Business and Finance Industry Advisory Board

Date: Thursday, 12th March 2026

Time: 12.00 - 14.00

Location: Eastleigh College, Chestnut Avenue, Eastleigh, SO50 5FS

South Hampshire College Group (SHCG) is thrilled to announce the first in a series of Industry Advisory Boards (IAB), focused on advancing education and industry collaboration in the Business and Finance Sector. Join us for this important event that connects industry leaders, academic experts, and stakeholders to enhance our regional educational offerings and address the evolving needs of this vital industry.

The business, finance and professional services sector is one of the Solent’s core growth engines, underpinning productivity, high‑value jobs and the wider success of priority sectors like maritime, logistics, construction and digital. It is also a major channel for future‑facing skills (data, digital, ESG, compliance, leadership) that the Government and Solent Local Skills Improvement Plan highlight as critical to the region’s competitiveness. As a £31bn economy, with almost half of residents working in higher‑level and managerial occupations, including many business, financial and professional roles, business and finance skills in the Solent are not niche; they are the backbone of how it creates value.

Understanding business and finance needs, sector skills shortages and future trends across the breadth of the sector in our region is key for SHCG. Our Business and Finance Industry Advisory Board offers a unique opportunity to engage with likeminded professionals and directly influence our curriculum provisions, ensuring your future talent pipeline is work-ready and equipped with the skills necessary to drive forward the region's business sector.

As a key Business and Finance provider, we value your input and would be delighted if you could join us.

The Industry Advisory Board (IAB) aims to strengthen the connection between South Hampshire College Group and our industry partners. The IAB will play a crucial role in ensuring that our curriculum remains relevant and responsive to the latest industry trends, digital advancements, and skill requirements.

• Presentation from academic leaders and business partnerships
• Networking opportunities with professionals from leading companies
• Breakout sessions to discuss sector specific trends and challenges

• Curriculum development: Advise on the creation and enhancement of educational programmes that align with industry standards and best practices.
• Industry insights: Provide valuable insights into emerging trends, digital advancements, and skill requirements to ensure our curriculum remains current and relevant.
• Collaboration opportunities: Facilitate partnerships for student placements, industry projects, and other collaborative initiatives.
• Stakeholder engagement: Strengthen relationships with employers, governing bodies and local knowledge transfer networks, and community organisations.
• Open Doors: Join likeminded decision makers from the industry, make new connections and be part of an action focused forum.

For more information, please email Ellie.Sissons@shcg.ac.uk.

Info: Your chance to network with those in the room over drinks and nibbles.

Info: Introduction to the Industry Advisory Board and its rationale.

Info: Hear from Business and Finance Curriculum Leaders and from the apprenticeship & adult learning team on the latest updates and what's in the pipeline for ongoing curriculum development

Info: Interactive discussion on the latest trends, new developments and challenges your business is facing in the current business climate

Info: Have a look at the fantastic, industry standard teaching facilities, including those available for external hire.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Eastleigh College, Chestnut Avenue, Eastleigh, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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