Business leaders and creative professionals from across the city came together for the latest instalment of our “Meet the CEO” series, where special guest Michael Ockwell FRSA, CEO of Mayflower Theatre, gave a candid and entertaining insight into running one of the UK’s leading cultural venues.

The event brought together attendees from across the Central South’s business and creative communities, all keen to hear how the fourth largest theatre in the UK operates behind the scenes – and how it continues to thrive as a commercial and cultural cornerstone of the region.

The session was hosted by our very own Managing Director and PR Guru Lee Peck, and in during the interview Michael spoke openly about the power of brand loyalty and trust in driving commercial success, explaining how Mayflower’s “profit for purpose” model ensures the theatre’s growth goes hand in hand with meaningful community engagement. He also shared exciting plans for future in-house producing – work that will create real opportunities to unlock creative talent across Southampton and the wider region, telling local stories and building local opportunities from the ground up.

Attendees also heard about the theatre’s significant role as a commercial engine for the city. Mayflower brings in millions of pounds of revenue each year, driving footfall and delivering a wider positive impact across Southampton’s hospitality sector.

The event also included a prize draw, with Clare Royle from Multiple Access Communications Ltd, the lucky winner of two tickets to any show at Mayflower Theatre, courtesy of the venue.

The “Meet the CEO” series continues to bring together business and cultural leaders from across the Central South, offering valuable insight into the organisations shaping the region’s economy and community life. For attendees, the session was a reminder that behind every great cultural institution is a story of strategy, resilience and connection to the community it serves. We’re looking forward to the next one already!