WAVERLEY Borough Council is the latest organisation to join the Business South Champions programme.

Established in 2007, Business South is the independent representative of businesses in the south of England, supporting the prosperity of the region by bringing together business leaders, educators, public bodies and entrepreneurs to create a dominant and power force for change and growth.

Over the last decade, the champions programme has grown to 200 members, with 85 per cent of champions making connections and doing business as a result of being a champion.

Beyond making connections between individual businesses, Business South and its champions have achieved a huge amount for the region. Together, champions have promoted the area, demonstrated the importance of their sectors, provided invaluable thought leadership, influenced policies and investment decisions, and delivered on a range of projects.

James Edwards, Waverley’s portfolio holder for economic development, said: “Waverley’s business sector is an integral part of our borough; local businesses are at the heart of the community, they create jobs for local people, drive the local economy and enrich our residents’ lives.

“We have a common goal with Business South, to support local businesses. I look forward to seeing the fruit of our new partnership and making Waverley an even better place to do business by attracting increased talent, investment and business in our beautiful borough.”

Located in Farnham, Waverley enjoys significant benefits with its close proximity to London, the major airports and the south coast with high quality housing, a highly skilled working age population and a thriving small business economy.

It is also an exceptionally green and attractive borough with over 80 per cent of the countryside designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

John Mitchell, chief executive of Business South, said: “We are delighted to welcome Waverley Borough Council as our newest Business South Champion.

“The influence of Business South is made possible due to the high calibre of our Champions and in particular in relation to local authorities, the business communities that they represent.  It is the collaboration between our business champions that has, and will continue, to achieve a real difference for our region.”