THE latest South Wiltshire Economic Partnership forum attracted 110 people the highest ever attendance.

Business people, who braved a bitterly cold evening to attend the event at the Medieval Hall in Salisbury, heard presentations about Solstice Park at Amesbury, the Salisbury Research Triangle and developments at Porton Down, defence sector technology and Salisbury district council's economic development strategy.

Peter Barefoot, of Alder King, agents for Amesbury Property Company which is developing Solstice Park, said the park would be able to help the district council achieve its economic strategy.

"Solstice Park complements Churchfields Industrial Estate and other employment areas by providing expansion space for local companies and space for new companies.

"With 160 acres, it is one of the biggest business parks in southern England there is plenty of space and planning consent for industrial, office, leisure and roadside development.

"Buildings are of all types and sizes, are easily accessible and it's open for business now."

Mr Barefoot said the council's decision to move the major provision of employment land to Amesbury was "visionary, perhaps radical".

Solstice Park stood alongside the A303 and was a much more accessible location than Salisbury, particularly for lorries, he said.

"It provides an opportunity to attract inward investment into the area," he said.

"There will be a new business community with modern buildings and these can be built to specification.

"There will be higher car parking standards, excellent services and a wonderful working environment

"I am convinced it will be an important factor in the overall economic strategy for the district."

He added that the infrastructure would be completed by the summer and the industrial and distribution site had been sold to the Abbey Manor Group from Yeovil.

Stephen Woodhouse, new chairman of 634-member Swep, speaking after the forum, said: "I am delighted a record number attended the forum to hear about what are very exciting developments in the local economy.

"Our calibre of guest speakers demonstrated the importance of south Wiltshire as a location for scientific and defence research work.

"The exciting development at Solstice Park also shows that south Wiltshire is expanding and developing to cope with business demand. Most importantly, we wanted to reinforce the importance of promoting existing local businesses and expertise and encouraging people to live and work in the area."