Over a hundred local business people attended this year’s South West Economic Forum, sponsored by leading companies Milsted Langdon and Porter Dodson to hear the views of several experts on what the next two years hold for business in the South West.
The breakfast meeting held last Tuesday saw a heavyweight line-up of speakers giving their insights including former Yeovil MP Paddy Ashdown and Reg Hankey CEO of Pittards plc. plus Tej Parikh, a senior economist at the IOD, serial entrepreneur and head of the South West Business Council Robin Daniels, and Professor Jens Holscher from Bournemouth University.
The speakers welcomed questions from the audience, and of course, the thorny subject of Brexit was discussed. The overall opinion was that South West looked in good shape for whatever Brexit deal was finally agreed but that the agreement shouldn’t drag on.
Nigel Reeve of Marketing West, the organisers, commented “The breakfast was packed and feedback was that it was a phenomenal success making it a major event in the Somerset and Dorset business calendar. It was a chance to hear the views of some highly respected business leaders, and there was a really positive buzz in the air.”
