The University of Chichester welcomed business leaders from across the region for the inaugural Back to Business event on Friday 11 September, hosting what is planned to become an annual fixture in the local business calendar.
Organised by the Chichester Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by both the University and Chichester District Council, the event brought together representatives from a wide range of organisations for a day of keynote speeches, workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities.
The event, a first for both the University and the Chamber, reflected a shared commitment to strengthening partnerships, supporting the local economy and increasing engagement with businesses across the region.
The keynote address was delivered by businesswoman and television personality Alex Polizzi, best known as Channel 5’s The Hotel Inspector. Drawing on her experience in the hospitality sector, she shared insights into customer service, leadership and business resilience.
Paul Rolfe, Chair of the Chichester Chamber of Commerce, said: “I’m proud of Chichester and our strong and supportive business community that provides a crucial economic bridge across the south coast. Back to Business is about bringing people together to learn, share experiences and create new opportunities for collaboration, helping our businesses and our region to thrive.”
Professor Mark Mason, Provost of the University of Chichester, said: “This event demonstrates the power of bringing business, education and the public sector together. At the University of Chichester, we are committed to helping local organisations access talent, research and expertise that can support growth and innovation. We are delighted to host this inaugural event and look forward to building even stronger partnerships across our region.”
During her keynote speech, Alex Polizzi highlighted the importance of customer service and investing in people.
She said: “Competition is fierce, customers are canny and costs continue to rise, so success comes down to a few priorities: putting the customer first and recognising that people are the essence of a company.”
She later said: “Universities have a hugely important role in developing the next generation of talent. It is encouraging to see the University of Chichester working so closely with businesses to help create the skilled workforce our organisations depend on.”
The event demonstrated the University of Chichester’s commitment to supporting regional growth by bringing together businesses, public sector organisations and community partners to share expertise, develop new connections and explore future opportunities for collaboration.