Business Voice Q3 22

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 1

Q3 2022

Voice BUSINESS

THE MAGAZINE OF HAMPSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

START YOUR JOURNEY TO GREATNESS! New Chamber peer networking initiative will guide you every step of the way See page 22

CHAMBER POLICY

College launches learning and development guide for employers

FOCUS FEATURE The effectiveness of using video as part of your marketing strategy

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 2

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 3

BuSineSS voice

conTenTS Voice BUSINESS

Q3 2022

WeLcome 5

Peter Taylor, President & Director of the Chamber, on the importance of optimism

memBeR neWS 6

The Big Sustainability Expo makes a return

chamBeR neWS 22 New Chamber initiative helps drive businesses to the next level

chamBeR poLicY

25

28 Learning and development guide helps employees fill roles

gReen BuSineSS 33 Insight into electric vehicles revealed

evenTS & TRaining 44 A comprehensive list of the latest Chamber events 45 The benefits of international trade training

30

54

SecToR FocuS 46 Corporate Hospitality Hotels welcome the return of guests

FeaTuReS

48 Engineering & Manufacturing Additive manufacturing delivering on demand

36 cReaTive induSTRieS Using video as part of your marketing strategy

50 Chamber International Trade Keep your business compliant with HMRC

38 Marketing like a millennial 40 made in hampShiRe Good project management means there’s always a happy ever after

54 Legal & Finance Cost of living crisis puts firms under pressure 58 Skills & Training Skillslabs help close the gap between education and work 60 Technology Centre for creative and immersive extended reality opens

neW memBeRS 62 The Chamber welcomes new members Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 3

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 4

BuSineSS voice

4 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 5

BuSineSS voice

Voice BUSINESS

THE MAGAZINE OF HAMPSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO SEND THEIR EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS TO: PRODUCTION EDITOR Ben Applin E: ben.applin@hampshirechamber.co.uk T: 01329 242426 MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Sophie Taylor E: sophie.taylor@hampshirechamber.co.uk T: 01329 242420 HAMPSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Fareham College, Bishopsfield Road, Fareham PO14 1NH T: 01329 242420 HAMPSHIRE CHAMBER CONTACTS Chamber membership: Coral Benham E: coral.benham@hampshirechamber.co.uk Chamber events and training: Ben McDonald E: ben.mcdonald@hampshirechamber.co.uk

PUBLISHED BY: Kemps Publishing Ltd Unit 8, The Courtyard, 707 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA T: 0121 765 4144 W: www.kempspublishing.co.uk

Welcome BY peTeR TaYLoR, PRESIDENT & DIRECTOR, HAMPSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. very warm welcome to this edition of The Hampshire Chamber of Commerce quarterly magazine.

We continue to experience turbulent and challenging times both economically and politically globally. One might say it is the perfect storm with multiple faceted issues facing businesses. It has been said that in the face of a storm, one can either hide in a cave (waiting for the storm to blow over) or to build a windmill, making the most of the circumstances and environment in which one finds oneself. As a person who sees a glass as half full (rather than half empty!), I treat each day as a learning opportunity, full of hope, optimism, and a chance to make a difference.

a

A core element of the Chamber’s purpose is to help businesses thrive, to help you connect with others and for us to learn from each other in developing best practice. As a membership organisation, the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce provides the perfect forum for us collectively to find solutions to the challenges which we undoubtedly share and to be the united voice of business to influence other stakeholders, locally, regionally and nationally.

I trust that you will find articles which are informative and valuable for your business. Feedback is always welcome by the team on any aspect of your Chamber experience.

MANAGING EDITOR: Laura Blake DESIGNER: Lloyd Hollingworth ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES T: 0121 765 4144 E: jon.jones@kempspublishing.co.uk

goLd pLuS paTRonS

PRINTERS Stephens & George Print Group W: www.stephensandgeorge.co.uk ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE Business Voice is a quarterly magazine distributed to around 5,000 members, affiliates and key businesses in the Hampshire region.

SiLveR pLuS paTRonS

PRIVACY NOTICE Kemps Publishing Ltd process personal information for certain legitimate interest purposes, which includes the following: To provide postal copies of this publication to Chamber members and Kemps' customers; and to offer marketing and promotional opportunities within this publication to Chamber members and prospects. Whenever we process data for these pur poses, we always ensure we treat your Personal Data rights in high regard. If you wish to, you can visit www.kempspublishing.co.uk to view our full Privacy Notice and to learn more about our legitimate interests and your rights in this regard.

BRonZe pLuS paTRonS

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 5

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 6

memBeR neWS

memBeR neWS THE LATEST NEWS AND SUCCESS STORIES FROM CHAMBER MEMBERS

Sustainability expo makes its return Many of the most influential suppliers and decision-makers in the country are heading to Hampshire this September for the region’s flagship sustainability showcase.

Business Voice caught up with organisers Southern Sustainability Partnership as they prepare to open The Big Sustainability expo (Southampton) for the seventh year - a leading UK platform that highlights the importance of corporate sustainability and the drive towards net-zero carbon.

A

vital, free resource, the Expo offers practical advice and solutions from over 150 different exhibitors. A keynote speaker theatre. Exhibitor Presentation Platform. Workshops and Networking breakfast. Alongside Co-Events: Clean transport showcase Big Green Wheels 2022 – and a Public Sector Collaboration Forum.

Co-directors Anita Potten and Lynda Daniels left us in no doubt as to the importance of an environmental strategy that protects the future of our businesses. Having successfully run a company that supports the public and private sector in their quest to operate more responsibly - this duo has witnessed first-hand the loss of long-term business by organisations that have failed to prioritise this vital topic.

Anita said: “No doubt you’ve nurtured a culture of outstanding quality and customer service in your businesses. That, on its own, is no longer enough. With far greater scrutiny of the supply chain, we are urging SMEs to look at what their customers are doing to reduce their own impact on the environment. Having witnessed the ripple effect through the supply 6 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

chain, as one company is forced to clean up its act, they refuse to jeopardise efforts by buying from a less responsible supplier themselves.”

Lynda added: “We’ve all read the headlines.

Large corporations playing their part in helping the planet. What came first? Their company or saving the planet? Undoubtedly, their journey began with a need to meet environmental legislation, and it was from those early directives that corporations woke

‘Track your energy data... what you use and where you use it – there are great tools out there today’ up to its significant benefits. Not least, enormous cost savings matched by increased profits gained from a more positive brand perception. View this as a positive. There are far-reaching benefits and no longer just within the confines of large corporations.”

So, we asked how your company can protect

itself and enjoy those same benefits? The duo concurs, it starts with joined-up thinking between departments. Shining a spotlight on areas of operations that may have gone unscrutinised as a business grows. This should incorporate what comes into your businesses versus what goes out as waste.

Clearer thinking that will see you keep more of those hard-earned profits. More centralised purchasing is a great move, it ensures you are less wasteful and may also provide stronger buying power. Track your energy data... what you use and where you use it – there are great tools out there today. You may be horrified to learn what you are using – even when the company is closed. Then, visit the Expo for

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 7

memBeR neWS

helping you to be better connected, promoted, represented and supported.

ways to reduce energy and waste and so much more – it’s easier than you think.

The duo also agrees, no company is doing everything, and no company has all the answers. But the answer right now is to begin to adopt your own step-by-step environmental strategy. One that has a well-defined, manageable framework and one that your business can hold accountable.

This can still be achieved while considering the nuances of your industry sector and, very early on, they promise you will view this as less of a burden and more as a smart, effective way to run every business.

Reducing running costs, streamlining processes, an ability to meet finance, funding,

tender and stakeholder expectations. Meet new and existing customer expectations and attract the best workforce.

Start doing something now, they urge, shout about it on your website and on social media.

Do it now before your customers ask the question no business wants to hear if it cannot meet their expectations.

The Big Sustainability expo opens on 22 September at St. mary’s Stadium, Southampton, to a uK-wide audience of large corporations and Smes alike. Their message is clear, you can no longer afford to ignore this topic, so educate yourself and your team. it’s FRee and it’s right on your doorstep. visit: www.southernsustainability.co.uk or call: 01202 971186 Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 7

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 8

memBeR neWS

Lost in translation sn’t Google Translate wonderful: have a conversation in another language, get some idea of what that artefact in a museum is, work out what’s on the menu… anywhere in the world: amazing (other machine translation platforms are of course available).

But search for lost-in-translation fails and you will find far too many… a personal favourite is the memory of extreme disappointment invoked by a plate of pork escalopes in an up-market sea food restaurant on the Adriatic coast - scallops had been carefully chosen from the expansive menu!

