Business Solent was
established to build on the
success of Business Southampton

Background

From Business Southampton to Business Solent

Founder Champions at Business Southampton launch in 2007

Business Southampton was formed in 2006 from the identified need to listen to, inform, unite and engage the local business community in issues affecting the SO postcode region.

A pioneering group of founder organisations lent their support to the not-for-profit organisation that connected business leaders and the City Champion programme was developed, providing direct and indirect benefits. A range of high profile events kept City Champions informed of local issues and enabled business leaders to network at the highest level.

Action Groups and Alliances were established providing the platform for business leaders to have more of a say in the way the city region develops and business links with the Local Authority were strengthened.

Having been established with the help of SEEDA funding, Business Southampton became fully self-funded in 2011 through contributions from City Champions.

As a result of the success of Business Southampton and listening to City Champions needs, the decision was made to develop into the wider Solent area to encourage more links between businesses in the region and to promote the Solent both nationally and internationally. This resulted in the creation of Business Solent.

The creation of Business Solent brings together more businesses resulting in greater opportunities and a bigger voice to influence what happens within the Solent region, be that locally or Solent-wide.

The Solent Champion programme is business led, market driven and will engage and unite all sectors and industries. Champions collectively are highly influential in driving change, shaping policy and informing decisions.

Together Champions have the opportunity to deliver positive change through the work of the Action Groups, Alliances and clusters which they develop and drive themselves.

Today Business Solent has more than 170 City Champions representing the biggest names in the business world together with a growing Associate programme for smaller companies.