THE south's top construction bosses will come together to discuss the future of house building.

Grant Thornton is hosting a property and construction business leaders' forum in the new Hilton Hotel at the Ageas Bowl.

The event aims to provide an opportunity for businessmen and women to discuss the key issues facing the sector and will feature a talk from Ageas Bowl operations director James Cole who will speak about the challenges his team faced while building the new hotel.

Business representatives will also discuss how they can unlock potential for growth in the region and close the skill gap by finding. developing and retaining talent.

Norman Armstrong, partner at Grant Thornton Southampton, said: “The property and construction sector plays a vital role in our economy, both nationally and locally.

"The £3bn investment into Southampton is well underway, evident in the progress you see daily with the construction of the Cultural Quarter and most recently the start of the WestQuay Watermark development.

"The financial investment is there to bring over 24,000 new jobs into the area but the challenge is finding the people with the right skills to fill them, and keeping them.

“This is an opportunity for business leaders in the sector to network, enjoy a lively discussion and share ideas.”

For more information about the event contact Christine Young at grant Thornton Southampton on 023 8038 1234 or southampton.events@uk.gt.com.