Echo launching top south coast event

Called South Coast Business Works, the Business Southampton and Coast Radio backed show will feature advice and recession beating hints and tips from some of the region’s brightest minds.

Hundreds of top city business people will converge on the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel on September 28 for a day-long programme of cutting edge seminars, masterclasses and advice from more than 30 exhibitors.

Top economists from one of the country’s biggest banks will be on hand to shine a light on the unfolding financial future.

Legal experts explain how to get the most out of your intellectual property; using digital marketers will demonstrate how to make the internet work for you. An entrepreneurs workshop will sit alongside sessions on corporate social responsibility and tapping into trade with India.

Other highlights include internet visionary dame Wendy Hall giving a unique opportunity to learn what the next generation of online business will have to cope with.

Experts on everything from business travel to public relations will also be staging sessions for anyone looking to get an edge.

Bob Hoad of The Coast radio station said: “We are very excited. At this time it’s really important that we bring the business community together to share knowledge, share ideas which lead to us sharing business. This exhibition supported by two leading media companies means that we should attract the businesses that really want to move forward as we head out of recession.

“We are looking forward to seeing those people who are like-minded in our thoughts but actually if we work harder the results will come.”

Daily Echo promotions manager Kerry Darwin said: “Our aim is for this to be nothing less than the biggest business event in the city this year. It will be a great opportunity to not only celebrate the best of business that Southampton has to offer but to take advantage of the latest thinking in a huge range of areas.

“We have brought together a team of big hitters, experts in their fields who can guide city firms through these challenging times.”

A HAMPSHIRE councillor has hit out at a vendetta that he says bullied a tattooist from opening in a well-to-do suburb.

Ian Tait has slammed the “vindictive and outdated” comments of Winchester residents, which he claims forced Rob Barfoot from establishing a store in Stockbridge Road.

Mr Barfoot, 52, of Southampton, had asked planners if he could open a tattooing, body piercing and jewellery parlour in the former premises of Threshers.

But Cllr Tait said residents’ “orchestrated campaign” had a significant impact on Mr Barfoot’s decision to pull the application at the last minute.

This was despite Winchester planners recommending it should be approved.

“I think it was an orchestrated campaign to bully Rob out of taking the premises,” said Cllr Tait, who represents the St Michael ward. “He’s got an excellent reputation and he’s a thoroughly good guy.”

More than 40 householders wrote to Winchester City Council objecting to Mr Barfoot’s change of use bid, with many claiming there was already a tattooist nearby.

Among them was Dr James Read, of Fairfield Road, who told planners: “As a GP and parent – aware of the infectious and mental health effects of tattooing and piercing – I urge you to refuse the application.”

Katherine Schnuppe, of Stockbridge Road, said: “The proposed business will attract predominantly young people hanging around on the terraced area and street corner outside this premises while having piercings and tattoos and probably smoking and using language which you would not want schoolchildren to hear.”

Anne Arthur, of Western Road, said: “This shop would not be of any benefit to the local people, and would lower the tone of a very desirable neighbourhood.”

Cllr Tait, responding to the objections, said: “These comments, in my mind, were more than silly, they were vindictive.

“They have got very outdated views of tattooists, they’re now a fashion accessory and the majority of the population have them.

“Tattoos are accepted as an art form and the fact we have got one in Parchment Street speaks volumes.”

Mr Barfoot, of Thornhill, Southampton, who has 25 years experience as a tattooist, has since opened a store half a mile further down Stockbridge Road, away from the suburb’s residential area.

He said: “Bullied is too strong but I think there was a vendetta behind it.

“I was despondent and I was thinking I wanted to knock on their doors and explain I was a normal guy.”

Echo launching top south coast event To get involved or to book an exhibitor spot contact the Daily Echo on 023 8042 4559