Now imagine something similar as a potential client browses your website and selects another language to read the information in… but you used Google translate

i

to offer language choices. If you can’t check the text, how can you be sure of what message is really being given and received? In essence, are you offering ‘scallops’ or ‘pork escalopes’?

If the information you offer in another language is not up to your usual standards it can give a bad impression of your company and we all know that we only get one chance to make that crucial first impression. Instead, keep your text in English and let your reader make their own choice to translate online if they need to; most people know how to use Google Translate (or similar). This way, any inconsistencies will not reflect badly on you.

‘if the information you offer in another language is not up to your usual standards it can give a bad impression of your company’

8 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

At Gera.Solutions we are language integration experts, we specialise in integrating brand values and identity into all our clients’ communications. Our advice to anyone doing business internationally is simple: don’t use machine translation to provide language options on your website (or elsewhere)!

For more help and advice on working across languages and cultures, email us on: info@gera.solutions, or call: 0772 922 7839

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 9

memBeR neWS

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 9

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 10

memBeR neWS

communications and iT with the human touch

ilver Lining Convergence is more than just an IT & Telecoms company.

We understand the importance of connecting with those around us. One of the ways we achieve this is through focusing on the human side of IT and business and putting people first.

During and since the pandemic we have had a huge focus on wellbeing and supporting our staff through virtual and in-person events, from spicy bingo to pancake day, organizing and participating in community events, like the charity easter fete, and most recently

S

setting up a table tennis tournament during lunch times. Being a small company, we have a tremendous opportunity to build strong staff relationships and can often be found at charity galas, awards ceremonies, and other out of hour’s events.

If you are looking to join a dynamic and enthusiastic team, then go and see our latest job roles on our website.

For more information on Silver Lining convergence Limited visit: www.silverlining.com, call us on: 0345 313 1111 or email us: marketing@silver-lining.com

celebrating five decades in business Wessex Translations is proud to have been in business for 50 years.

While technology and working practices have changed in this time, our company ethos has remained the same.

We are grateful for the close, long-lasting ties we have forged over the years – with our translators and interpreters, our customers, our in-house staff and other local businesses and charities – all of whom have helped us to build Wessex into what it is today, on its 50th birthday.

We thank you all for being part of the Wessex family. To celebrate this milestone, we will be taking a trip down memory lane sharing our favourite memories from over the past 50 years on social media and in our blog. visit: www.wt-lm.com email: sales@wt-lm.com or call: 01794 369 370 10 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

Wessex Translations

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 11

memBeR neWS

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 11

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 12

memBeR neWS

12 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 13

memBeR neWS

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 13

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 14

memBeR neWS

14 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 15

memBeR neWS

captain patrycja Jaromirska (front) and some of the crew of victoria of Wight celebrate winning The News Business excellence Sustainable Business award 2022. L-R: andy pullen, mark charles, Tracy Ford, Lauren potter, Jim Kelleher, Sue prince, charlie goes and mihovil pedsic

Wightlink powers its way to prestigious sustainability award ightlink is celebrating winning The News Business Excellence Award for Sustainability 2022.

The achievement recognises the successful introduction of Wightlink’s new flagship Victoria of Wight, England’s first large ferry powered by hybrid energy, and the ferry company’s campaigns to cut carbon emissions and operate as sustainably as possible.

Initiatives include improving recycling, installing EV charging points for electric vehicles, buying from local suppliers and promoting a range of environmental projects.

Wightlink supports partners to re-establish oysters in the Solent, support crucial seagrass

W

‘our next ambition is to commission and operate an allelectric ferry’ beds in Ryde and re-introduce white-tailed eagles to the Isle of Wight.

The trophy for the Sustainable Business of the Year was presented at a ceremony at Portsmouth Guildhall by Professor Jeremy Howells, Dean of the University of Portsmouth’s Faculty of Business and Law. Another award for sustainability went to the

expert joins financial firm Clear Vision Financial Management specialises in providing a fully outsourced finance department with offices in both Romsey and Poole. Dean Gates has recently joined the team as Bookkeeper.

Dean has completed his AAT Level 2 and 3 qualifications and is currently studying towards AAT Level 4. He has extensive experience of working within the financial sector having worked at Lloyds Banking Group on their PPI project for over seven years. Dean also previously worked at Barclays Bank Plc for 12 years gaining skills in a variety of roles from Team Leader and Quality

Package Free Larder, Portsmouth’s first plastics-free supermarket.

Chief Executive Keith Greenfield said: “Wightlink is proud to sail through some of the most beautiful coastal waters in the UK, if not the world. As we cross the Solent 364 days a year, we are always conscious of our responsibility to protect the land, sea and air around us. Our next ambition is to commission and operate an all-electric ferry.”

Mark Waldron, Editor of The News, said: “Now Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted and society returns to a new normality, it is a good moment to reflect on and celebrate how much has been achieved, even in the face of adversity.”

dean gates

Controller to Complaints Case Handler. In 2015, Dean began his accountancy training in order to change career and will be working with a number of clients providing essential bookkeeping support.

Dean said: “After completing AAT Level 2 and 3, I am looking forward to gaining accountancy experience whilst completing AAT Level 4.”

Sean Daniel, Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to have Dean onboard especially with his wealth of financial experience. He will help us to provide a seamless service to our growing client base.”

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 15

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 16

memBeR neWS

do you find tax taxing? help is at hand he tax year end has passed - did you make the most of your allowances or did you lose a lot of them?

Tax is present throughout our lives and not something we can avoid. Yet many of us will admit we don’t always understand it.

Try this quiz to see how much you understand about tax.

T

1) inheritance Tax is charged at what rate above your nil-rate band?

A: 25% B: 40% C: 55% 2) Which tax do you need to consider when you make a profit on the sale of assets such as investments held outside of iSas?

A: Capital Gains Tax B: Value Added Tax C: Income Tax 3) under the personal tax-free allowance, how much can you earn in the current tax year before you start paying tax?

A: 18% B: 15% C: 0%

A: ISAs B: Money in pensions C: Buy-to-let property

5) how much can you add to an iSa account each year per person, through the annual allowance?

10) For how many years can you carry forward your pension’s annual tax-free allowance?

A: Five B: None C: Three

A: £20,000 B: £22,500 C: £10,000 6) The tax year always ends on which date?

A: 5 April B: 1 April C: 31 December 7) how much tax relief do higher-rate taxpayers get on their pension contributions (up to a maximum of £40,000 per year)?

A: 20% B: 40% C: 45% 8) Which of these is noT a real form of iSa?

A: £10,200 B: £13,850 C: £12,570

A: Lifetime ISA B: Junior ISA C: Saver ISA

4) What level of national insurance contributions do you pay once you reach state pension age?

9) Which of these assets falls outside of your estate for the purposes of inheritance Tax?

16 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

anSWeRS 1) B, 2) A, 3) C, 4) C, 5) A, 6) A, 7) B, 8) C, 9) B, 10) C hoW did You do?

10: Are you a financial adviser in disguise?

6-9: You’ve done your homework, but those gaps could prove expensive.

3-6: You might get by without seeking advice, but you’re likely to find greater peace of mind by speaking to an expert.

0-2: No shame in this – but contact an adviser as soon as possible.

The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances.

Want a no obligation Tax health check? email geoff.day@sjpp.co.uk or call 0330 122 1975 to discuss with one of our advisers.

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 17

memBeR neWS

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 17

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 18

memBeR neWS

18 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 19

memBeR neWS

Waste not, want not

Ringwood mayor & Local councillors visit comax uK head offices to celebrate sustainability sponsorship

comax uK to serve as sustainability sponsor omax UK, expert supplier of commercial catering, janitorial and care products, is delighted to sponsor the reusable glasses for upcoming Ringwood Town Council events. The glasses were used at the ‘Party in the Park’ event to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on Sunday 5 June 2022, and will prevent thousands of singleuse plastic cups being used on the day.

Comax were honoured to welcome the Mayor of Ringwood and local councillors to get a first look at the glasses. Cllr Rae Frederick, Chair of the Events Management Sub-Committee, said: “We are very grateful to Comax UK for helping us to make this event more environmentally sustainable.”

The sponsorship kick starts a summer of celebrations to mark five years since the business moved to Ringwood.

Established in 1992, Comax was originally based in Poole, Dorset. Following years of growth, in Summer 2017 Comax moved to its present location in Ringwood.

