Basingstoke: Businesses to quiz economy experts

Businesses across North Hampshire are being invited to a special questions and answers event, A Question of Business on Thursday October 1.

The event, which is being run by the North Hampshire and M3 Corridor Economic Board, whose partners are Hampshire Economic Partnership, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Hart District Council, Rushmoor Borough Council, Test Valley Borough Council, Surrey Heath Borough Council and SEEDA, will take place from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, after Business Link’s Be Inspired event.

Attendees of the event will have the opportunity to ask questions of a panel of representatives of all of the local authorities, Hampshire Economic Partnership and business representatives from North Hampshire.

In addition, those attending the event will also get to find out about the new North Hampshire and M3 Corridor Economic Board, as it uses the occasion to officially launch. The board was set up as a way for neighbouring authorities to work together in Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey to focus on projects to improve the prosperity of the area.

Businesses wanting to register for the event should log onto www.basingstoke.gov.uk/go/northhampshireevent or call 01256 845692.

Paul Kinvig, Chief Executive of HEP said: “In the current economic climate it is vital that public and private sectors work together to ensure that the right strategies are in place to help recovery.

“This event is a fantastic way for businesses and local authorities to identify the key issues facing the business communities. The question time affords local and regional businesses the opportunity to debate, with local authorities, and to help identify appropriate ways forward. I would encourage as many businesses as possible to attend what should be a lively and interesting evening.”

Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Cllr Andrew Finney said: “I’m pleased that Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is hosting this event. So many of the issues of transport, rail and road links and general infrastructure cross local authority boundaries.

“As part of the North Hampshire and M3 Economic Board, the council is committed to work in partnership to ensure that businesses across North Hampshire are represented and their concerns and issues are listened to and addressed.

“I hope that this event will be a great success and that we’ll gain a better understanding of what businesses across the area need to enable them to grow and prosper in the future.”

The event takes place on Thursday October 1 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm at Central 40, Chineham Park, Basingstoke, RG24 8UT.