Let's Talk South Coast Podcast

Nella Pang

Welcome to Let's Talk South Coast Podcast! We're on a mission to help investors, landlords, occupiers, operators and service providers on the South Coast of England - across Hampshire and Dorset to see the opportunity that exists when we work collaboratively and highlight just why the South Coast is the place to invest. This podcast is about discussing all things property and Real Estate. We'll be covering topics like what makes the South Coast the best place to live and work, finding out what great things are being created on our doorstep and discussing the key ingredients of success on the South Coast. Join our host Nella Pang, a chartered surveyor with 20 year experience in Real Estate, as she dives into what the pandemic has taught us about how to do business. Nella supports businesses to navigate the complexities of Commercial Real Estate and ensures that their business objectives are aligned with their property decisions. New episodes of Let's Talk South Coast will air every Wednesday. Do subscribe for updates to this podcast, and don't forget to leave us a 5* rating and a review on iTunes. Get in touch with Nella by email: nella@omega-re.co.uk

  1. Feb 11

    The Greenways Business Park Limited Edition Series - Innovation in Place: Life Sciences, Cyber Security & Flexible Growth Spaces

    In this special edition of the Let’s Talk South Coast podcast, recorded live at Greenways Business Park in Chippenham, host Nella Pang explores how place, people and infrastructure come together to support high-growth businesses across life sciences, cyber, defence and emerging technologies. This episode brings together voices from health innovation, cyber resilience and workspace development to unpack what ambitious SMEs really need to scale sustainably. What you’ll hear about in this episode: Supporting health and care innovators to commercialise ideas, access funding, and navigate NHS procurement with confidence.Why cyber resilience is becoming a core business function, and how collaboration and shared learning strengthen regional security.The growing demand for flexible, mixed-use spaces including wet labs, dry labs and adaptable offices that evolve with business growth.How connectivity, green environments and community-led campuses help attract and retain talent outside major city centres.Companies & Organisations Mentioned: Health Innovation West of England Business Cyber Centre (BCC) Swindon and Wiltshire Business and Growth Hub NHS England Office for Life SciencesShoutouts: Health and care innovators tackling complex challenges and improving patient outcomes. Cyber professionals building trusted networks to strengthen SME digital resilience. Universities and spin-outs driving regional innovation across life sciences and tech. Landlords and operators creating people-first environments where businesses can truly thrive.About Our Contributors: Alex Leach Representative from Health Innovation West of England, supporting innovators to refine value propositions, access funding, and successfully scale solutions within the NHS. Christina Avison General Manager at the Business Cyber Centre (BCC), championing proactive cyber security, collaboration and accessible support for businesses across the M4 corridor and beyond. Follow Us On Twitter: @omega_renews  Instagram: @omegare.re  Facebook: @omegare6 Let’s Talk Purpose Interested in being a guest or sponsoring an upcoming season? We’d love to hear from you: hello@omega-re.co.uk

    The Greenways Business Park Limited Edition Series - Innovation in Place: Life Sciences, Cyber Security & Flexible Growth Spaces
  2. Jan 28

    The Greenways Business Park Limited Edition Series - Scaling for Success: Skills, Cyber Resilience, and Innovative Workspaces

    In this special feature of the Let’s Talk South Coast podcast, recorded live at Greenways Business Park in Chippenham, host Nella Pang is joined by a panel of experts to explore the practical opportunities and challenges for SMEs in 2025 and 2026. This episode moves beyond high-level headlines to discuss how businesses can foster resilience through talent development, technological adoption, and smart real-estate strategies. What you’ll hear about in this episode: Focusing on internal development through leadership training, AI adoption, and leveraging fully funded apprenticeships for young people.Moving from reactive to proactive security through the Business Cyber Centre and sharing challenges via the Swindon and Wiltshire Cyber Cluster.Technical strategies for converting traditional offices into "wet" or "dry" labs, focusing on ventilation standards and cost-effective design.Navigating the post-budget financial climate and interest rates while utilising the strategic transport links of the M4 corridor. Companies & Organisations Mentioned: McFeggan Brown / KastnerBusiness Cyber Centre (BCC)Swindon and Wiltshire Business and Growth HubInnovate UKNational Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)Health and Innovation West of EnglandShoutouts: Skills and growth units providing essential signposting and diagnostic support to help SMEs navigate the complex business landscape.Cyber professionals and clusters collaborating to share challenges and build stronger local digital resilience.Scientific innovators focusing on life-changing research while trusting expert partners to build the specialised infrastructure they need.Forward-thinking landlords who support business growth by offering flexible fit-out solutions and rentalised investment options. About Our Panelists: Mark Berrisford-Smith A semi-retired independent economist and former Head of Economics at HSBC who provides "nuts and bolts" analysis of finance, debt management, and the UK's economic landscape. Chris Stevens The Head of Business Support at the Swindon and Wiltshire Business and Growth Unit who delivers economic development strategies and programs across the local authority areas. Geoff Biggs A laboratory specialist at McFeggan Brown and Kastner who provides expert advice on converting commercial assets into technical and scientific workspaces. Christina Avison The General Manager at the Business Cyber Centre (BCC) who advocates for proactive digital resilience and provides accessible security toolkits for growing businesses Follow Us On Twitter: @omega_renewsInstagram: @omegare.reFacebook: @omegare6Let’s Talk Purpose Interested in being a guest or sponsoring an upcoming season? We’d love to hear from you: hello@omega-re.co.uk

