Business leaders have hailed the success of the sixth annual Portsmouth & South Coast Business Week organised by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.

Over 1,500 delegates attended more than 22 free-of-charge events with a focus on collaboration and achieving growth. Launched at the Queen’s Hotel in Southsea, the week brought Hampshire Chamber partners from business, local government, education and the third sector together for presentations, open days, networking and behind-the-scenes visits.

In-person events took place at venues in Portsmouth, Havant, Gosport and Fareham with sessions streamed via LinkedIn Live and Facebook Live. Among several panel discussions, a group of leading women in the maritime sector discussed industry issues at a dedicated evening at the D-Day Story Museum hosted by SLR Recruitment Solutions and Sarah Roads.

There was also a small business growth day badged as ‘Thriving Together’ held at the University of Portsmouth and hosted by Solent Growth Partnership. It included workshops and advice for SMEs, micro businesses, start-ups and other small businesses.

Ross McNally, Hampshire Chamber’s Chief Executive and Executive Chair, said:

“This was a fantastic celebration of ‘all things enterprise’ for the region, the biggest and best week we’ve held so far. It was a joy to see so many businesses coming together to discuss the challenges they face and how they are overcoming them.”

Ross explained that each year, attendees hear success stories of connections made at previous business weeks. He cited an Irish market opportunity for Portsmouth-based Citrus Facilities Management that was directly helped by the presence last year of a delegation from Drogheda and District Chamber.

Ross added:

“Together they set up a meeting in Dublin with the firm being supported on making all the necessary arrangements to operate in Ireland. It shows the power of bringing businesses together and giving them an opportunity to explore new horizons. It’s another example of the sense of community and energy enabled by the week."

Making a return visit to discuss the national business landscape on launch day was David Bharier, Head of Research at British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

David said:

“Business conditions have been undeniably tough over the past 12 months. However, BCC data points to emerging opportunities, particularly the rapid acceleration of AI adoption among SMEs and the expansion of new free trade agreements with major markets."

“Those gains are only realised when businesses connect, learn and act. Portsmouth & South Coast Business Week provides exactly that space - where collaboration drives opportunities and growth.”

Among the various in-person events held in the week were six led directly by Hampshire Chamber with help from partners. These attracted around 285 attendees and included launch day, open doors events and networking opportunities in association with Isle of Wight Chamber, SLR Recruitment, Fareham Business Expo and Chamber Connects.

The week was officially opened at the Queen’s Hotel launch by Portsmouth City Council Leader Steve Pitt, whose portfolio responsibilities include regional economic development. Steve gave an update on the Portsmouth100 centenary activities while Nikki Young from Portsmouth Creates discussed the UK City of Culture 2029 bid.

As well as The Queen’s Hotel, business community supporters for the week included Azets, Citrus Facilities Management, Creative Clique Design & Marketing, The News, Hampshire Flag Company, Blake Morgan LLP, SLR Recruitment, Xelacoach. Everyone Active, Solent Sky Services, 1stcs.it and Landsec.

Open days participants were Keppels Head Hotel, Tall Ships Youth Trust, Lakeside North Harbour, Hampshire Flag Company and Bishops Printers.

Civic and education partners included the University of Portsmouth, the City of Portsmouth College, Havant & South Downs College, South Hampshire College Group, Portsmouth City Council, Solent Growth Partnership and Fareham, Havant and Gosport borough councils.

Photo: Ross McNally, Chief Executive and Executive Chair of organisers Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, speaking at the launch of Portsmouth & South Coast Business Week 2026 at The Queen’s Hotel, Southsea.