Hampshire Chamber brings aboard star speaker Baroness Martha Lane Fox for boat show luncheon

Baroness Martha Lane Fox CBE is set to deliver the keynote speech at a flagship event from Hampshire Chamber of Commerce this September.

Martha, an entrepreneur, tech innovator and crossbench peer, will address more than 200 business leaders at the chamber’s luncheon at Southampton International Boat Show.

The luncheon, a mainstay since the show began in 1969, is the only dedicated networking event for business attendees, cementing Hampshire’s central role in the global leisure marine industry.

Martha has been president of the British Chambers of Commerce since 2022, having risen to prominence during the dotcom boom in the late nineties.

She co-founded lastminute.com and later established Lucky Voice, a karaoke business chain.

As chair of WeTransfer, she guided the file-sharing business to achieve B-Corp status.

Martha has also served as the UK government’s digital champion, helping to develop and launch the gov.uk website, and is a non-executive director at Chanel.

Ross McNally, chief executive and executive chair of Hampshire Chamber, said: “We’re thrilled that Martha will be joining us for what is shaping up to be a great occasion.

“She has a fascinating story to tell about business success and will no doubt share many first-hand insights to interest and inspire our members and their guests.

“We’re proud to have established our signature luncheon as the premier business networking opportunity at the boat show and we plan to make this year’s occasion our best yet.”

This year, the luncheon also aims to raise awareness for the RNLI.

Anjie Rook, associate director at the RNLI, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Hampshire Chamber for helping the RNLI save lives at sea by raising awareness at their boat show luncheon, particularly as we celebrate our bicentenary.

“For 200 years, it’s people who have made the RNLI what it is, from our brave volunteer lifesavers who risk their lives to save others, to the committed fundraisers and generous event organisers and donors.

“Events like these are crucial to raising awareness of what we do and funding our 24/7 lifesaving service.”

Hambledon Vineyard, the country’s oldest commercial vineyard, has partnered with the chamber to host the pre-lunch drinks reception.

Other supporters include British Marine, John Rose Photography, and Leonardo Group.

The Hampshire Chamber Boat Show luncheon will be held at the Leonardo Royal Grand Harbour Hotel Southampton on the opening day of Southampton International Boat Show, Friday 13 September.

Tickets include a complimentary pass to enter the show – one of the largest of its kind in the UK, showcasing thousands of boats and craft.

• To find out more and book, visit Hampshire Chamber Boat Show Lunch.

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