Million Plus

In November 2016, Solent's School of Business, Law and Communications hosted its third Annual Business Conference - ‘UK PLC Open for Business’- exploring the support and emerging opportunities available to businesses with regard to international trade following the outcome of the EU Referendum in June 2016.

A number of local business delegates attended the event, which was also supported by the Hampshire Chambers of Commerce, Business South and NatWest Bank.

The conference was opened by Professor Mike Wilkinson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, along with Dr Michael Nieto, Director of School of Business, Law and Communications. Local media figure Lee Peck compered the conference and was joined by keynote speakers: Alan Ainsbury, Head of Trade and International Sales, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS); Robert Lewtas, Strategic Partner Manager, South East International Trade Team at Department of International Trade (DIT); Helen Symes, Talent and Leadership Director, Lee Hecht Harrison (LHH); and Mike Trench, Chief Financial and Commercial Director of Griffon Hoverwork.

The theme of the event struck a chord with the local business community and triggered many discussion points, with the keynote speakers each touching on different topics to help paint an overall picture of what the post-Brexit future could hold.

Following the presentations the Hampshire Chambers of Commerce and keynote speakers were on hand to provide business advice to the delegates regarding international trade.