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Solent Champions discover business benefits of hosting world’s longest sailing race
Business leaders discovered the economic benefits of being involved with the world’s longest and toughest sailing race at a breakfast briefing organised by Business Solent.
While the Clipper Race was undoubtedly a major tourist spectacle bringing thousands to Ocean Village in Southampton to see the crews leave on their maritime expedition, the event also offered the chance for Solent Champions to further develop global trade links.
Director for business development at Clipper Ventures, Jonathan Levy, said it was a great opportunity for Solent-based businesses to engage with markets worldwide.
“It is a 40,000 mile sailing event and it can also be seen as a 40,000 mile trade mission.
“We have a number of destinations around the world – from Rio in Brazil, Cape Town in South Africa, Singapore, Qingdao in China, San Francisco and New York.
“There are opportunities for businesses to link in with the race destinations and raise the profile of the Solent region around the world,“ he said.
Levy explained local companies had the opportunity to meet with clients in such places as Rio or Singapore and invite them to race events and even take them sailing.
“This is a great opportunity for businesses and we have had many examples over the years of global trade happening as a result of the Clipper Race.
“A business woman joined us in Singapore which has resulted in her working with local producers with a $4 million development looking at getting sea cucumber to a wider market,“ he said.
Rosalind Marsh of UKTI explained how her organisation can work with Solent businesses to develop their export market.
“We can give advice, organise events and link you with our 200 commercial teams around the world,“ she said.
Acknowledging the immediate economic benefits of being the host city for the start of the 11-12 Race, Sally Lynskey, CEO of Business Solent, said she was proud to see Southampton hosting such a prestigious event.
“I look forward to the race coming back to Southampton as its destination and race village of choice,“ she said.
Matt Peachey from Derry~Londonderry City Council spoke of their preparations ahead of hosting part of the homecoming leg of the 11-12 Clipper Race in 2012 as well as their build up to being UK City of Culture in 2013.
At 40,000 miles the event is the world’s longest sailing race and will take the 10 identical 68-foot ocean racing yachts almost a year to complete their circumnavigation of the globe.
Champions were also given the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere surrounding the welcoming of the Clipper fleet at Ocean Village including a talk by founder and chairman of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and the Singapore crew skipper Ben Bowley.
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – SEPTEMBER 2011
Solent Champions at Ocean Village, Southampton, ahead of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 11-12
Champion programme
Solent Champions are the driving force behind Business Solent. The programme enables the business community to contribute to raising the profile of the region, advocate support for and influence decisions on public policy and to drive forward positive change.
Champions represent all sectors where business leaders unite, providing a powerful forum for debate, generating ideas and project initiatives for the benefit of the Solent region. Over 180 leading employers enable the work of Business Solent for the greater good of the region.
Could you be a Champion? Find out how you can help to make the Solent region a world-class location in which to work, invest, study, live and enjoy.
Details: Leigh-Sara Timberlake Champion manager
leigh@businesssolent.com 0844-225-3130
www.businesssolent.com
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