About the SME Southern Enterprise Awards Phone: +44 (0) 203 970 0010 Website: www.sme-news.co.uk Sofi Parry Senior Editor No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. Welcome to the Southern Enterprise Awards 2024, the prestigious accolade programme presented by SME News, celebrating the vibrancy, innovation, and growth of the business community in Southern England. Returning for its seventh instalment, this annual awards programme recognises the remarkable contributions of firms that have excelled in their respective sectors, driving economic growth, and setting benchmarks in this dynamic region. Targeting a broad spectrum of enterprises, from flourishing start-ups to wellestablished family businesses, the Southern Enterprise Awards 2024 aims to showcase the diversity and enterprising spirit of Southern England. The programme is tailored to shine a spotlight on businesses of all sizes that are innovating, evolving, and contributing to the thriving commercial landscape of the South. In 2024, Southern England’s business sector is a landscape of resilience and progress. The South Coast defies national mortgage rate challenges, enticing property investment, while the South East boasts a surge in high-growth mergers and acquisitions, coupled with a robust office market. EY predicts cities like Reading to eclipse national economic growth, with employment rates peaking in the South East, driven by key sectors such as professional services and tech. Despite a decline in tech investments, the region’s tech ecosystem maintains its stability, with the South East remaining a powerhouse, especially in emerging sub-sectors like CreaTech and Med-Tech. However, the region faced a rise in business administrations in 2023, especially in retail and construction. With the highest employment rate in the UK, the South East’s economy is dynamic yet faces contrasts, as business confidence wavers amid broader challenges. Nonetheless, the tech industry and a positive revenue trend among firms signal a continuing economic vitality. Projections suggest that while economic momentum will resume UK-wide, the South East is set to outpace other regions, highlighting a persistent economic divide. In sum, Southern England heads into 2024 on a wave of cautious optimism, navigating through uncertainty with an eye towards sustained growth and sectoral strength.
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