Our Managing Director Stephen Wilde attended the Shaping Portsmouth Conference on Friday 18th January, a dynamic event that fosters collaboration and innovation across businesses, education providers, and the local community. The conference brought together professionals and leaders from various sectors committed to driving Portsmouth’s growth and development.  

Here are his thoughts on the event…

One of the day's highlights was meeting with representatives from the University of Portsmouth. Through a collaborative partnership, we engaged in an insightful discussion about Southbourne Rubber’s interest in recruiting and training graduates and Degree Apprentices (DAs). The university’s commitment to developing skilled professionals aligns with our dedication to nurturing talent and addressing skills gaps within our industry.  

We explored potential avenues for integrating graduates and DAs into our workforce, focusing on providing them with practical, hands-on experience to complement their academic learning. This partnership promises to be mutually beneficial, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the technical expertise and industry knowledge needed to succeed while strengthening our team with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.  

The conference also provided an excellent platform for networking, with several other engaging conversations sparking ideas for potential collaborations and future initiatives. The event underscored the importance of community-focused efforts in shaping the future of Portsmouth’s business landscape.  

Southbourne Rubber remains committed to investing in talent and forming partnerships that empower individuals and contribute to regional growth. Attending the Shaping Portsmouth Conference reinforced our dedication to these goals and highlighted exciting opportunities to drive innovation and sustainability in our sector.