Their impressive 28,000 sq.ft warehouse and office building on Yeoman Road was carefully planned down to the finest detail by the directors of the business and purpose built on the site over 12 months. High on the list of priorities for the new headquarters was incorporating numerous sustainable solutions including, vast solar panels and automatic LED lighting using PIR sensors.

c

comax uK glassware

With an estimated revenue of £21.2bn in 2020, the UK’s waste is big business!

But one local company is making their waste a little more… palatable.

Founded in 2007, The Tomato Stall was created to showcase the speciality organic and conventional tomato varieties grown on the Isle of Wight. It’s subsequently grown to supply fresh produce to independent retailers and restaurants nationwide, as well as Wholefoods, Amazon Fresh, Ocado, and 30+ farmers markets a week.

As The Tomato Stall business grew, so did their innovative approach to waste management.

The University and The Tomato Stall secured a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) grant from Innovate UK, which provided The Tomato Stall with approx. Sixty-seven per cent of the project costs to better utilise and manage their waste. This money was used to employ Dr Diana Salgado, an expert in food preservation and managing sustainable food waste, who is rising to the challenge of producing more sustainable and commercially viable solutions to reduce the waste products. Some of which will be brought to the market later this year.

Daniella Voisey, Business Development Manager at The Tomato Stall said: “Diana’s academic background means the products she developed were data-driven, she brought a broad knowledge base, and her thinking opened minds as to what our waste material could become.”

For more information visit: www.port.ac.uk/ktp

Comax UK is committed to Net Zero by 2050, and works continually to reduce their impact on the environment by considering their actions across all aspects of the business and working with customers, suppliers and the local area to develop and implement solutions.

Sales Director Greg Prowse said: “Ringwood is the perfect base for Comax, we’ve enjoyed being part of the town for the last five years and we are delighted to be able to support the towns drive to make their events more sustainable. We’d love to work with and support more local businesses to help with any eco-friendly products they need.”

For more information visit: comaxuk.com Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 19

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 20

memBeR neWS

South coast heads to the big screen new romantic drama is set to begin filming in locations along the South Coast this summer/autumn. The film involves staff and students from local universities.

Ross McNally, CEO of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of Creative Networks South, is keen to promote the Solent and South Coast region as a creative hub encouraging investment in regeneration.

a

‘For local businesses this is a perfect opportunity to promote themselves and their region to a much wider audience’ Described as a highly personal fable of love, beauty, poetry and trauma, the script tells the story of the love triangle between Tess, Samuel and Jules.

The film is the work of filmmaker Shobina Jay who will be working with The University of Chichester Screen Academy regarding supporting roles. The Arts University of Bournemouth Cinematography Alumni will form the production team and camera crew, proof of concept footage is available, and post production will be overseen by the owner and

20 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

The new romantic drama

Master Editor of a Soho Post Production Boutique. The film is part funded with equipment available and plans for distribution are in place.

In the industry first time directors are regarded as being a good bet producing extremely original, authentic films that prove popular with the public, creating very positive

images of the region. For local businesses this is a perfect opportunity to promote themselves and their region to a much wider audience on a longterm basis a variety of options are available. anyone interested in finding out how you can benefit from participation please visit: www.rosena.info

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 21

memBeR neWS

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 21

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 22

chamBeR neWS

chamBeR neWS ADVICE, NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THE CHAMBER

how peer networking can drive your business to the next level ver the past two-and-a-half years, businesses of all sectors and scale have been challenged to rethink their strategies and business approaches.

It became every day and almost commonplace to associate the words ‘pivot’, ‘consolidate’, and ‘rethink’ with our own businesses. Never has there been such a mass review of business goals at any one time.

During this challenging period, we often placed most value on peer insights and reflections by colleagues. It was interesting to see so many leaders trusting others with knowledge of their goals and ambitions. It is not unreasonable to consider that there has been a cultural shift in the way we collaborate.

Although accelerated during the Pandemic this positive change in how business leaders address their personal and professional development has been happening gradually over several years; perhaps helping to define 21st Century leadership compared with its predecessors.

o

‘if you were to aim for the very best version of your business what would this be and how would you get there?’

Hampshire Chamber has contributed to this new collaborative leadership with its Chamber of Solutions programme that was featured in our last issue. Building on this success is the Chamber’s new ‘Journey to Greatness’ programme.

Now we do recognise this brand name is challenging. Who as a rule truly looks to achieve greatness? However, the scale of the challenge is deliberate to get you thinking. It asks questions of you. If you were to aim for the very best version of your business what would this be and how would you get there?

Working in partnership with Mission Performance the Chamber wants businesses to 22 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

address the question.

Through a fully resourced and supported peer network business leaders are brought together with likeminded peers, addressing real-life challenges, and sharing high-level experiences.

Shaped to address the wide range of issues facing participants the programme robustly explores needs which can include adjusting to sector changes, seeking new opportunities, undergoing growth strains, and even succession challenges. The programme is shaped by its participants within a flexible, online, super lean community designed to

complement the constraints of a busy working day.

The Chamber ensures that the programme works for all through its proven ‘Journey to Greatness’ capability framework. This is designed to help clarify the needs of each business from the outset and discover new perspectives and approaches. Basically, it is community led, action orientated and benefitting from shared lived experience, all within seven sessions over a three-month period, providing reflections on business progress and the path ahead.

The chamber is inviting participation for an autumn start so if this looks like something that could work for you then you can get in touch with Stacey.osborn@hampshirechamber.co.uk

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 23

Engineers Paving the Way

chamBeR neWS

Paul Basham Associates is an award winning transport planning, civil and structural engineering consultancy, combining a personal approach with a keen commercial awareness and an in-depth knowledge of current policy, practice and legislation.

With our head office located in Fareham and three other offices within England, we are perfectly placed to provide expert advice across the country.

We value our clients, believe in relationships and that good communication is the foundation for success. We provide specialist advice and well considered engineering solutions in an ever-changing and challenging environment. Paul Basham Associates is dedicated to providing clients with a service that secures repeat business whilst also generating new projects by positive word of mouth.

We are proud to have worked on award winning and high profile projects across Hampshire, ranging dramatically in scale and land use sectors – from logistics centres in

Basingstoke and holiday units on the Isle of Wight, to creating whole new communities as part of the One Horton Heath project and retirement villages in the New Forest.

“Since forming the company in 2009, I am incredibly proud of how far we have come. We started in my kitchen and now boast over 50 staff – 30 of those within our Fareham office.

Not only have we won multiple awards for our service, but individuals within our teams have also received nominations and awards over the years. We look forward to what the future holds for the company and helping deliver new homes, facilities and infrastructure across Hampshire.”

Paul Basham, Managing Director

NORTH STONEHAM PARK, EASTLEIGH

MOORGREEN HOSPITAL REGENERATION, WEST END

PAULTON’S PARK, ROMSEY

MARITIME WALK, OCEAN VILLAGE

New community with 1,180 dwellings, school, offices and local centre

On-going support for the expanding tourist attraction

Residential development for 121 dwellings

Luxury hotel, 84 dwellings and eateries

T: 01329 711000 E: info@paulbashamassociates.com W: paulbashamassociates.com

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 23

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:43 Page 24

chamBeR neWS

24 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 25

chamBeR neWS

Riding the waves of success: promoting the marine sector ampshire’s economy relies heavily on a strong leisure marine industry for jobs, investment and growth prospects.

At the very heart of the sector is national trade association British Marine, representing around 1,500 businesses, many of them located in our region.

They include boatbuilders, chandlers, sail makers, brokers, marina operators and other service and equipment providers.

‘Buoyant business’ is a phrase Chief Executive Lesley Robinson champions to summarise what British Marine seeks to achieve for its members.

To help with that aim, there are a range of services including technical advice and training, publications, research, crisis management, a VAT helpline, legal support and representation to government on marine issues.

And of course, events, notably the annual, world-class Southampton International Boat Show. It brings together hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors for fun on the water and opportunities for business networking, corporate hospitality and entertainment and, ultimately, sales and trade.

h

Lesley Robinson, chief executive, British marine

Lesley is keen to stress the importance of partnership with Hampshire Chamber, which was involved in the founding of the first show in 1969 and remains a major supporter 53 years on.

She said: “We have a long, shared history and many areas of mutual understanding and

collaboration. Our partnership continues to go from strength to strength. Working together gives British Marine a great opportunity to network with businesses in Southampton and across the region while for the Chamber there is the chance to reach the leisure marine sector and promote its membership offer there from a business perspective.”

