HAMPSHIRE Chamber of Commerce is preparing to host a major business event in Basingstoke with essential advice for aspiring firms in all sectors. 

Basingstoke Business Matters will bring together expert speakers for an afternoon focused on critical issues such as workplace skills, sustainable energy use, employees’ mental health and how to access grant funding.   

The event includes a panel discussion, breakout sessions, facilitated networking and practical tips and insight from guest speaker, sales coach and author Ben Kench.

Joint hosts are Ross McNally, Hampshire Chamber’s chief executive and executive chair, and Barry Smith, chair of the chamber’s Basingstoke Strategy Group and Head of Business Development at event partner Greenhouse Graphics.

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Ross said: “This is all about bringing businesses together so that everyone can learn how to strengthen resilience during these challenging times and aim for growth and prosperity.”

Barry said: “The event is an ideal opportunity for people in small and medium-sized businesses to network with like-minded peers and receive informed advice from key decision makers who can help them with their operations and strategies. There is a great deal of value in going whatever your sector.”

The panel discussion, on education and skills, will feature Anthony Bravo, principal of Basingstoke College of Technology, Richard Kennett, chief executive of not-for-profit education partnership EBP South, and Chris Edwards, headteacher at Brighton Hill School.

Joining them are Kevin White of the financial planning specialist Fortem Financial and Adam Lupton, Chief People Officer of tech multinational Lenovo.

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Representing the aviation sector are Ryan Cox, head of Training at Basingstoke-based manufacturer Middlesex Aerospace, and Amy Valles, one of the company’s degree apprentices.

Businesses can also attend ‘breakout’ sessions hosted by event partners Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Lamb Brooks Solicitors, Greenhouse Graphics and The Typeface Group. 

Around 100 delegates attended last year’s Basingstoke Business Matters representing sectors including green technology, food and beverage, financial services, automotive, telecommunications and human resources.

Basingstoke Business Matters 2022 takes place at the Apollo Hotel, Basingstoke, from 1.30pm to 5pm on Thursday, September 29. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/basingstoke-business-matters-2022-tickets-377188269267.