    The Greenways Business Park Limited Edition Series - Scaling for Success: Skills, Cyber Resilience, and Innovative Workspaces
  3. Jan 21

    The Greenways Business Park Limited Edition Series - The Autumn Budget Unpacked: Growth, Debt & Reality

    In this limited edition series in partnership with Greenways Business Park, this episode of Let’s Talk Greenways Business Park, host Nella Pang is joined by Mark Berrisford-Smith, former Head of Economics at HSBC, to cut through the headlines and unpack what the Autumn Budget really tells us about the UK economy. Together, they explore the realities behind debt, growth, taxation and confidence — and what it all means for businesses trying to plan, invest and grow in an uncertain climate. What you’ll hear about in this episode: What the Autumn Budget reveals about the true state of the UK economyWhy high public debt and low productivity continue to hold back growthThe impact of tax burden, inflation and interest rates on consumer confidenceWhy recovery feels slow — and what’s preventing spending from bouncing backHow global pressures, geopolitics and trade tensions affect UK outlooksThe role of business investment in driving long-term economic recoveryWhy planning, skills, energy costs and infrastructure remain key constraintsWhat businesses should realistically prepare for over the next few yearsCompanies & Organisations Mentioned: HSBCUK Government / HM TreasuryBank of EnglandUK business and financial institutionsInternational trade and global marketsShoutouts: Business leaders navigating uncertainty with pragmatism and resilienceEconomists and analysts helping translate policy into real-world impactSMEs and organisations continuing to invest despite economic headwindsAbout Our Guest: Mark Bairus-Hissner Former Head of Economics at HSBC, Mark brings decades of experience analysing global and UK economic trends. In this episode, he offers a grounded, honest assessment of the Autumn Budget and the structural challenges shaping the UK’s economic future. Follow Us On Twitter: @omega_renews Instagram: @omegare.re Facebook: @omegare6 Let’s Talk Purpose Interested in being a guest or sponsoring an upcoming season? We’d love to hear from you: hello@omega-re.co.uk

    The Greenways Business Park Limited Edition Series - The Autumn Budget Unpacked: Growth, Debt & Reality
  4. Jan 14

    Leadership, Place & Economic Growth Across the Region

    In this episode of Let’s Talk South Coast, we explore how space innovation, workforce development and placemaking are shaping the South Coast’s economic future. Nella is joined by Louise Butt from Space South Central; Professor David Hutchinson from the University of Portsmouth; and Marelize de Beurs, from Basingstoke and Dean Borough Council, to unpack what makes the region a compelling place to invest, work and build long-term growth. What you’ll hear about in this episode: Why the South Coast is one of the UK’s most established and fast-growing space clustersThe infrastructure and real estate challenges facing micro-SMEs in high-growth sectorsThe role universities play in aligning skills, innovation and industry demandHow degree apprenticeships and professional accreditation support workforce resilienceWhat placemaking really means and why wellbeing mattersHow Basingstoke’s “invest in happiness” narrative supports inward investmentWhy the South Coast must communicate more confidently as a unified economic regionCompanies & Organisations Mentioned: Space South Central Enterprise NetworkUniversity of PortsmouthBasingstoke and Dean Borough CouncilEli LillySonySouth Coast space, marine and maritime sectorsLocal government and education partners across the SolentShoutouts: Micro-SMEs driving innovation across the South CoastUniversities supporting skills, research and entrepreneurshipLocal authorities embedding wellbeing and quality of life into economic strategyBusinesses collaborating across traditionally siloed sectorsAbout Our Guests: Louise Butt Director at Space South Central, supporting one of the UK’s most established space clusters. Louise works closely with industry, developers and local partners to ensure the region can support rapid growth across the space value chain. Professor David Hutchinson Professor at the University of Portsmouth, focused on skills, innovation and workforce development. David champions the “triple helix” model of collaboration between universities, industry and government to tackle shared economic and climate challenges. Marelize de Beurs Economy and Place Marketing Manager at Basingstoke and Dean Borough Council, leading an inward investment narrative centred on wellbeing, productivity and work-life balance. Marelize brings a people-first perspective to economic growth and place-based strategy. Follow Us On Twitter: @omega_renews Instagram: @omegare.re Facebook: @omegare6 Let’s Talk Purpose Interested in being a guest or sponsoring an upcoming season? We’d love to hear from you: hello@omega-re.co.uk