There has been an organisation representing the marine sector in Britain for more than a century starting with the Boat, Yacht and Allied Trades Association, formed in 1913.

This evolved into the British Marine Industries Federation in 1986, which was renamed the British Marine Federation in 2008 and finally rebranded as British Marine in 2015.

Under Lesley’s watch, British Marine relocated its national head office from Egham near London to Ocean Village in Southampton in 2019.

Explaining the move, Lesley said: “We remain national, but we wanted to make sure that we could be closer to the bulk of our membership. Sixty-five per cent of our members are based on the south coast and there are good transport links that made it viable to be out of the Capital. We’re also just 10 minutes from the site of our national Boat Show.”

Lesley, a Chartered Accountant and former MD of marina operator MDL Marinas, is clear about the importance of the sector to Hampshire. “This is a £4bn industry with 38,000 direct jobs, a large proportion of which are in Hampshire and the south,” she added.

“There are five indirect jobs in the supply chain for each direct one.

And on the value that the Boat Show brings,

British marine’s head office

Continues on page 26...

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 25

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 26

chamBeR neWS ...from page 25

“We commissioned an independent economic impact assessment following the 2019 Boat Show. It identified a £25m gross value add benefit for Southampton and surrounding area every year. That just goes to underline Hampshire’s credentials as a stronghold for marine business.”

Asked about the challenges and opportunities facing the marine sector, Lesley first cites the immediate problem of sourcing parts through the supply chain, an issue she says has been exacerbated by Brexit and the pandemic. But the biggest ongoing headache for her members is meeting the demand for skilled workers.

‘altogether, around 13,500 show visitors took to the water in some form or other’ “We need to show young people the opportunities and skills pathways available in our sector,” she said. “There are so many careers in boat building for example, including carpentry, electrical work and superyacht design. Many of these involve transferable skills so it is a question of building educational links, engaging with careers advisers in schools and colleges, and promoting our industry at careers fairs. At the same time, we continue to broadcast the message we share

26 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

Some of the action from the Boat Show in 2021

with the chamber that Hampshire is a lovely place to live and work in. We can also highlight the good news that the number of people getting into boating in the UK and enjoying it has increased in recent years. We want to keep people coming back for more as life continues to get back to normal post pandemic. That’s what I mean by promoting the message of buoyant business for our members.”

Looking ahead to this year’s Boat Show, Lesley hopes to encourage even more visitors to spend time on the water. Last year’s revised layout, from West Quay down to the shore, was complemented by on-water opportunities involving a range of craft including dinghies, kayaks, paddleboards, Wet Wheels and a Solent cruiser.

Altogether, around 13,500 visitors took to the water in some form or other. To help with the sector’s skills shortage, this year features a dedicated careers day for young people,

highlighting apprenticeships and other career opportunities. And the business community will be out in force for the opening day Hampshire Chamber lunch hosted in association with British Marine.

Diners receive complimentary passes enabling them to take corporate guests into the show. “It’s a great opportunity to bring someone else along and enjoy an adventure in boating together,” added Lesley.

“We also have an exclusive and brand new VIP offering for businesses keen to create memorable entertainment packages for their clients.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun this year, a show that is bigger and better than ever, one that really captures the imagination.”

The Southampton international Boat Show takes place from 16 to 25 September 2022. For more information, visit: www.southamptonboatshow.com

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 27

chamBeR neWS

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 27

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 28

chamBeR poLicY

chamBeR poLicY REPRESENTING OUR MEMBERS LOCALLY, REGIONALLY AND NATIONALLY

E

astleigh College has launched its ambitious new Learning and Development Outsourcing guide for employers as part of an ongoing collaboration with Solent University and the University of Portsmouth, with wider endorsement from many business support and networking organisations in the Solent region.

The guide streamlines further education and higher education funding options into one concise and easily accessible document, helping to better serve employers across the region.

Nicky Tramaseur, Head of Brand, Engagement and Learner Recruitment at Eastleigh College, collaborated on the project and said: “The launch of the new Learning & Development Outsourcing guide will open up free adult learning opportunities to a new field of learners. Businesses will be drawn from a range of backgrounds and sizes, the common link being able to access clear learning and development opportunities for their staff. Guidance from education providers and excellent support networks such as Business South, The Federation of Small Businesses, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Southampton Chamber of Commerce will help to spread the word in the region.

The guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of education pathways and their requirements, as well as itemising incentives, benefits and commitments for employers. It further specifies any opportunities to upskill across these pathways. The guide has been designed to cater to the needs of learners or employees across all age ranges, whether 16-18 aged school leavers, young adults or senior adults.

One of the highlights is the enhanced skills offerings that businesses can take advantage of. Following the National Skills fund initiative launched last year, providing any adult aged 19 and above with access to hundreds of fully funded Level 3 courses, Eastleigh

Guiding

College has recently joined the Government’s Skills for Life campaign. This extends the funded and fully-funded opportunities available to a greater range of learners, including those younger in years and those studying at different levels.”

Peter Joddrell, Deputy Principal at Eastleigh College, said: “There continues to be a myriad of funding and eligibility requirements that has the potential to confuse and frustrate businesses. We know many businesses in the Greater Southampton region are desperate to fill skilled vacancies, it is hoped the guide will consolidate all the current further and higher education opportunities available and contribute towards meeting the local skills needs.

learners into work 28 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 29

chamBeR poLicY

cost and carbon reduction solutions are available

About Eastleigh College Eastleigh College has a 60-year heritage of delivering high quality technical and professional education, training and apprenticeships. Government data ranked Eastleigh College in the top 10 colleges nationally - and the best in Hampshire - for student achievement. It achieved an overall effectiveness rating of good at the latest Ofsted inspection and May 2021 also saw the College recognised as being in the top 50 most inclusive workplaces in 2021.

For more information, please contact BeBetter@eastleigh.ac.uk.

About Solent University Solent University has industry standard facilities that deliver real-world learning opportunities. Courses are developed in collaboration with industry and professional bodies. No matter the level of student or type of qualification, as a university they focus on preparing people for the future and enabling them to reach their full potential. It is home to Solent Business School and holder of the Small Business Charter (SBC) Award in recognition of its continuing support of students, small businesses and the local economy.

For more information, please contact engagement@solent.ac.uk

About The University of Portsmouth The University of Portsmouth is a modern, multi-disciplinary university offering practical courses at undergraduate, postgraduate taught and research level across five faculties. Most bachelor's degrees include a one-year paid work placement and the university is currently ranked 21st in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2020), and is rated highly for student satisfaction and graduate employment.

For more information, please contact info@port.ac.uk

“Feedback of existing resources indicated that employers were missing out on cost-efficient opportunities to develop their staff - highlighting a need to streamline the wealth of information available into one simplified chart. Collaborating with other education providers in the production of this guide has helped expand its value and reliability for employers further still.”

To see the full guide, please visit: www.eastleigh.ac.uk

Begin your business journey to net zero Free support is now available for businesses in the Winchester district to help them begin the journey to becoming net zero.

Winchester City Council have selected procurement consultancy Meercat, an organisation dedicated to improving business while caring for the planet, to assist businesses in the Winchester district in reducing their carbon emissions. Meercat provide cost and carbon reduction solutions to businesses, BIDs and local authorities and in this latest initiative from Winchester City Council, are offering free support in the form of one-to-one consultations, online webinars and workshops, events, and access to grant funding.

This latest programme of support comes as a response to Winchester City Council declaring a climate emergency in 2019 and the council’s pledge to support environmental improvements and make the Winchester district carbon neutral by 2030.

The initiative includes Zero, a certified 12-month programme for environmentally conscious businesses. The programme offers access to a personal Carbon Coach who can help businesses in producing a bespoke Carbon Reduction Strategy and Action Plan along with marketing support and artwork to assist companies in communicating their commitment to the journey to net zero, meet tender criteria, enhance image, and win new business.

With support and guidance from Meercat, businesses can access grants covering up to 40% of expenditure towards business growth, up to a maximum of £10,000 and identify other ways in which they can become greener through investing in additional energy conservation and reduction measures such as LED lighting, insulation, heating or machinery upgrades – additional grant assistance for such improvements is also available and can be accessed via the Clean Growth Programme by Low Carbon Across the South and East (LoCASE).

Meercat are hosting monthly online workshops, Starting your Business Journey to Net Zero, to introduce the work it does and answer questions from businesses.

For Winchester City Council, the focus is on the biggest source of carbon emissions – transport, property, and energy and as experts in sustainability, Meercat are ideally positioned to support businesses in improving profit, eliminating waste to landfill, and reducing the impact to the planet.

