SOUTH Coast Business Works 2018 is nearly here!

This year's special event will be held at the special new venue of St Mary's Stadium, and here's what you need to know:

In association with Trethowans Solicitors

Wednesday 21st February 2018

1pm – 5.30pm

St Mary’s Stadium, Britannia Road, Southampton

Business Works, in association with Trethowans Solicitors, will be returning for the 7th Year running to a new venue; St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton.

The event will see exhibitors come together from a variety of industries to share their knowledge and inspire others whilst forging new business relationships.

The rheme will focus on the effect Brexit will have on our region and what this means for local businesses in the South. There will be two seminars throughout the afternoon.

This year’s theme is about how boost business on the platinum coast (South Coast) and the impact and effect Brexit will have on local businesses in the Southern region.

During the event there will be three topical seminars as well as an opportunity to talk to businesses leaders during the Q and A session.

  • 1.30pm – Guest Speaker

Mike Spicer – Director of Research and Economics | British Chambers of Commerce

'Brexit and Business'

Daily Echo:

Mike, pictured above, joined the BCC in February 2011 and became Director of Research and Economics in January 2014. He directs the BCC's policy research and survey programme. Mike represents the BCC externally on business policy and matters relating to local economic development.

  • 2.30pm - Guest Speaker

Paul Sandcraft  – Regional Director for Aerospace at TW Metals Ltd

'39,000 feet Up in the Air'

Daily Echo:

Paul, pictured above, holds responsibility for the sales of Aerospace products within Europe. He has 20 years’ experience in the Aerospace metals industry and has been Regional Director for over 12 years.  TW holds global contracts and exports its products to 56 countries, it currently has 300 employees across 8 countries that form the International Region, 2 of which are in the UK, with Southampton as the region’s headquarters.

  • 3.30pm – Guest Speaker

Geraint Davies – Partner, Ernst & Young LLP, Chairman of the IOD in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and Chairman of the Governors of Southampton City College

'The South Coast Economy – a case for optimism?'

Daily Echo:

Geraint, pictured above, is Senior Partner at EY in Southampton and manages a team of 130 professionals. He returned to his home town of Southampton in 2014, having spent 13 years working in Geneva and 14 in Jersey. He is passionate about the potential for the UK’s central South Coast economy and interacts with local government and the Solent LEP to help showcase the region, both nationally and internationally.

  • 4.15pm - Question Time Business Panel

Hosted by Lee Peck Media

Southern Daily Echo, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Destination Southampton have once again teamed up to deliver a first-class event.

The panel members will be:

  • Simon Rhodes, senior partner of Trethowans
  • Annaliese Hughes, director of Delicious Dining and board member of Go! Southampton
  • Harry Kutty, head teacher of Cantell School, Southampton
  • Robin Shepherd, partner, Barton Wilmore
  • Geraint Davies, partner with Ernst & Young
  • Mike Spicer, director of research and economics, British Chambers of Commerce