  5. 12/31/2025

    Growth, Infrastructure, Innovation & Investment

    In episode five of our third series of Let’s Talk South Coast, host Nella Pang brings together senior leaders from across infrastructure, innovation, ports, space and higher education to explore how the region can unlock its full growth potential. Recorded live at the South Coast Commercial Property Show, this panel discussion focuses on the practical realities of infrastructure readiness, skills, energy and collaboration and what developers, investors and policymakers need to do next to deliver at scale. What you’ll hear about in this episode: Why the South Coast is at a tipping point for growth across advanced industriesThe infrastructure challenges holding back development, from grid capacity to energy costsHow Freeports can provide long-term investor confidence and unlock strategic sitesHow space, maritime, digital and science clusters drive innovation when co-locatedThe role of universities in future-proofing skills, talent pipelines and infrastructureWhy apprenticeship levies, modular training and collaboration are critical to closing the skills gapCompanies & Organisations Mentioned: Solent FreeportPortsmouth International PortSpace South Central Enterprise NetworkSouthampton Science ParkUniversity of PortsmouthPartnership for South HampshireNational Energy Systems OperatorSouth Coast Commercial Property ShowLocal authorities across Hampshire & the SolentShoutouts: The investors, developers and occupiers shaping the South Coast’s futureThe education providers aligning skills with real industry demandThe organisations collaborating to unlock infrastructure, innovation and growthAbout Our Guests: Brian Johnson Chair of Solent Freeport, leading major investment programmes and positioning the South Coast’s maritime economy for long-term global competitiveness. Mike Sellers Port Director at Portsmouth International Port, championing clean maritime innovation and the UK’s first multi-user, multi-berth shore power project. Louise Butt Director of Space South Central Enterprise Network, connecting one of the UK’s densest high-tech clusters across space, defence and digital sectors. Robin Chave CEO of Southampton Science Park, supporting start-ups and scale-ups through flexible workspace, collaboration and innovation-led development. Professor David Hutchinson Senior leader at the University of Portsmouth, aligning education, research and skills development with the future needs of industry. Follow Us On Twitter: @omega_renews Instagram: @omegare.re Facebook: @omegare6 Let’s Talk Purpose Interested in being a guest or sponsoring an upcoming season? We’d love to hear from you: hello@omega-re.co.uk

  6. 12/17/2025

    Regeneration, Development & Commercial Delivery

    In episode three of our third series of Let’s Talk South Coast, host Nella Pang explores how environmental mitigation, strategic investment and smart development practices are shaping the future of the South Coast. She’s joined by Rachel Jones from the Solent Mitigation Partnership, investor Dave Foster,  and Lee Merrifield from MSP Capital; for a wide-ranging conversation about unlocking sites, overcoming constraints, and delivering sustainable growth across the region. What you’ll hear about in this episode: What’s actually happening on the ground in commercial developmentFunding pressures, investor sentiment and changing lending appetitesThe shift towards sustainable, place-led regenerationAnd why great delivery still comes down to strong relationshipsCompanies & Organisations Mentioned: Solent Mitigation Partnership / Partnership for South HampshireCraigardMSP CapitalHampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife TrustEnvironment AgencyLocal authorities across the SolentSouth Coast Commercial Property ShowVarious South Coast developers and planning authoritiesShoutouts: The collaboration between councils, regulators and environmental partners supporting sustainable growthLandowners enabling nutrient mitigation and habitat restoration projectsInvestors and developers working to unlock supply across the regionAbout Our Guests: Rachel Jones Solent Mitigation Partnership Manager at the Partnership for South Hampshire, leading strategic environmental mitigation projects that enable development while protecting the Solent’s internationally important habitats. Dave Foster Managing Director at Craigard, a specialist investment and asset management company transforming underperforming assets into resilient, income-generating properties across the region. Lee Merrifield Commercial Director at MSP Capital, offering expert insight into development finance, viability pressures and the funding challenges shaping which projects can progress. Follow Us On Twitter: @omega_renews Instagram: @omegare.re Facebook: @omegare6 Let’s Talk Purpose Interested in being a guest or sponsoring an upcoming season? We’d love to hear from you: hello@omega-re.co.uk