The support is funded by Winchester City Council and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

For more information, and to start your business journey to net zero visit www.meercatassociates.com/winchester or call one of the meercat team on 01444 416529 during normal office hours.

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 29

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 30

chamBeR poLicY

chamberSpace Your pay-as-you-go office option Here at Hampshire Chamber we have launched chamBeRSpace, a coworking solution at our new Fareham head office. It offers real benefits for members wanting a place for work or meetings, or indeed somewhere to go between meetings. And for those who have been working from home, it’s a chance to replace an often-isolated experience with the buzz of being alongside others again.

W

orking environments have changed so much in recent years with employers seeking to provide flexible, productive space to suit teams increasingly made up of millennials and even younger staff.

Successive generations have steadily moved away from offices characterised by rigid rows of desks with fixed computers and landline phones.

Now, we demand far more comfort and choice, and an engaging atmosphere, in our modern workplaces.

And in a further societal shift, expectations of office life have been transformed for millions of people working from home during the pandemic.

To tempt them back, whether completely or as a hybrid solution, the office must offer more than just the old desk to work at.

Hampshire Chamber this year relocated its head office to Fareham College’s Bishopsfield Road campus.

As the ‘anchor tenant’ of the college’s new business centre, we are in an ideal position to champion and strengthen links between the worlds of business and education. At the same time, we can now offer attractive and flexible working space for Chamber members and non-members to use.

We are branding this as ChamberSpace and it is a golden opportunity for you to source options for hot desking, meeting booths for two to four people, open plan working, breakout areas and board room space.

Facilities include high-speed connectivity, a smart screen TV for presentations, free on-site parking and access to canteen and catering extras.

Hot desking options are available on an hourly or half-day basis while board room space can accommodate meetings of up to eight people.

There is also a private room for one-to-one or small group meetings or focused work.

“ChamberSpace provides the ideal environment for teams to connect and collaborate right at the heart of business activity in our network,” said Chamber Executive Stacey Osborn. “Given the uncertain economic context right now, it’s natural that many small companies with tightly managed budgets will want to avoid being tied

‘We’re confident members and non-members alike will utilise ChamberSpace creatively to meet their needs’ 30 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

Ross mcnally, hampshire chamber of commerce ceo at the chamberSpace launch event

down by long of fice leases and instead seek a better alternative that suits them. We’re confident members and non-members alike will utilise ChamberSpace creatively to meet their needs for a working environment that supports staff engagement and productivity.”

The new Fareham College business centre is part of the wider ‘skillslabs’ project which aims to bring local colleges and employers together to improve skills t raining and education, with particular focus on marine technology, digital futures and net zero. A key aim of skillslabs is to support the incubation and growth of SMEs and microbusinesses through coworking space, skills support and training, and meeting and conference facilities.

Stacey added: “ChamberSpace dovetails exactly with this ethos. It gives small businesses the chance to focus on what is important to them while not having to worry about the ongoing costs of a physical office.”

For more information on chamberSpace, contact Stacey on 01329 242420 or stacey.osborn@hampshirechamber.co.uk

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 31

BuSineSS voice

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 31

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 32

gReen BuSineSS

32 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 33

gReen BuSineSS

gReen BuSineSS CELEBRATING HAMPSHIRE FIRMS TAKING THE STEPS TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY

insight into electric vehicles

G

avin Franks, Business Services Director at the AA said; “The launch of our latest Operational Fleet Insight Report in collaboration with Rivus Fleet Solutions revealed that positivity towards electric vehicles (EVs) is at an all-time high among fleets, with over two thirds (67%) likely to adopt EVs within five years. This marks a sharp rise from 2017, when only 23% of fleet decision makers were considering EV adoption, indicating that the technology is migrating from the early adopter phase to one of widespread acceptance.

“There are numerous reasons for this change in sentiment, some financial, some practical. For example, 82% of decision makers state that the quality of EVs has improved since 2020, while 84% feel that manufacturers’ range of available EV products is superior. Meanwhile, 66% of fleet managers believe EVs require less servicing, while 65% note that EVs have better whole life costs than diesel or petrol. Although fleet managers are starting to look more positively at the broader range of benefits, there are still barriers where it comes to the practical elements of EV adoption. A third (32%) have identified the lack of charging points across the country and the workplace as an issue.

“We’re delighted to see greater awareness evolving among fleets about the benefits of EVs, despite a third of respondents flagging a nationwide lack of charging points as an issue. However, we know first-hand that charging infrastructure is improving daily, with charge points increasing across the UK. While there is still a way to go with suitable HGV EV models, we believe fleets will see a change quicker than they anticipate with LCVs and the pace of adoption will accelerate.

“The Operational Fleet Insight report also reviewed the impact of Covid-19 over the past 18 months. While the pandemic has had a mixed effect on businesses, 41% of fleet managers have reported a positive impact on their environmental and sustainability strategies.

‘Positivity towards electric vehicles (EVs) is at an all-time high among fleets’ “This report, our fifth in the series, gives us an important snapshot of the impact of the pandemic on the industry, as well as tracking the evolution of the transition to EVs and other impacts on the sector.

“Interestingly, it’s positive to see that there is a much greater awareness among fleets about the benefits of EVs, despite the concern over lack of charging points across the country and at work being the main barriers to take-up. As investment in charging points is paying off, we expect fleets will see a change quicker than they anticipate and the pace of adoption will pick up further.”

To download your copy of the operational Fleet insight Report, visit: bit.ly/3Bvfotp. or for more information on the aa Business Services, visit: www.theaa.com/business

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 33

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 34

gReen BuSineSS

34 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 35

gReen BuSineSS ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

How can businesses

reduce their carbon footprint?

LoW caRBon acRoSS The SouTh and eaST provides grants to help businesses reduce their carbon footprint and those of their supply chains through developing and promoting green goods and services. energy reduction There are many ways to reduce the footprint of day-to-day operations - replacing inefficient lighting is an obvious low cost step that offers a high return in terms of savings. LoCASE has supported many SMEs to change from old style strip lighting to LED systems which can result in 60-80% savings - the bigger the building, the longer the hours used, the bigger the savings could be. We’ve recently supported a football club to replace their flood lights, helping them to reduce their energy costs and improve their facilities whilst tackling their carbon footprint.

Moving your fleet to electric vehicles can also provide substantial savings. LoCASE has supported an SME to replace a diesel van with two e-cargo bikes, saving thousands of pounds each year in fuel costs. Other SMEs are buying second hand electric cars, vans and taxis to reduce their costs and drive down their environmental impact.

We are also seeing high demand to support solar projects for sports clubs, charities and other businesses to reduce the day-to-day use and cost of grid supplied electricity, with some also using battery storage to support energy use in the evenings.

With grant funding reducing the overall projects cost, the return on investment can be made in just a few years and, with the further increases in energy costs expected again in the autumn more savings can be expected. green goods and services LoCASE also provides funding to help promote green goods and services, whether that be electricians promoting heat pumps or solar installations, double glazers promoting increased energy savings in their products or those working to develop goods that need extra R&D or marketing support to help promote a new product launch.

Heating costs are the same. Using gas or electric portable heaters is generally less efficient than using Infrared heaters, replacing gas boilers and adding zoning controls. Air or ground source heat pumps work well in suitably insulated buildings to provide greater energy savings than using older gas boilers.

This is delivered by the LoCASE partnership across three levels: Blue, Silver and Gold. Each SME completes a stage, moves on to the next level and achieves accreditation.

To find out more, visit the website at www.LocaSe.co.uk The Low Carbon Across the South and East Programme has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund. It is a partnership between the Kent County Council, Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council, East Sussex County Council,Essex County Council, Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council, Rushmoor Borough Council, Southampton City Council, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, Surrey County Council, Test Valley Borough Council, Thurrock Council, the University of Brighton, the University of Portsmouth, West Sussex County Council, and Winchester City Council.

Steps to environmental management - a free resource The aim of this free business support is to facilitate the reduction of carbon emissions by providing training, tools and resources to assist SMEs, to implement an environmental management system or plan.

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 35

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 36

FocuS FeaTuRe: CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

FocuS FeaTuReS AN IN-DEPTH LOOK INTO THE KEY BUSINESS SECTORS OF THE REGION

Using

video

as part of your

marketing strategy phiL LYonS (pictured), owner/MD of Videomachine Limited, on how to make the best use of video and achieve a high return on your investment.

G

etting your marketing strategy right can sometimes be challenging. Should you advertise your services?

