Entrepreneurs and sports leaders discuss ‘the British dream’ in Hayling Island

Panelists at the Next Generation Network event, held at the Langstone Hotel on Hayling Island, included Portsmouth-born world and Commonwealth swimming champion Katy Sexton MBE, entrepreneur Emily Warne, co-founder of Havant-based award-winning salon HairRomance, and Mark Catlin, chief executive of Portsmouth FC.

The discussion, moderated by editor of The News Mark Waldron, gave the panelists a chance to tell their success stories, provide attendees with tips on career progression, and give their thoughts on whether it has become more difficult to achieve 
personal goals and build a successful career in the pursuit of the British dream.

‘Having your own business, it’s nice to network with others because when you set up a business you learn lots of things as you go and these kind of networking things are really good because there’s people who 
have advice and I think that’s important,’ said Ms Sexton, who now runs a swimming academy in Drayton.

‘In this day and age I think it’s an important message to inspire younger people and say you can do these things.

‘If you’ve got a dream believe you can do it because if you believe it then eventually you will find a way to get there.’

Alan Mak, Conservative candidate for Havant, organised the free event through the Next Generation Network group.

The panel also featured Gary Medlow, managing director of Havant-based property and facilities management company Fasset.

Chief executive of Portsmouth FC Mark Catlin reflected on the evening after finishing the debate.

‘I thought it went really well, everyone was really caring and caring about the future,’ he said.

‘The attention turned more to how we can help youngsters and I think that’s great.’