Solent LEP tunes into business support with podcast launch

The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership has downloaded the best local business advice and insight through the launch of its new podcast series.

The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership has downloaded the best local business advice and insight through the launch of its new podcast series.

Focusing each month on a different business topic, such as the environment, international trade and e-commerce, the informative podcasts feature an expert guest chatting openly to Solent LEP hosts James Ford, Business Engagement and Growth Hub Manager, and Kate Cloud, Capital and Infrastructure programme manager.

In the first podcast episode, James interviews Chris Hill, Director of RUNWAYE, a specialist digital export and cross border E-commerce service that connects UK businesses with digital international marketplaces, channels and  customers.

They talk about the effects of Brexit and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic on business. Chris says that after Brexit, “Businesses had to adapt overnight, and in many cases it caused a lot of confusion.” Find out more here. 

The second podcast, in November, will focus on the current state of international trade post-Brexit. Kate will be chatting to Frances Fawcett from International Trade Matters.

In Episode Three, to be launched in December in the wake of the UN Climate Change Conference COP 26, James will be interviewing Will Adney from Green Wessex who will be advising small and medium sized businesses on how to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly, and speaking about the advantages to be gained.

SJ Hunt, Deputy Chair of the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership and Chair of the Solent LEP's Business Task Force said: “The Solent LEP is delighted to launch this podcast series. We’re talking about the big issues affecting local small and medium sized businesses to help them get the information they need and the right tools to help businesses grow. Our podcasts are easy to download so that you can listen whenever and wherever suits you. In an ever-changing world, we want to make sure Solent businesses can access business advice and support in a way that suits them so, together, we can help our local economy thrive."

Solent LEP podcasts can be accessed from all usual podcast providers, including Apple, Spotify, Google and Amazon or here.