The highly anticipated inaugural SOGROW Conference, which is set to take place on the 8th October 2025, at The Spark, Southampton Solent University, has announced a dynamic line-up of expert speakers, specialist panels, and breakout sessions focused on business growth, innovation, sustainability, skills and regional regeneration.
Organised by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, the full-day conference will bring together business leaders, policymakers, innovators and academics to explore the future of enterprise in Southampton and the wider region.
The morning will begin with a welcome from Ed Gould, Creative Director at Carswell Gould, followed by talks from Ross McNally, CEO & Executive Chair of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce; James Knowles, Vice-Chancellor of Southampton Solent University; and Cllr Alex Winning, Leader of Southampton City Council.
In addition, the event will feature a series of insightful speeches from business leaders such as;
Andy Haldane, headline keynote speaker, one of the country’s most influential economic thinkers will be talking about Economic Prospects for the UK
Prof Mark E Smith, Chair of Southampton Renaissance Board, unveiling regeneration ambitions for the city
Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, exploring the Future of Workspace
Peter Taylor from Paris Smith will be hosting a thought-provoking panel session on Devolution and Business Needs, featuring senior voices from Hampshire County Council, Griffon Marine, and Southampton Forward
There will also be a selection of interactive breakout sessions that will be available for delegates to sign up to, covering themes such as low carbon strategies, connectivity, innovation, and skills for business – with contributions from PwC, ABP, DP World, Venturefest South, and Southampton Solent University.
Mandy Boughton, President of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, will close the day with final reflections and a call to action for continued regional collaboration and business growth.
Ross McNally, CEO & Executive Chair of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce said, “I am really excited about our very first SOGROW symposium. I believe that it presents a real opportunity for business leaders in Southampton to discuss and shape future opportunities for the city by coming together as a powerful peer community.”
For more details and registration, click here.
About Hampshire Chamber of Commerce
Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is the independent voice of local business across the county and one of the largest regional business networks in the UK. With a strategic vision to ‘unlock Hampshire’s potential’, Hampshire Chamber brings together the combined influence, strength and expertise of the county’s three former major chambers. It works with over 2,000 individual firms spanning all sectors and sizes of business. Member services include training, advice, international trade documentation, events, networking opportunities and lobbying to policymakers on issues affecting business. Hampshire Chamber’s business network is designed to help any employer to grow and thrive irrespective of their stage on the enterprise journey.