Solent University and Business South support the leaders of tomorrow

Over 70 business leaders and students had the opportunity to network and share their career ambitions and experiences at a formal business dinner, delivered in partnership between Solent University and business engagement organisation Business South.

The formal dinner function provided a twist on the usual Directors Dinners, run by Business South, by bringing together current and future leaders. The evening's theme was employability and skills, and 15 students had the exclusive opportunity to experience a formal business function and talk about their aspirations for the future. Students from across the University’s course areas, including business management, law, psychology and television and film attended.

Solent University is committed to developing responsible leaders of the future and was keen to ensure the event not only helped to strengthen existing business relations in the region, but also benefited the student body. Professor Karen Stanton, Vice-Chancellor at Solent University, addressed the audience on her view of how Solent and other universities support students in developing the skills they require.  

“It proved to be a good event with some interesting table conversations and an excellent key speaker – a fantastic collaboration of Solent University and Business South.” said Professor Stanton.

As well as providing an opportunity to network, the evening also allowed students to hear from creative director at Carswell Gould and visiting fellow to the University, Ed Gould. Ed spoke about the need for students, employers and education providers to collaborate and understand one another’s expectations.

Commenting on their experience at the event, Solent student, Magdalena Smolen said, “It was such a fantastic evening and we are grateful to Solent University and Business South for providing us with this opportunity. Where else would you be able to network with so many influential business leaders?“

The evening is one of several events and work groups that Solent and Business South collaborate on during the year. As well as actively contributing to the regional action groups managed by the business network, Solent works with Business South to champion the Central South region. Leigh-Sara Timberlake, Group CEO at Business South, commented, “Solent University and Business South have worked together on a number of high-profile events and initiatives since we launched as Business Southampton in 2007. The Future Leaders Directors Dinner is the latest example of how, as partners, we work together to deliver maximum benefit to students and businesses while driving the region’s future economic prosperity.”