REIDsteel managing director Simon Boyd was among the business leaders to call for greater investment and support at a major regional business conference
He sat on a panel at the Great South West (GSW) event with Dorset Chamber at Bournemouth University (BU).
They championed the region but also identified issues for the Great South West to take to the government to help businesses in the region grow.
Key topics at the roadshow included skills development, infrastructure needs and sustainability initiatives.
Simon, who is a trustee of the Jobs Foundation and a non-executive director of Dorset Chamber, said: “The Great South West event with Dorset Chamber was a timely opportunity for businesses and organisations to fly the flag for the region and send clear messages to Westminster.
“It is important that our voice is heard in the corridors of power, especially amid all the noise surrounding a change of government.
“As well as skills development, infrastructure needs and sustainability, other key concerns include access to finance and employment regulation.
“According to latest figures from the House of Commons library, SMEs represent more than 99% of the business population in the UK. There are 5.51 million SMEs nationwide with 519,000 of them in the South West.
“The Exchequer’s tax take and funding of public services is entirely reliant on the revenues, wealth and salaries generated by business, including these SMEs.
“I hope the new government listens to the voice of business in our region and those in other parts of the country and delivers the support required to help us grow the economy, increase the tax take and bolster the strength of UK plc.”
The government funded Great South West Pan-Regional Partnership is holding four roadshows across the south west.
It joined forces with Dorset Chamber – the county’s leading business support organisation for the event.
The conference brought together business leaders, investors, and councils to spotlight the region’s business community.
Delegates also included Cecilia Bufton, Chair of Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and GSW Board Member, BCP Council Chief Executive Graham Farrant, Dorset Chamber Chief Executive Ian Girling, BU Head of External Engagement Ian Jones, Dorset Council chief executive Matt Prosser, Intergage Group Chief Executive Paul Tansey and GSW chair Karl Tucker.
Ian Girling, Chief Executive of Dorset Chamber and Dorset LEP Board Member, said: “This event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the innovative spirit and resilience of Dorset’s business community.
“By coming together, we’re sending a clear message to Westminster about the untapped potential in our region.
“The South West is ready for significant investment and growth, and events like this help ensure our voice is heard at the highest levels of government.”
Karl Tucker, Chair of the Great South West Partnership, said: “The Dorset Regional Roadshow demonstrated the huge potential and ambition of our business community.
“The insights shared will be essential in shaping our voice with the new Government, ensuring that the South West is heard loud and clear in Westminster.
“It’s clear that with the right investment and support, our region can play a pivotal role in driving the UK’s economic growth.”
The Great South West is holding events and activities throughout 2024, including regional roadshows, economic and sector insight reports, Westminster events, and a major national conference in September.
REIDsteel designs, manufactures and builds steel structures across UK, Europe and the world.
Dorset Chamber is the county’s voice of business and its leading business support organisation.
The Jobs Foundation is a charity that promotes British businesses and social mobility. It believes that business is a ‘Force for Good’. (Pictures: Program and Ahmed Goga, Great South West director)
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