HAMPSHIRE leaders have pledged to come together to promote the county.

Councillors, academics, experts and businesses are set to join forces to  attract investment, support the county's economy and promote the region.

It comes as in 2018 Hampshire County Council set up the Hampshire 2050 commission to explore how best to “ensure Hampshire’s future prosperity”.

In a virtual meeting held yesterday, county leaders unveiled plans to launch an ambassador programme which will give residents and stakeholders the opportunity to promote Hampshire.

Details of the scheme are yet to be revealed.

But speaking at the virtual event Professor Mark E. Smith, vice-chancellor at the University of Southampton and Interim Chair of Hampshire Place Leadership Group, said the programme will be developed in the early part of 2021. 

He said: "We need to develop that really confident narrative that makes people in a way envious of what we have. "

Sally Thompson, CEO of Launch International, added: "We will create much greater impact together in attracting investment, new businesses, more jobs whilst influencing public policy and funding decisions in a joined up way for the benefit of all. We cannot be complacent about the future so we must act as a one team to promote our place and increase the profile and recognition of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight across the world."