Should you try to make the most of the social media bandwagon? Will updating your company website make more customers choose you?

The answer is of course, yes, all of the above will certainly help. One single media format can elevate all of these approaches, and that’s video.

Professionally produced video content has been shown to give companies like yours the best return on investment compared to any other medium. And it’s not as expensive as you might think.

There are countless ways that video content can improve your business presence in an increasingly competitive marketplace. One of the most effective is using video testimonials from your customers. It’s one thing to shout about your own achievements using case studies, but having a happy customer telling your website visitors how great your service is, or how your product fits exactly to their needs, is a different thing altogether – and many times more powerful.

Perhaps your business involves a particularly complex concept, or the products you sell fulfil a need that is hard to explain with words and pictures.

Product demonstrations using video that explain these ideas are worth many thousands of words, and can inform and 36 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

Here are FIVE SOLID REASONS for using video as part of your marketing activities: 1. Your customers expect it If you are not using video as part of your marketing strategy, your competitors almost certainly are. It would be a shame for your business to lose out because your offering isn’t clear to your market, or the competition has taken the edge and engaged their potential customers

2. video improves your website Seo Google and other search engines favour websites that include video. Video on your website delivers a much higher response rate – up to 10 times higher than text and graphics. For example, customers are 85% more likely to make a purchase when they can see a product demo in video form.

3. video can be used across all of your marketing channels Your video doesn’t necessarily need to be restricted to your website or YouTube channel, it can be pushed across all your social media, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp. You could also create shorter edits for these platforms and post them periodically as part of a larger campaign.

4. video is accessible Just about all of your potential customers have a smartphone, making your video accessible to each of them, and putting your message literally in the palm of their hands.

5. video simplifies your message If you have a product or service that is difficult to explain, or needs some demonstration, words on a page or website often can’t do it justice. A well crafted video can explain these concepts in just a short time.

entertain your audience to such a degree that their purchasing decisions are made on the spot.

Customers will only buy your product or service when they understand what it does and how it will help them. It is unsurprising that video content is such a good tool for this as the visual element helps businesses clearly explain how things work.

Perhaps the most compelling reason for using video as part of your marketing activities is that video is a great way for businesses and marketers to reach people.

It is easier than ever before to create and share high-quality video content. If you don’t already have video as part of your content strategy, then perhaps you should think about experimenting with a couple of projects.

In short, there is simply no better way to engage with your customers and provide them with the best user experience on your website and other marketing channels than utilising affordable, professionally produced, and well designed video content and imagery.

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 37

FocuS FeaTuRe: CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 37

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 38

FocuS FeaTuRe: CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

Marketing like a

millennial

‘Millennial trends’ are much talked about in the media, but businesses – especially those in the creative industry – could learn a lot from this influential generation. In the battle to stand out from the crowd, BUSINESS VOICE looks at the millennial trends that creative businesses can adapt to engage with an entire generation of ready-made customers.

influencer marketing One of the biggest marketing tools to flood social media in recent years is the idea of ‘social media celebrities’ or ‘influencers’. It is becoming increasingly popular for young people to turn to prominent YouTubers or bloggers to serve as a guide for their purchasing decisions. Therefore, businesses may find that entering into a partnership with such influencers, and having them review or promote their products or services to their followers, is an easy way of engaging with potential new customers.

Live steaming Being able to broadcast live audio and video to tech savvy consumers is an effective way to increase brand awareness. Best of all, it’s a free and easy way of keeping your customers up-to-date with your business venture.

Whether you’re attending a business event, working on a new project or looking to expand your workforce, live streaming will keep your audience engaged and informed every step of the way.

Surprise and delight marketing Over the last decade marketing tactics have evolved drastically, with consumers becoming more and more responsive to unexpected campaigning and personal experiences. Surprise and delight marketing is a clever approach that attracts and retains customers by offering unexpected rewards, such as surprise giveaways. Often employed over social media, (for example, by asking customers to respond to a hashtag and then rewarding those that do with a free gift) this is a fun strategy that will instantly make your brand more memorable while demonstrating that you value your customers. virtual reality Keeping up with tech trends in the creative industry is imperative, and virtual reality (VR) is a key up-andcoming tech trend to jump on board with. Using VR as part of a marketing strategy could have a lot of benefits – interactive ads will allow potential customers to engage with your product, and interactive stores will allow shoppers to browse products and test them out.

Additionally, VR can simply help give you an edge over 38 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

your competitors and get your brand out there.

Adopting such innovative and interesting technology is an effective way of keeping your finger on the pulse and attracting more customers.

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 39

FocuS FeaTuRe: CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 39

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 40

FocuS FeaTuRe: MADE IN HAMPSHIRE

I

often think that organisations and businesses that haven’t “discovered” project management yet are a bit like families that have never had a dishwasher: they’ve always been ok before and haven’t missed what they’ve never had… but once they get one, they realise that life has been made a bit easier.

But what is it? “Project Management” (capital P, capital M)? I could quote some wordy, jargon-laden definition from a textbook, but I’d prefer to keep it simple.

If you’re doing something new, or making a change, you’re probably running a project. Opening a new shop or office? That’s a project. Trying to recruit and onboard a team of new resources? That’s a project. Developing a new product to take to market? That’s a project. Getting married and arranging the wedding and honeymoon?

That’s a project. Yes, really. But more on that later… and “Project Management” (capital P, capital M)? Well, that’s just about how we plan, organise and execute the work required to deliver our project, and give it the best possible chance of having a successful outcome.

It’s not a binary thing – in terms of their project management processes and maturity, organisations don’t simply go from zero to 100 at the flick of a switch.

Project management ‘capability’ is a spectrum… at the far left of arc, you may see companies with very little in the way of clear, repeatable project management processes; at the far right of arc, organisations with very formal, documented and structured methodologies. Between the two is everything in-between: teams delivering projects effectively by applying common sense and learning from their experiences, and not realising they’re “doing project management”; organisations that are so bound up in an overly prescriptive (and ineffective) processes and controls that actually constrain delivery; and organisations that are quite literally just making it up as they go along.

By dave TYLeR (pictured), Managing Director of Shore PMS Limited

Continues on page 42...

Good

project management means there’s always a happily ever after 40 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

Whether you’re recruiting or planning a wedding, project management is of vital importance

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 41

FocuS FeaTuRe: MADE IN HAMPSHIRE

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 41

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 42

FocuS FeaTuRe: MADE IN HAMPSHIRE ...from page 40

I’ve been working on and leading large-scale projects and programmes for over 25 years, across a range of industries, in both the public and private sector. I think there are three key themes that have been consistent during that time: 1. The basics matter The organisations that most consistently deliver projects successfully are getting the simple stuff right – regardless of how (im)mature their broader project management ecosystem is. Understanding your scope of work (what are we supposed to be doing, and what are we definitely not doing?), engaging your stakeholders (talking to the right people, about the right things, at the right time) and managing risk (never getting to the point where you say “I was worried that might happen”).

2. Your project management processes have to fit your business Simply cutting and pasting what another organisation does (or a textbook describes!) generally never works.

You need to understand what your own challenges are, where improvements are needed, and start from there.

understanding your scope of work is important

3. introducing “processes & governance” is not the same as “improving your capability” Spending months documenting processes and governance controls will achieve little (and may have a negative effect) if you don’t understand why you’re doing it and what you’re trying to achieve. People tend to circumvent processes because they find them to be a blocker or overly onerous; they don’t generally do it out of some sense of anarchy or mischief!

And finally, back to weddings. The perfect example of a project. The timescale matters, the budget matters, quality matters. There are plenty of risks to manage (What if it rains when the photographer is taking the big group photo?) There are difficult stakeholders aplenty (extended families, anyone?)

If you consider how a couple approaches wedding planning, you’ll see that they display all the traits of a good project manager. They don’t just turn up at the church or registry office and hope it will all be OK; they spend weeks planning and arranging everything, so that on The Big Day everything goes as well as it possibly can.

The thing is, you see, that Project Management (capital P, capital M) is just “structured common sense”.

We’re doing it all the time, so why do we find it so much harder to do well in the workplace?

42 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 43

FocuS FeaTuRe: MADE IN HAMPSHIRE

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 43

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 44

chamBeR evenTS

evenTS

SEMINARS AND EVENTS

THE LATEST LIST OF chamBeR evenTS TO HELP YOU NETWORK AND GROW

he summer always brings a shift in our events. With the upbeat weather, usually expected for the time of year, we can host events in the beautiful grounds of our members.

