New Business Southampton Chairman, I Have a Clear Vision for the Future

Above: The Ocean Village Innovation Centre – home of Business Solent

Upcoming BusinessSouthampton Events

Working LunchTuesday 5th April, 12noon – 2.30pm Kutis Royal Thai PierCity Champion working lunch addressing a key issue for the Southampton region, in association with the Southern Daily Echo and the Coast.

City Champion & Associate NetworkingWednesday 20th April, 5pm – 7pm Yuzu Lounge BarThis monthly drop-in social evening provides City Champions, Associates and guests the opportunity to enjoy relaxed networking, with reduced price drinks and complimentary tapas.

Meet Business Southampton with Blake LapthornWednesday 4th May, 12noon – 2.30pm Blake Lapthorn, Chandlers FordGet to know Business Southampton. Lunch and Q&A with City Champion Blake Lapthorn.

City Champion Breakfast Brie� ngTuesday 17th May, 7.45am – 9.30am Hilton Southampton HotelCity Champion brie� ng addressing a key issue for the Southampton region.

City Champion & Associate NetworkingWednesday 18th May, 5pm – 7pmClub4, Dockgate4This monthly drop-in social evening provides City Champions, Associates and guests the opportunity to enjoy relaxed networking, with reduced price drinks and complimentary tapas.

An Evening at the RacesFriday 3rd June, 2.30pm – 9.15pm Goodwood RacecourseCorporate Hospitality and social evening at the races for City Champions and clients.

Working LunchThursday 9th June, 12noon – 2.30pm Kuti's Royal Thai PierCity Champion working lunch addressing a key issue for the Southampton region, in association with the Southern Daily Echo and the Coast.

City Champion & Associate NetworkingWednesday 15th June, 5pm – 7pm White Star TavernThis monthly drop-in social evening provides City Champions, Associates and guests the opportunity to enjoy relaxed networking, with reduced price drinks and complimentary tapas.

Summer Networking LunchThursday 23rd June, 12noon – 2.30pm The Pavilion, RomseySummer lunch and networking in association with Wise Catering and Delicious Dining.

Business Southampton Golf DayThursday 30th June, 7.45am – 1.30pm Marriott Meon Valley Hotel & Country ClubFull day of corporate golf including breakfast and lunch for City Champions and clients.


Business Southampton events are organised by Destination Southampton,

the city’s o� cial conference bureau.

Contact: Shirley, Hannah or Charlotte about any of our upcoming events

on 023 8068 2520.

For more information on any of the events above, please contact the events teamemail [email protected] call 023 8068 2520 or visit www.businesssouthampton.comPlease note that events are subject to possible change.

Business Southampton City Champions

... Enabling Business!All About People, Process, Productivity

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Business Southampton Newsletter - Spring 2011

Documents

work of business southampton

business news

southampton city region

regional business centre

future southampton

digital southampton

marketing southampton

business wessex bournemouth