THE operator of two Southampton theatres has joined a drive to promote the region around the world.

Nuffield Southampton Theatres has become part of Business South’s Champions network, which seeks to make the area a location of choice.

Nuffield Southampton Theatres officially opened its new city centre theatre, Nuffield Southampton Theatres City, last year and has welcomed more than 62,000 people there.

It has launched four world premieres including the critically acclaimed SS Mendi Dancing, the Death Drill and Billionaire Boy The Musical. The venue includes a flexible 450-seat main house theatre, a 133-seat studio, screening facilities, rehearsal and workshop spaces.

Its original venue, Nuffield Southampton Theatres Campus, is on the University of Southampton’s Highfield site.

Sam Hodges, director of Nuffield Southampton Theatres, said: “Our vision at Nuffield Southampton Theatres is to not only deliver high quality productions to the local community, but to also contribute to the enhancement of the region as a whole. Helping the area to grow a national and international reputation for its cultural offer.

“We hope to be a catalyst for business growth and destination recognition, an ethos aligned with that of Business South. We also look forward to working directly with businesses through the conference facilities we can offer for corporate events and partnering with employers to deliver workshops in the workplace. Our partnership with Business South strengthens our links with the local business community.”

Leigh-Sara Timberlake, executive director of Business South, said: “Our region’s rich cultural heritage is a huge factor for business, from attractiveness for inward investors, to the visitor economy and enhancing our quality of place for the people who live and work in the area.

“One of Business South’s key priorities is to improve economic prosperity by destination marketing the Central South area. A strong cultural offer is critical to helping us achieve this and we’re delighted to be working with Southampton Nuffield Theatres.”

Business South is the independent representative of businesses in the Central South, supporting the prosperity of the region by bringing together business leaders, educators, public bodies and entrepreneurs to create a dominant and power force for change and growth.

It connects business leaders to help improve economic prosperity and support social well-being. It works for area to be recognised nationally and internationally as a location of choice, able to attract and retain talent, driving increased opportunities for investment and business.