All set for ‘vital opportunity’ of Portsmouth & South Coast Business Week 2026
The countdown has begun to the sixth annual Portsmouth & South Coast Business Week (PSCBW), a free-to-attend celebration of the regional business community.
Organised by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and partners from industry and the public, charity and education sectors, the week aims to bring businesses together for collaboration and a focus on growth.
It features a range of in-person events at venues across Portsmouth, Havant, Gosport and Fareham, plus daily LinkedIn Live web streams, from Monday 23 to Friday 27 February 2026.
Ross McNally, Hampshire Chamber’s Chief Executive and Executive Chair, said: “If you want to find inspiration for your business from fellow entrepreneurs, explore funding or investment advice, or understand the latest thinking on technology and business practice, you need to be here.
“The week is designed around four ‘i’s: inform, invest, interact and inspire. It’s all about making the right business choices, developing thought leadership, finding creative solutions to challenges and getting the most out of networking and the chance to make connections with like-minded people.”
Ross’s comments were echoed by Portsmouth City Council Leader Steve Pitt, who is responsible for economic development in the region.
Steve described the week as “a vital opportunity for businesses to connect, share ideas and drive innovation”, adding: “By working together, we’re strengthening our region’s economy and building a resilient, skilled workforce for the future.
“We encourage everyone to get involved, collaborate and make the most of the opportunities this week brings.”
Steve will officially open PSCBW on Monday 23 February with a launch at The Queen’s Hotel in Southsea.
He will give an update on the Portsmouth100 centenary activities in the city while Gemma Nichols, CEO of Portsmouth Creates, will discuss the UK City of Culture 2029 bid.
Panel discussions, interactive workshops, behind-the-scenes business visits and networking sessions feature on the week’s programme.
Themes include the commercial benefits of investing in social value and interacting with the third sector, and an exploration of how best to grow the regional marine sector from transport and tourism aspects to innovation and environmental restoration.
Activity on Thursday 26 February will dovetail with this year’s Fareham Business Expo, taking place at Fareham Leisure Centre and providing more networking opportunities.
On the same day there is a charity networking event presented by LinkedIn Local Portsmouth in aid of Connors Toy Library Portsmouth.
The week culminates on Friday 27 February with the annual Portsmouth Business Awards.
Aaron Butson, Assistant Principal at Havant & South Downs College and Chair of Hampshire Chamber’s Portsmouth Business Strategy Group, said: “I urge businesses of all sizes and from all sectors to get involved in Portsmouth & South Coast Business Week 2026. Come along, network, join the conversation, learn and grow.”
This year’s PSCBW takes place against a mixed economic picture nationally. In its latest snapshot, the Office for National Statistics reported that the UK economy grew by a faster-than-expected 0.3% in November 2025, yet sentiment remains cautious.
The British Chambers of Commerce has this month reported survey data indicating an unsettled outlook for SMEs with concerns over tax, limited scope for investment and pressure to raise prices.
Head of Research David Bharier, who returns for the Monday launch event having been a keynote speaker at last year’s PSCBW, called for more government action to help boost business confidence and growth.“It is now critical that 2026 is a year of delivery,” David said.
Among the civic and education sectors, PSCBW partners include the University of Portsmouth, the City of Portsmouth College, Havant & South Downs College, South Hampshire College Group, Portsmouth City Council and Fareham, Havant and Gosport borough councils.
As well as The Queen’s Hotel, other business community supporters include the Solent Growth Partnership, Azets, Citrus Services, Creative Clique Design & Marketing, The News, Hampshire Flag Company, Blake Morgan LLP, SLR, Xelacoach. Everyone Active, Solent Sky Services, 1stcs.it and Landsec.
Last year’s PSCBW saw more than 1,000 people attend 22 in-person events across the week. In the past five years, the week has attracted more than 3,000 delegates, with more than 30,000 streaming content through social media.
For more information on Portsmouth & South Coast Business Week 2026, visit https://portsmouth.southcoastbusinessweek.co.uk/.