BUSINESS people from across Hampshire left the office behind to meet each other face to face as the Daily Echo’s South Coast Business Works event returned for its third year. Hundreds of top Hampshire business people converged on the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel for a day-long programme of cutting edge seminars, masterclasses and advice from more than 30 exhibitors.

The free Daily Echo event also aimed to give the region’s business brains the chance to network and meet their counterparts and swap experiences and tips to make sure they are one step ahead amid a tough economic climate. Simon Rhodes, managing director of the event’s principal sponsor, Trethowans Solicitors, said: “I think it is hugely important that we have events like this to get everyone together to make sure that opportunities that are out there are known about, so people can work together.

“Today we have a mix of seminars and stands with people providing information, guidance and great presentations, involving all sorts of tips to make sure we are better able to keep up with the challenges we have at the moment.”

More than 30 businesses of all sizes from across a wide spectrum of industry and commerce, grasped the opportunity to promote their firms and organisations to the wide and influential audience from the pre-registered delegates and many more visitors turning up throughout the day.

The accompanying programme of seminars were also well attended.

Guest speakers included disabled yachtsman Geoff Holt. The 46-year-old from Shedfield, who was paralysed during a swimming accident, told his inspirational story about how he triumphed over the many challenges he has faced. Claire Mattinson, from the NHS Wellbeing@Work, highlighted the hard evidence showing the business benefits of having a healthy, fit and committed workforce in terms of lower absence rates, fewer accidents, improved productivity and commitment from staff. The importance of a happy workforce was also championed by Rich Watts, of Leepeckgroup, who was the winner of the UK Business Speaker of the Year, who expanded on his theory of the Morale Margin.

Trethowans Solicitors also presented a session on how to achieve results, recruitment success and forging a reputation.