Paris Smith's Peter Taylor on why he's backing HampshireBizNews

For Hampshire to thrive, according to Peter Taylor, collaboration and joined up thinking are vital as is highlighting the people and companies that are driving positive change across the county.

It was for this reason that both he and legal firm Paris Smith have lent their support to HampshireBizNews by becoming launch partners.

Peter, who is a Senior Partner at Paris Smith, said: “HampshireBizNews and its ability to share key information is at the heart of making sure everyone understands what is going on within the business community across the county of Hampshire.

“If we are going to maximise the opportunity that is here then amplification of what we have got is key.”

Hampshire is home to the Port of Southampton which gives companies in the region easy access to global trade routes while the Royal Navy, which is based in Portsmouth, is reliant on local supply chains to power the country’s naval fleet.

We have world class educational establishments, wonderful natural assets, great innovation and cutting edge technology. These provide tremendous foundations upon which to build for the future and continue to address the challenges which we collectively face.

“We also have global connectivity through our ports, airport and our proximity to London. As a consequence, we have access to a huge range of talent.

“These assets, all working together and collaborating, are key to increasing the size of the economic cake so that future generations can feel that the county is a great place to live, work, play and thus to thrive.”

Peter is a crucial cog in Hampshire’s business infrastructure through his civic roles which include being President of the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and interim chair of Southampton Chamber of Commerce’s leadership team.

Peter said: “We have world-class universities, fantastic countryside, It is the opportunity that comes through collaboration, however, that Peter is passionate about.

He added: “The key to it for me is that we have that joined up thinking and BizNews is a key element of that in terms of communicating what is going on.

“There is a recognition that no one group of people has all the answers. Local authorities do not have unlimited bandwidth and resources. Regional and local businesses have a key role to play in contributing to a compelling strategic narrative and effecting change.”

Paris Smith has deep roots within the Hampshire business ecosystem having been founded over 200 years ago. It is its belief in a shared sense of purpose, which is embedded within the legal firm’s culture, that Peter believes is the secret behind its longevity.

He said: “Paris Smith is very clear in what it stands for and its sense of purpose. It wants to enable staff, clients and communities to thrive.

“We have a helicopter view of what is going on across the economic landscape. This enables us to share insights and work collaboratively with stakeholders including local authorities, economic partners, employers and government.”

The impact of collaboration, says Peter, can already be witnessed in addressing the skills challenge.

“As a business community, we want and need to ensure that we have the skills base for the future, he added.

“I am really excited about some of the projects that are going on at the minute in terms of helping bridge the gaps between those who provide education and training and the businesses who need those skills for the future.”

Southampton may have been unsuccessful in its UK City of Culture 2025 bid however its legacy lives on, says Peter, through tangible ongoing projects but also an entrenched belief in the benefits of partnership working.

Southampton UK City of Culture Bid Director, Claire Whitaker, this month took over a new role at Southampton Forward which will see her continue to build on the work of her previous role.

He said: “One of the great benefits of the City of Culture bid was that it enabled so many sectors be it in business, voluntary or the public sector to come together to highlight the assets that have got but also the challenges we need to address around diversity and social inclusion.

“I am delighted that Claire Whitaker is staying in Southampton to build on the work that she did as Bid Director.

“Hampshire has every opportunity to grow if we all work together for one common aim.”