Tonight saw the Institute of Directors networking event at Basingstoke Museum, Milestones, with over 100 local business people attending to network and to listen to a selection of speakers discussing Basingstoke past, present and future.

Introduced by Mike Loftus, Chairman of Destination Basingstoke, the audience first heard from Roger Broad, from the Institute of Directors. Originally a local lad, now living in Guildford, his fond memories of the borough from his youth were compounded by the current successes of local businesses and the risks involved in success, which we continue to take.

He was followed by Mrs Mary Fagan, The Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, who spoke highly of Basingstoke & Deane, and of the county of Hampshire as a whole. As well as past glories, Mrs Fagan also listed the current positive news from around the county and why Hampshire continues to be a successful place to live and do business.

The next talk was by Tony Curtis, Chief Executive of Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council, who discussed why Basingstoke is in such a strong position as a borough. From a business perspective, it was positive to hear someone in his position talking about the financial strength of the Borough and why it is “run like a business”, and he certainly had some interesting facts and figures to back up his claims.

Finally, Councillor Andrew Finney, the newly elected Leader of Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council, discussed his vision for the town, with ambitious plans to build on the existing strong foundations. This included working more and more in partnership with public bodies and local business and plans to develop a strong identity for Basingstoke on which to build, both locally and on a world stage.

Also at the event, on the streets within the Museum, were local businesses selling local produce and products and many delegates were on hand to network, and to sample a taste of Hampshire commerce at a local scale.

Visit the website for more information about Destination Basingstoke or the Institute of Directors.