Business Leaders To Celebrate Launch Of Hampshire Chamber

Online, September 21, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Hundreds of business leaders are expected to toast the official launch of Hampshire Chamber at an October celebration in Southampton.

The De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel is the venue for an evening of lively overviews of the business scene along with a canape reception, live music and networking.

The celebration marks the phased convergence of three local chambers into a stronger, countywide organisation with a wider array of events, member services and more lobbying clout.

Among the speakers is Richard Deacon, chief executive of the National Air Traffic Control Centre (NATS) based at Whiteley.

Often in the news, NATS gained more prominence than usual earlier this year when the volcanic ash cloud from Icelandic threatened UK air space disrupting flights and impacting on many business activities.

Also giving presentations are Mike Rushworth, chief executive of market-leading Hampshire fresh food supplier Vitacress, and Phil Wilding, chair of the Winchester construction success story Wilding & Butler.

Jimmy Chestnutt, chief executive of Hampshire Chamber, said: "We're thrilled to be holding our celebration launch with such inspiring speakers amid all the hard work that has gone into the convergence of the three large founding chambers.

"The event is one of a series of steps, including our new unified website and improved member offer, that will help us show the business community that we can be an important partner in their goals and ambitions.

"As a countywide chamber, we now have combined clout and resources while always ensuring we maintain and strengthen our local connections."

The celebration takes place at the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel on Monday 4 October from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and is free to non-members and members bringing a non-member as a guest.

More information is available from Sue Shilcock on 02392 449449 or at [email protected].

Hampshire Chamber is also marking its October launch month with a series of free 'Meet the Chamber' events combined with business exhibitions.

These events offer further networking opportunities and the chance find out how the chamber can add value to member organisations.

New members are invited to introduce themselves and promote their businesses in front of the gathered audience.

There are two Meet the Chamber events in North Hampshire, at the Holiday Inn in Farnborough on Thursday 14 October from 4.30pm to 6.30pm and the Bourne Inn, St Mary Bourne near Andover, on Thursday 21 October from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

Portsmouth and Southampton businesses can attend an event at the Rose Bowl, West End, Southampton, on Monday 25 October from 4pm to 6.30pm.

For Farnborough event booking, email [email protected], for Andover booking, contact [email protected] and for Rose Bowl booking, email [email protected].

Partners and business colleagues are also welcome to attend these events free of charge.

One of the UK's biggest regional business networks, Hampshire Chamber represents 2,000 member firms employing 150,000 people between them. It includes members from Portsmouth & South East Hampshire, Southampton & Fareham and North Hampshire chambers.

Members of the three local chambers automatically became members of Hampshire Chamber from the start of this financial year in April. They remain affiliated to their local chamber office and have access to the same services and support as before, but their membership fee also opens up a countywide package of events, networking, training and lobbying services. For more details, visit www.hampshirechamber.co.uk.