AS chief executive of Business South, I am privileged to have a helicopter view of our vibrant business community spanning a multitude of sectors, writes Leigh-Sara Timberlake in the Echo's new weekly Business Voice column out each Thursday.

Any given week I can be flying the flag for our Central South region on a national or international stage, meeting seasoned business leaders and those who are moving to the region and want to plug into the existing business networks and enjoy our enviable lifestyle.

As part of a business-led consortium, we are just back from MIPIM Cannes, the world’s leading property event. This private sector led promotion of the Central South region is an initiative Business South has championed and it is endorsed by business leaders, local authorities and organisations such as Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.

Chair of the Business South Regenerate South group and head of Savills Central South office, Gavin Hall summed up best why it is crucial for us to be seen on this international stage. He explained that MIPIM international property conference is the most important property, financing and investment event in the world.

It is vital that the Central South is represented at this important event to showcase the fantastic economic and environmental assets of our region and to highlight the significant opportunities for investment in key development and regeneration projects.

The support provided by the private sector enables the region and public sector partners to be represented on the world stage. This partnership approach encourages capital into the region and provides an opportunity for the partners, public and private alike, to engage in projects and opportunities whilst away in a frenetic four days of promotion and exploring ways to attract investment and unlock opportunities for the region to prosper. The event is attended by global investors and it is critical that we ensure the Central South of the UK is on their radar.

We are acutely conscious that as business leaders, we have a responsibility to help retain as much talent in our region as possible. We have some amazing universities on our patch and it is always a joy to meet the wonderful students who will soon be making their mark on the world.

Bringing together business leaders with the talented students who will one day be taking the reins in the boardroom, is a winning formula and our recent Directors of the Future Dinner at Southampton Solent University was a sell-out event.

A popular date in the Business South calendar, there was plenty of positivity in the room and a flurry of activity on LinkedIn the following day.

Whenever we hold these dinners, the business leaders are so impressed with the students who they see as the directors of the future.

This event is always a great opportunity for the young people to shine and a great way for leaders to meet the talent of tomorrow.

Professor James Knowles, Vice Chancellor at Southampton Solent University welcomed everyone to the iconic Spark Building.

The winner of the Graduate Impact Award was announced as Jonathan “Dines” Wilkins, Founder and Creative Director of Studio BLUP. His vision is rooted in disruptive design, digital innovation, and next-level storytelling.

With a career built on breaking boundaries, Dines has led creative for global campaigns, immersive brand experiences, and cultural moments that cut through the noise.

Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Academic Strategy and Planning, Cathy Barnes, said it was inspirational to have so many talented people on our campus for the event and celebrate the achievements of their alumni community. The willingness that many of the attendees have shown to work with their students is helping to shape the innovators of tomorrow.

It’s crucial for students to grasp the art of building business relationships—something often fostered over a shared meal and at events like this one. These moments are where connections are made, ideas are exchanged, and opportunities are born.

  •  Business South is an independent and influential organisation operating in Central South UK as a non-partisan business engagement organisation connecting leading employers to promote the area and champion good growth. Our vision is for the region to be recognised nationally and internationally, as a preferred location of choice, able to attract and retain talent, driving increased opportunities for investment and business. www.businesssouth.org