The role of Southampton as a port was one of the key topics discussed at Business Works with more than 70 of the south’s business leaders hearing first hand from Import Services’ managing director John Enyon about the importance of this thriving business.
John was on the Question Time Business Panel alongside port director of ABP Nick Ridehalgh, Stewart Dunn, CEO of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Simon Rhodes, managing partner of Trethowans Solictors and Trevor Thorne, director of communications at Southampton Solent University.
The questions from the audience at the Novotel were wide ranging and covered the role of the port; infrastructure, skills and education – and even whether the panel thought wearing a tie (for the men!) was a good idea.
John said when he mentioned Southampton to prospective clients, they saw the port as European rather than simply UK based.
He was in full support of the new port director – and he said the expansion of the port was essential to the growth of not only Southampton but the wider region.
John was also supportive of encouraging young talent. After recently taking on two apprentices he said he was impressed by their work ethic.