Baroness Martha Lane Fox addresses Southampton Boat Show luncheon

Southampton played host to a gathering of more than 150 business leaders at the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce’s annual Boat Show luncheon, held on the opening day of the Southampton International Boat Show.

The keynote speaker, Baroness Martha Lane Fox CBE, founder of Lastminute.com and President of the British Chambers of Commerce, addressed attendees at the event, which was held at the Leonardo Royal Grand Harbour Hotel.

Baroness Lane Fox discussed the critical role that global trade, skills development, and the integration between business and the third sector play in the UK’s economic future.

Emphasising Southampton’s significance, she said: “We have a huge opportunity in the UK to bring global investment here while being a provider of outstanding business products and services to global markets. What better place to give that message than Southampton with its focus on the worldwide leisure marine industry?”

The event is the sole dedicated networking opportunity at the Boat Show, one of the UK’s largest leisure marine festivals. Guests were offered a complimentary pass to explore the thousands of boats and crafts on display.

Collaboration and innovation

During the luncheon, Marc Donoghue, Volunteer Community Presenter from the RNLI, highlighted the charity’s innovative partnerships with businesses and academia.

He said: “Partnering with industry, entrepreneurs and academia in a variety of ways is how we will sustain the RNLI over the next 200 years.” This year marks the 200th anniversary of the RNLI, which remains at the forefront of marine safety.

Hampshire Chamber’s Chief Executive, Ross McNally, also spoke on the need for collaboration between business and the third sector to foster skills development across sectors.

“Just two months on from the formation of a new government, there is much to discuss about how we ensure employers can find the vital skills they need,” Ross said, stressing the importance of events like the luncheon in shaping local and national workforce strategies.

Building a thriving business community

Chamber President Peter Taylor, Senior Partner of law firm Paris Smith LLP, encouraged local businesses to recognise the strength of the central south region. He urged attendees to “stand tall, be proud of what we have and what we can be,” celebrating the area’s potential for growth.

The event’s international aspect was further highlighted by Nadine Storey, Trade Commissioner at the High Commission of Canada in London. She emphasised the growing ties between Canada and Hampshire in sectors such as marine and green tech, describing the luncheon as an excellent opportunity for fostering these relationships.

Sponsors and partners

The luncheon was sponsored by Paris Smith and supported by British Marine, the Boat Show hosts, alongside other partners including UK Export Finance, Enhanced, Currencies Direct, Hambledon Vineyard, John Rose Photography, and the Leonardo Group.

For more information on the Boat Show, visit www.southamptonboatshow.com.