In episode five of our third series of Let’s Talk South Coast, host Nella Pang brings together senior leaders from across infrastructure, innovation, ports, space and higher education to explore how the region can unlock its full growth potential. Recorded live at the South Coast Commercial Property Show, this panel discussion focuses on the practical realities of infrastructure readiness, skills, energy and collaboration and what developers, investors and policymakers need to do next to deliver at scale.

What you’ll hear about in this episode:

• Why the South Coast is at a tipping point for growth across advanced industries
• The infrastructure challenges holding back development, from grid capacity to energy costs
• How Freeports can provide long-term investor confidence and unlock strategic sites
• How space, maritime, digital and science clusters drive innovation when co-located
• The role of universities in future-proofing skills, talent pipelines and infrastructure
• Why apprenticeship levies, modular training and collaboration are critical to closing the skills gap

Companies & Organisations Mentioned:

• Solent Freeport
• Portsmouth International Port
• Space South Central Enterprise Network
• Southampton Science Park
• University of Portsmouth
• Partnership for South Hampshire
• National Energy Systems Operator
• South Coast Commercial Property Show
• Local authorities across Hampshire & the Solent

Shoutouts:

• The investors, developers and occupiers shaping the South Coast’s future
• The education providers aligning skills with real industry demand
• The organisations collaborating to unlock infrastructure, innovation and growth

About Our Guests:

Brian Johnson
Chair of Solent Freeport, leading major investment programmes and positioning the South Coast’s maritime economy for long-term global competitiveness.

Mike Sellers
Port Director at Portsmouth International Port, championing clean maritime innovation and the UK’s first multi-user, multi-berth shore power project.

Louise Butt
Director of Space South Central Enterprise Network, connecting one of the UK’s densest high-tech clusters across space, defence and digital sectors.

Robin Chave
CEO of Southampton Science Park, supporting start-ups and scale-ups through flexible workspace, collaboration and innovation-led development.

Professor David Hutchinson
Senior leader at the University of Portsmouth, aligning education, research and skills development with the future needs of industry.

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