BUSINESS minds from across the county came together to network and discuss how to boost business growth in Hampshire.

Speakers at the Daily Echo-backed South Coast Business Works event included Denise Barlow, head of projects and communications at Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, and Shelley Edwards of Progress to Success.

And as well as watching speeches and taking part in a speed networking event, business people were given the chance to grill a panel of experts in a Question Time-style section.

Stewart Dunn, CEO of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Simon Armstrong, project director at Grosvenor Developments, Denplan managing director Stephen Gates, Southampton City Council leader Simon Letts and Simon Rhodes, managing partner at Trethowans Solicitors faced questions from the crowd.

Daily Echo:

Mr Rhodes thanked the Daily Echo and other sponsors of the event and said: “Business is good and we should be proud of that and economic growth but we also need to remember that we need to create opportunities for everyone.

“One of the outcomes of economic growth must be a higher average wage and more job opportunities for everyone.”

As well as speeches, businesses from across the south coast set up stalls and gave out information on their products and services.

This was followed by a “speed networking” section where those attending were given time slots to chat and seek new clients.

Daily Echo:

Mr Letts (above) said: “I thought that it was interesting to see that the issues facing businesses are the same as the issues facing the public sector.”

As well as the Daily Echo the event was sponsored by Trethowans Solicitors, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, and Destination Southampton.

Daily Echo:

Jason Tuck, media sales manager at the Daily Echo (above), said: “The Daily Echo business works event continues to showcase an excellent mix of local businesses, providing a unique setting to network and drive sales.”