WINCHESTER City Council is the latest local authority to join the Business South Champions programme.

In the last decade the programme, which has grown to 200 members, promotes the region, demonstrates the importance of their sectors, provides leadership, lobbies and influences policies and investment decisions and delivers on a range of projects.

Cllr Rob Humby, portfolio holder for business partnerships, is pleased to be part of Business South, stating: “Winchester City Council is working with businesses to make sure our local economy continues to thrive and grow.

“Being a Business South Champion enables us to forge better links with major organisations within the district, and share best practice across the region. It opens up opportunities to showcase all that Winchester has to offer as a hub for local and regional business activity.”

Leigh-Sara Timberlake, Champion Director at Business South said: “We are delighted to welcome Winchester City Council as our newest Business South Champion.

“The influence of Business South is made possible due to the high calibre of our Champions, including local government organisations who work to help grow our local economy.”

Ms Timberlake added: “It is the collaboration between them that has, and will continue to achieve a real difference for our region.”

Business South was established in 2007 as the independent representative of businesses in the South of England.

The stated purpose of the Southampton-based organisation is to unite businesses, gain strength from this collaboration, and make a difference to both individual organisations and to the wider economy.