Future Workforce, Skills & Culture

In episode two of our third series of Let’s Talk South Coast, host Nella Pang explores two powerful forces shaping the region’s future: devolution and the role of universities in driving economic growth. Recorded live at the South Coast Commercial Property Show, Nella is joined first by Megan Carter, a leading voice in regional governance and devolution, and then by Professor Mark Smith, Vice Chancellor of the University of Southampton.

What you’ll hear about in this episode:

• Devolution and the role of a future Mayor Elect
• How political change could reshape priorities, funding and opportunity
• Why the South Coast must find its collective voice
• What the next generation of talent is really looking for
• The widening skills gap — and the solutions already on the table
• How workplace culture can attract (or repel) the people we need
• What the “future surveyor” might look like by 2030

Companies & Organisations Mentioned:

• University of Southampton
• Southampton Renaissance Board
• Southampton Science Park
• Morgan Sindall (Apprenticeship Levy discussion)
• Portsmouth University (Triple Helix reference)
• Local authorities across Hampshire & the Solent
• South Coast Commercial Property Show
• Various regional investors, occupiers and developers

Shoutouts:

• The businesses and public-sector leaders shaping the South Coast’s future
• The candidates standing for the new mayoral role
• The students, researchers and entrepreneurs driving innovation across the region

About Our Guests:

Megan Carter
A leading figure in regional governance, specialising in devolution, place leadership and long-term investment strategy. Megan champions the importance of local decision-making, strategic collaboration and creating a coherent identity for the Hampshire & Solent region.

Professor Mark Smith
Vice Chancellor of the University of Southampton and member of the Southampton Renaissance Board. Mark is driving the university’s Triple Helix Strategy, supporting graduate skills, entrepreneurship, research commercialisation and the development of world-class innovation ecosystems.

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