Throughout the summer months, we will visit the Gorilla Spirits, for a behind the scenes look at how they make their small-batch award winning spirits. Following this we launch our Future Faces of Hampshire series.

This event will welcome young business professionals to meet, network and hear from industry leaders about what it takes to succeed and lead a business.

T

July - September 2022 Events

diScoveR Team BuiLding

BoaT ShoW BRunch

daTe: 20 July Time: 12:30 – 16:00

daTe: 16 September Time: 11:30 – 14:30

SummeR viRTuaL neTWoRKing

andoveR BuSineSS WeeK

daTe: 17 August Time: 09:30 – 10:45 It wouldn’t be summer without a trip to the New Forest! We will head there not once, but twice in July! Firstly, we join our friends at Dorset Chamber of Commerce as we venture to the Balmer Lawn Hotel for a Summer The summer months mean a chance to network in the sunshine

daTe: 19-23 September

have YouR caKe & eaT iT

BaSingSToKe BuSineSS maTTeRS

daTe: 24 August Time: 14:30 – 16:30

daTe: 29 September Time: 13:30 - 17:00

Garden Party. Following this we will visit New Forest Activity Centre to understand and try our hand at what a team building day really feels like and how you can make the most ROI when planning for your next one.

September will welcome back our Annual Boat Show Brunch. This event, sponsored by Enhanced, who provide strategic support for Microsoft software solutions to facilitate faster business growth, will feature a networking drinks reception and two-course lunch, before we hear from our guest VIP speakers in a relaxed and informal setting. This event is always our flagship event of the year and will welcome over 100 businesses to the event, before you can visit the Boat Show using your complimentary ticket.

We round our summer your off in style with Andover Business Week, now in it’s second year, and for Basingstoke Business Matters, which will return to the Apollo Hotel, for the first time since the pandemic.

For more information on all our events please head to www.hampshirechamber.co.uk/events

44 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 45

chamBeR TRaining

TRaining

BUSINESS TRAINING WORKSHOPS

BOOST YOUR WORKFORCE WITH chamBeR TRaining

July - September 2022 Training Courses incoTeRmS RuLeS daTe: 20 July Time: – 09:30 – 12:30

expoRT documenTaTion

daTe: 20 September Time: 09:30 – 17:00

daTe: 6 September Time: 09:30 – 12:30

impoRT pRoceduReS

undeRSTanding expoRT

daTe: 21 September Time: 09:30 – 12:30

daTe: 8 September Time: 09:30 – 12:30 nhancing and improving the skills inside organisations is proving tougher than expected over the past few years. As offices have closed, companies have moved to remote working and with Brexit still playing its part on those who move goods, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, continue to work with our members to provide a diverse, educational, and informative training calendar which will benefit all businesses.

We have a strong focus on International Trade training. We know that the importing and exporting is proving to be troublesome for all and through our training courses, delivered

by International Trade Matters are a sure-fire way to improve on the skills within the organisation. These British Chambers of Commerce accredited courses will give you the skills that are required to improve your knowledge.

Through working with our member GEP Environmental, we can offer our first ever IEMA Approved Certified Carbon Management course. This 1-day course will provide you with the tools to measure and manage your organisations carbon emissions.

Hampshire Chamber members can also access a variety of free training courses, helping you grow your organisation through strategy, sales, and marketing. Our first course, Kickstart Your Marketing, hosted by All Star Marketing Club, will show you how to develop and create a constant stream of leads.

The second free course available to our members is the Strategies to Grow your Business with Skills for Business Training.

Steve Jones will share with attendees the tips, tricks and skills needed to dramatically grow their business.

e

iema appRoved ceRTiFied caRBon managemenT

documenTaRY LeTTeRS oF cRediT daTe: 9 September Time: 09:30 – 12:30

STRaTegieS To gRoW YouR BuSineSS daTe: 21 September Time: 12:30 – 16:00

KicKSTaRT YouR maRKeTing

STRaTegieS To gRoW YouR BuSineSS

daTe: 13 September Time: 12:30 – 14:00

daTe: 21 September Time: 09:30 – 16:00

For more information on all our courses please head to www.hampshirechamber.co.uk/training Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 45

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 46

SecToR FocuS: CORPORATE HOSPITALITY

SecToR FocuS NEWS AND ADVICE FROM THE SECTORS THAT MATTER TO BUSINESS

a return of parties, and weddings - and guests! fter a stuttering start to the year, the hospitality industry is showing real confidence in recent months with both the leisure and corporate segments beginning to flourish once more.

At The Elvetham Hotel in Hampshire the wedding season has returned with a bang. With so many couples having to postpone once, twice and on some occasions three times due to the pandemic, the spring and early summer has witnessed a constant flow of brides and grooms saying their ‘I do’s’ with the trend continuing for the rest of the summer and into the autumn and winter months.

There has also been a considerable increase in team building and summer party business from the corporate sector.

a

46 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

Team building enquiries at the Elvetham Hotel have markedly increased with multiple events being able to take place across the large acreage on the property.

On the summer party front there has been an abundance of enquiries with corporates wanting to get their teams together in a more relaxed environment. The vast majority of these are from companies that either didn’t have a Christmas party or had to cancel last minute in December due to the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic.

At The Winchester Hotel & Spa we have experienced a large influx of guests travelling to explore the historic cathedral city, whether just for a day or for a week-long holiday, which is an excellent sign for UK tourism as a whole. With the newly refurbished spa at the hotel coming online, guests are stating this as a factor for staying rather than trying to jet off abroad with the ongoing issues at the airports.

At both hotels we have also seen a return of diners looking to experience good food and excellent service, from Afternoon Tea to evening meals or even just a drink in the bar and walk around our gardens, customers are now not wanting to waste the opportunity they have to enjoy themselves.

Now we are in summer, the UK hospitality sector seems to be experiencing an increase in the staycation market as opposed to travelling abroad. Whether it is the uncertainty of flights to other countries or the increase in holiday prices, UK hospitality seems to be becoming more popular for 2022 – long may it continue!

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 47

SecToR FocuS: CORPORATE HOSPITALITY

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 47

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 48

SecToR FocuS: ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING

additive manufacturing - delivering on demand By cRaig pYSeR, CEO AMufacture nshoring and reshoring manufacturing has been a beneficiary of the recent turmoil in markets led by global events from Covid, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the impact and risks highlighted by the six day Suez Canal blockage.

Workflows depending on a just-in-time philosophy were exposed with delays, inventory stocking and inflationary pressures that may take years to resolve. Local companies and multinationals alike have been forced to review every step of their supply chains and the result has been a positive shift back to “made in the UK.” Timing is everything and the technological advancements in additive manufacturing in recent years can now deliver manufactured parts ranging from prototypes to functional parts for

o

industry. Building a part layer by layer in polymer or metal has evolved with an expanded range of materials deployed in a variety of different processes that range from powder printers to those that use resin and filament/pellets.

The critical component has to always be about the end application when choosing materials and working with companies, local specialist additive manufacturers can recommend the right engineering solution that may be outsourced to them and eventually brought in-house by the companies if appropriate.

Some industries resist change and some are highly regulated that make those changes difficulty to action but in so many cases, the blockage is with the traditional/conventional manufacturing workforce.

Drawing on Max Planck’s adage of innovation happening one retirement at time, we are at a point where educating existing designers and engineers and showing them the possibilities will advance additive manufacturing adoption across industries.

There has been significant growth in recent years and the marine, automotive and renewables sectors are embracing this change and particularly at the highest end such as F1, America’s Cup and the Electric Vehicle markets. We are seeing a proliferation of parts, composite tooling as well as jigs and fixtures utiliising additive manufacturing that in time will filter down into the mainstream.

Education will play a major role with universities and colleges needing to invest in the latest technology or alternatively work closely with local industry that

‘The marine, automotive and renewables sectors are embracing this change’ custom part 3d printed for 52ft racing yacht

have this technology. New designers and engineers who can enter the workforce with some understanding and experience in additive manufacturing will enable the UK to remain at the forefront of innovation with globally transferrable skills.

Where the leap in technology will further impact will be in the cataloguing and storing of CAD designs for new and older parts and components. This will enable companies to keep a digital/virtual warehouse of parts instead of sometimes decades worth of inventory on shelves that may be lost, deteriorate or be in the wrong place at the wrong rime.

The solution of having the digital file that can be sent to print on demand with short lead times and where needed means downtime can be deduced to hours in some cases instead of days or weeks. A ship waiting for a part in port or a train that is out of service can cost tens of thousands a day – using additive manufacturing can be transformative and mean that just-in-time dislocations will be a thing of the past.