  7. 12/10/2025

    Future Workforce, Skills & Culture

    In episode two of our third series of Let’s Talk South Coast, host Nella Pang explores two powerful forces shaping the region’s future: devolution and the role of universities in driving economic growth. Recorded live at the South Coast Commercial Property Show, Nella is joined first by Megan Carter, a leading voice in regional governance and devolution, and then by Professor Mark Smith, Vice Chancellor of the University of Southampton.  What you’ll hear about in this episode: Devolution and the role of a future Mayor ElectHow political change could reshape priorities, funding and opportunityWhy the South Coast must find its collective voiceWhat the next generation of talent is really looking forThe widening skills gap — and the solutions already on the tableHow workplace culture can attract (or repel) the people we needWhat the “future surveyor” might look like by 2030Companies & Organisations Mentioned: University of SouthamptonSouthampton Renaissance BoardSouthampton Science ParkMorgan Sindall (Apprenticeship Levy discussion)Portsmouth University (Triple Helix reference)Local authorities across Hampshire & the SolentSouth Coast Commercial Property ShowVarious regional investors, occupiers and developersShoutouts: The businesses and public-sector leaders shaping the South Coast’s futureThe candidates standing for the new mayoral roleThe students, researchers and entrepreneurs driving innovation across the regionAbout Our Guests: Megan Carter A leading figure in regional governance, specialising in devolution, place leadership and long-term investment strategy. Megan champions the importance of local decision-making, strategic collaboration and creating a coherent identity for the Hampshire & Solent region. Professor Mark Smith Vice Chancellor of the University of Southampton and member of the Southampton Renaissance Board. Mark is driving the university’s Triple Helix Strategy, supporting graduate skills, entrepreneurship, research commercialisation and the development of world-class innovation ecosystems. Follow Us On Twitter: @omega_renews Instagram: @omegare.re Facebook: @omegare6 Let’s Talk Purpose Interested in being a guest or sponsoring an upcoming season? We’d love to hear from you: hello@omega-re.co.uk

  8. 12/03/2025

    Regional Collaboration & The Future of the South Coast

    In episode one of our third series of Let’s Talk South Coast, host Nella Pang takes us inside this year’s record-breaking South Coast Commercial Property Show, a day of big ideas, bold collaboration and sector-shaping conversations with Lucy Richmond, the founder of the South Coast CPS Show; Mike Sellers, Port Director at Portsmouth International Port; and Ben Jones from Pagabo, headline sponsors of this year's event. What you’ll hear about in this episode: How the South Coast Commercial Property Show has grown into the region’s largest property conferenceWhy cross-sector collaboration is accelerating opportunities across the South CoastThe role of purpose-driven events in creating a united regional identityHow ambitious decarbonisation projects like shore power are reshaping UK maritime infrastructureThe challenges of grid capacity, energy demand and electrifying complex operationsWhy outcome-led procurement is key to delivering faster, smarter and more sustainable projectsThe opportunities emerging across infrastructure, space, universities and marine industriesHow social value is being embedded into projects to deliver genuine, lasting community impactCompanies & Organisations Mentioned: Portsmouth International PortBrittany FerriesDepartment for TransportInnovate UKSouthampton Football Club / St Mary’s StadiumUniversity of SouthamptonPagaboMorgan SindallBritish Ports AssociationPortsmouth City CouncilShoutouts: The 122 speakers across this year’s showThe sponsors and exhibitors who brought the energyThe South Coast business, public sector and education communities for showing up, loudly and collaborativelyAbout Our Guests: Lucy Founder and organiser of the South Coast Commercial Property Show, championing collaboration, regional pride and accessible, purpose-driven events. Mike Sellers Port Director at Portsmouth International Port and member of the British Ports Association Council, leading the UK's most innovative port-led decarbonisation projects. Ben Jones Regional Manager at Pagabo, specialists in modern, flexible and socially responsible procurement frameworks across the UK. Follow Us On Twitter: @omega_renews Instagram: @omegare.re Facebook: @omegare6 Let’s Talk Purpose Interested in being a guest or sponsoring an upcoming season? We’d love to hear from you: hello@omega-re.co.uk

    Regional Collaboration & The Future of the South Coast

About

Welcome to Let's Talk South Coast Podcast! We're on a mission to help investors, landlords, occupiers, operators and service providers on the South Coast of England - across Hampshire and Dorset to see the opportunity that exists when we work collaboratively and highlight just why the South Coast is the place to invest. This podcast is about discussing all things property and Real Estate. We'll be covering topics like what makes the South Coast the best place to live and work, finding out what great things are being created on our doorstep and discussing the key ingredients of success on the South Coast. Join our host Nella Pang, a chartered surveyor with 20 year experience in Real Estate, as she dives into what the pandemic has taught us about how to do business. Nella supports businesses to navigate the complexities of Commercial Real Estate and ensures that their business objectives are aligned with their property decisions. New episodes of Let's Talk South Coast will air every Wednesday. Do subscribe for updates to this podcast, and don't forget to leave us a 5* rating and a review on iTunes. Get in touch with Nella by email: nella@omega-re.co.uk