Regenerate South ACTION GROUP CHAIRS
WE CATCH UP WITH OUR ACTION GROUPS CHAIRS TO TALK STRATEGIC DIRECTION IN 2026
Energy & Utilities Action Group
The Energy & Utilities South Action Group: Driving Regional Collaboration and Growth in 2026
The Action Group brings together key stakeholders from the energy and water sectors to tackle local infrastructure issues and support regional development. For 2026, the Group’s priorities centre on three key areas: fostering collaboration, highlighting regional strengths, and advocating for change at both regional and national levels. Central to this agenda are two white papers, which will set out the region’s priorities and specific asks for the incoming mayor and government. The Energy White Paper will set out the region’s energy needs, challenges, and opportunities, with a focus on driving growth in housing, ports, and innovation hubs. It will highlight the South’s potential in renewables—including solar, wind, and tidal—and advocate for increased investment in renewables, battery storage, and faster planning approvals. The paper will showcase successful collaborative projects and recommend strategic upgrades to support growth, net zero ambitions, and the region’s future. The Water White Paper will address the regulatory and investment landscape for the region’s water sector. It will reflect on recent regulatory reviews, including the CMA appeals and the Cunliffe Report, which are shaping future governance and priorities. The paper will focus on barriers such as regulatory uncertainty and infrastructure constraints and propose solutions to improve water provision and support sustainable growth. It will also highlight innovation opportunities and the importance of proactive planning and localised collaboration to drive change. Both papers are being developed through consultation with local authorities, network operators, and industry experts. They will ensure that any regional asks around energy and water, which are blocking growth are surfaced and raised at both regional and national government levels - providing a unified voice for the South as it seeks to drive meaningful change in 2026 and beyond.
SHAUN STEVENS GENERAL MANAGER EPS UK ENERGY & UTILITIES ACTION GROUP
SAM CLOUGH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CAVENDISH ENERGY & UTILITIES ACTION GROUP
To join one of the Business South Action Groups, please email kate@businesssouth.org
SPRING / 2026
BUSINESSSOUTH.ORG
AUTUMN / 2025
BUSINESSSOUTH.ORG
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