HAMPSHIRE’S voice of business has laid out its growth aspirations for the county and Britain as a whole.

The rallying call for a more enterprising, better-skilled trading nation came from Stewart Dunn, chief executive of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.

He spoke at the organisation's fourth annual Talking Business Conference and Exhibition, attended by 120 delegates on Wednesday, held at British American Tobacco's facilities in Southampton.

At the event a new red-and-white corporate look to the Chamber's marketing material was unveiled, under the 'You're Better Connected' strapline.

The event was chaired by Hampshire Chamber president Andrew Finney, who is chairman of relocation specialists and property management company HCR Group, based on Basing View.

Delegates learned of The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) manifesto, entitled A Business Plan for Britain, which sets out a five-year plan for a thriving economy.

It has been adopted by Hampshire Chamber and at other accredited chambers through the UK.

Mr Dunn said: "To achieve these aspirations we at the chamber, as the voice of business in Hampshire, believe passionately that business must be at the heart of local growth.

"By doing so, and ensuring business growth takes centre stage in local decision-making and procurement, it will boost the economies of our cities, towns and the county."

Sarah Brooks, managing director of The Yes Yes Company, James Cooper, the chief executive of Associated British Ports and Paul Thomas, the managing director of Lead Forensics and MarketMakers, were guest speakers.