Welcome to the Central South
The UK’s Global Gateway
The UK is the world’s fifth largest economy. It offers a robust, business-friendly environment to reliably expand, trade, and invest.
This is a hub for coordination between changemakers in the region, our partners span the higher education, business, development and political communities, and can connect you with opportunities in the Central South, the flagship place for you to grow and do business in one of UK’s most ambitious regions.
The UK is the world’s fifth largest economy. It offers a robust, business-friendly environment to reliably expand, trade, and invest.
The Central South is located on the south coast of the UK, less than one hour from London. A global gateway with three large waterfront communities, two National Parks and historic England’s first capital.
It is a region that never stands still, with several major regeneration schemes in Southampton, Portsmouth and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Our ports and airports connect the UK to the world and our Universities are centers of excellence in innovation and world-class research.
Central South is a gateway to the world’s fifth largest economy and is a world class place to do business. Few regions can match the Central South as a location to live, work, and play. Without doubt, we are the place with ambition, skills and opportunities.
Showcasing the Region
Central South at MIPIM 2026
With the arrival of MIPIM 2026, regions across Europe will be converging to showcase their assets and tell their story.
The ethos of Business South is all about working collaboratively for the greater good. Our presence at MIPIM 2026 is evidence of that. We have drawn together a business-led consortium to showcase all that is great about our region.
Flagship Projects
Holes Bay, Poole Harbour
The largest brownfield regeneration site in the South West has been purchased by BCP Council following a successful £5 million Local Growth Fund investment from Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
Flagship Projects
Tipner West, Portsmouth
Portsmouth was granted £48.75 million by the government through the City Deal to explore how this area could be regenerated, creating new employment opportunities as well as new homes for people in the city.
The new proposals will have sustainability and nature at their heart and will prioritise the harbour’s natural habitats and biodiversity.
Flagship Projects
Itchen Riverside, Southampton
A key part of the Renaissance Vision is reconnecting the River Itchen to the city centre and regenerating the traditionally industrial, maritime and inner-city districts of Chapel, Northam and St Mary’s.
LATEST NEWS
Regenerate South Kicks Off 2026 Focusing on Stalled Sites across the Central South
Impact of small business ecosystem shared with ministers at House of Commons
New partnership formed to develop site of Southampton’s former Toys ‘R’ Us
Fareham unveils bold £125m vision to transform town centre
MIPIM Challengers flying the flag for the Central South
New Forest residents invited to help shape future planning decisions through Local Plan consultation
Savills: Pressures build for the development land market
BACK THE BID! Portsmouth 2029 UK City of Culture Bid
Portsmouth port’s £400m contribution to the national economy
MDL Marinas continues major investment across its UK marina network
Connecting you to our Central South Partners
Would you like to become a placemaking partner for the Central South UK?
Click here to find out more about how you can get involved