Local firms are invited to a networking and workshop event aimed at empowering enterprises across Portsmouth and surrounding areas, taking place at the New Theatre Royal on Friday 28 November.
The Future Portsmouth event, organised by Portsmouth City Council and the University of Portsmouth alongside Solent Growth Partnership, Solent LSIP, and Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, promises sessions covering business networking strategies, complimentary business support, and workforce development through local talent and artificial intelligence.
The programme features practical workshops addressing employment law, social media fundamentals, and panel discussions exploring key employer challenges. Participants will gain actionable insights and forge valuable business connections.
Professor Anne Murphy, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education) at the University of Portsmouth, emphasised universities’ crucial contribution to regional economies. She highlighted the institution’s commitment to transforming academic knowledge into practical benefits through student-led business support initiatives, the comprehensive Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme, and the Help to Grow Management programme.
“We’re dedicated to connecting businesses with the talent and innovative thinking essential for growth and prosperity,” Professor Murphy stated.
Councillor Steve Pitt, Portsmouth City Council Leader overseeing economic development, described Future Portsmouth as an excellent demonstration of collaborative achievement between the council, university, and business sector.
“Merging academic research with contemporary business knowledge strengthens our local economy’s resilience. This gathering focuses on creating possibilities, exchanging expertise, and ensuring Portsmouth’s continued prosperity,” Councillor Pitt added.
The University’s business and community engagement ranks amongst Britain’s finest, according to Research England’s Knowledge Exchange Framework, which evaluates how effectively universities distribute knowledge and expertise for economic and societal advancement. Student and staff-operated complimentary services encompass a Legal Advice Clinic and a recently established marketing agency.
Nationally recognised in the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework for robust partnerships and tangible impact, the university achieved top ratings for Research Partnerships and IP and Commercialisation, with above-average performance in supporting regional development.
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The institution drives innovation through initiatives including the Forensic Innovation Centre partnership with Hampshire Constabulary, over 100 Knowledge Transfer Partnerships enhancing company performance, and the Research to Value programme—part of the Bridging the Gap project—converting research into commercial achievement and stimulating regional economic expansion.
