CLYDESDALE Bank and BDO Stoy Hayward are being welcomed by the Institute of Directors as the first of four sponsors of IoD activities across Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

Both companies have signed a three-year sponsorship agreement to support the work of the branch in developing the region's business leaders and are keen to build relationships with the branch and its 2,000 members.

Branch chairman Michael Foote, the managing director of Microturbo, a Fareham-based manufacturer of aircraft engines, said it was great news,

He added: "The support we receive from our sponsors will enable the branch to improve its personal and business development services to members in the area.

"These are the wealth creators in our local economy and if we can make a difference to their effectiveness then the community at large benefits as well."

The IoD has offices at the Rose Bowl, home of Hampshire Cricket, and organises seminars and events throughout the year which enable business leaders to network, participate in the government's decision-making process and develop their business management skills.

This work will now be complemented by BDO Stoy Hayward, one of the UK's leading financial accountancy firms for entrepreneurial and growing businesses, and Clydesdale Bank, which has just opened new regional offices in Southampton to provide services to small and medium-size businesses.

Tim Bentall, BDO's senior partner in Southampton, said: "We already have close ties with the IoD and are delighted to be able to strengthen them.

"We admire what the IoD achieves in director development and we have the same aims - helping British business to prosper and grow."

John Anderson, regional business development manager with Clydesdale, said: "We hope our collaboration will bring more of the south's directors together for both social and informative meetings.

"The bank's first sponsored event is a Burns Night dinner at Chilworth Manor on January 24 and I understand that all 130 seats were sold out some weeks ago. This is a very positive start."

The Burns Night is followed by a Technology Means Business seminar on January 29 and a breakfast meeting in Basingstoke on February 5 which deals with leadership.

Details are on: www.iod.com/Hampshire