Additive manufacturing is sustainable, reduces waste, has a short lead time and often less cost when compared to alternatives.

Designing for this process means that complexity is free so parts can be significantly lighter which can be further enhanced with generative design. On demand manufacturing is available locally - just don’t wait until retirement to discover it!

For more information, visit: www.amufacture.com

48 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:44 Page 49

SecToR FocuS: ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Tailored solutions for product manufacturers Roy McFarlane, Managing Director at Total Productivity Solutions, discusses the problems facing the product manufacturing industry - and the answers. otal Productivity Solutions (TPS) specialises in helping food and regulated product manufacturers create a competitive advantage by developing and delivering solutions for complex business problems.

The food and regulated product manufacturing sector is the unsung hero of the UK economy. This sector provides the everyday packaged products we eat and drink.

There is a lot to go wrong, but consumers mostly take this for granted. They just want their stuff.

The post-pandemic environment has highlighted a few critical constraints that food manufacturers are struggling to resolve:

T

• • • •

Fluctuating demand Skills & labour shortages Sustainability Application of advanced technology

Fluctuating demand Lockdown and the movement to more home working changed consumer habits overnight, and manufacturers have struggled to adapt.

The rapid uptick in online shopping has caught manufacturers unprepared and has created a shockwave of demand volatility and planning uncertainty.

Skills & labour shortages With more opportunities to work from home, the difficulty bringing in migrant factory labour and people wanting less arduous working conditions, manufacturers are experiencing a unique conundrum. The lack of technical skills has compounded the problem.

Sustainability Rising energy costs and increased Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) expectations from consumers have made sustainability the topic of the moment.

Retailers and wholesalers are squeezing manufacturers to offset ESG costs because consumers do not want to pay for more sustainable and socially ethical options. Spoilage and product shelf life are the most challenging and costly issues for fresh food producers. application of advanced technology Food manufacturing has typically relied on manual operations for dexterity and providing process flexibility. Advances in technology and user interface have improved significantly.

However, the fundamental difficulty is still the product and the overall cost of changeovers.

Automation is not a simple copy-paste solution. If a business is not suitably prepared, it will incur high wastage and the team will have difficulty supporting the new investment.

What TpS can do for you Food and regulated product manufacturers in the UK need help.

Our purpose is to help manufacturing businesses sustainably manage the constant changes in customer demands, react to technological developments and compete with the low wage economies.

We help manufacturers by developing and implementing sustainable, tailored solutions that:

• Maximise productivity • Improve production flexibility • Reduce value stream wastage • Rationalise operating costs • Optimise Costs of Goods Sold • Improve sustainability

To discuss your priority problems, contact Roy mcFarlane at: T: 01980 669 610 e: info@total-productivity.com W: totalproductivity.co.uk Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 49

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:45 Page 50

SecToR FocuS: CHAMBER INTERNATIONAL TRADE

caLL uS on: 01329 242420

Keep your business compliant with hmRc M Revenue & Customs (HMRC) enforce all border control measures, and importing goods into the UK and exporting goods outside of the UK for your business now involves more paperwork and know-how than ever before.

Since January 2021, all goods moving between Great Britain, the European Union, and countries outside the EU require a customs declaration. HMRC had put easements in place to make things easier for internationally trading companies however, as of January 2022, these have now been lifted, and full customs controls are in place. Traders moving goods must now submit declarations at the point of import or export and pay relevant taxes.

h

Who are chambercustoms and how can they help you as your customs clearance agent?

Our customs clearance agents: • File customs declaration forms (import and export) • Understand the correct customs duty • Ensure hassle-free customs clearance for your imports and exports • Issue Transit Documentation (T1) along with your Export Declaration 50 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

• Speed up the whole customs clearance process • Guide you through exporting goods out of the UK • Guide you through importing goods into the UK • Keep your business compliant with HMRC • Provide excellent customer service for your customs clearance solutions • Supply expert advice and professional support • Provide expert training in customs - import and export • Provide bespoke advisory services for your trading business Why choose chambercustoms?

• ChamberCustoms is the only customs clearance agent with direct links to all UK air, sea, and land port terminals.

• More than 2,000 UK trading businesses trust us to take care of their customs declarations with numbers increasing monthly.

• Anyone can make customs entries but ChamberCustoms offers a system to ensure you are compliant with your import and export declarations and transit documents.

Frequently asked questions Q: What are customs declarations and why is it so important that businesses get them right? a: Customs declarations are legally required forms that are used to accompany goods that are entering or leaving a market. They’re used internationally to communicate the origin of the product and its relevant tariff, to allow customs and regulatory authorities to calculate what duty is payable and understand applicable restrictions.

They are crucial because they enable authorities to know where goods are coming from or going to, in order to control the flow of goods, ensure the safety and security of the country and collect the correct duty.

Q: What is chambercustoms? a: It is a customs clearance service, run by Chambers of Commerce.

At the end of the transition period from 1 January 2021, the amount of paperwork required to import and export goods from overseas increased in both volume and complexity. The dedicated team of experts at Hampshire Chamber of Commerce can be trusted to have the expertise and knowledge to help you keep on trading.

Q: Why is chambercustoms unique? a: Put simply, we have direct relationships with every port in the UK. This means we do not need to rely on any third parties to clear goods for import and export. Many customs brokers have to rely on third parties to offer a fully national service, exposing you to a loss of control and potentially effecting the accuracy, speed and cost of the service.

This can also expose traders to penalties from the tax authorities.

Q: how much does it cost? a: Unlike other customs clearance providers our pricing structure is completely transparent. All traders pay the same. We charge a small fee to process your declaration directly through HMRC plus a fixed 10% handling charge for the port fees we will pay on your behalf. We would be delighted to provide a quote for our services.

Q: do i have to be a member of my local chamber of commerce to use the service? a: No, the service is open to all businesses who import or export goods Q: i’m interested in learning more – what do i do next? a: Contact your ChamberCustoms team at Hampshire Chamber of Commerce on tel 01329 242420 or via email chambercustoms@hampshirechamber.co.uk

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:45 Page 51

SecToR FocuS: CHAMBER INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Local forwarder trusted to transport important memorial a nglo Freight, the Southamptonbased freight forwarding company, were delighted to have been chosen to transport and customs clear a Submariner Memorial which was unveiled by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge in March 2022 at the National Memorial Arboretum.

The monument, which can now be seen at the site located in Alrewas, Staffordshire, was created by the sculptor Paul Day. The prince was quoted as saying “he had created a truly fitting memorial to those lost, and those who may give their lives in years to come.”

prince William unveils the monument

out of gauge According to Sebastian Goodman, Commercial Director at Anglo Freight, the transport of this ‘Out of Gauge’ shipment did not come without its challenges. “We not only had to ensure the correct equipment for loading and carrying the piece was used, but to also plan the route to avoid obstacles such as low bridges.”

With an experienced team of transport planners and operators at their disposal, the local forwarders were able to successfully guide the piece through customs and on to its ‘final destination’ in good time for the ceremony.

Shipping Established in 2013, Anglo Freight began operations with the movement of Full Container Loads for their clients between Shenzhen and Southampton. Since then, they have grown to handle shipments to and from any location in the world.

The Submariner memorial, by paul day

They now welcome new clients with their support for managing the transport of part loads and groupage as well as full container loads and out of gauge shipments. As

Sebastian added: “We can now move freight using either air, sea, or road transport with the support of our worldwide network of agents and brokers. This helps us to ensure a reliable transport service and the efficient customs clearance of goods.”

Their overseas partners in China are members of THE Alliance, featuring five of the world’s major shipping lines with a combined TEU of 4.5 million, which allows them access to competitive rates on the most contested shipping routes in the world.

anyone looking for a reputable company to move and customs clear cargo, can trust anglo Freight to get it moving in good time. They can be readily contacted by phone (02380 171811) or email (sales@anglofreight.co.uk) website: www.anglofreight.co.uk Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 51

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:45 Page 52

SecToR FocuS: CHAMBER INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Helping you take your business global TRAINING COURSES

JuLY 20 Incoterms Rules

SepTemBeR 6 8 22 22

Export Documentation Understanding Export Import Procedures Documentary Letters of Credit

ocToBeR 4 5 6 19

Agents & Distributors Preferential Rules of Origin Inward/Outward Processing Customs Procedures & Documentation

For further information please visit: www.hampshirechamber.co.uk/training

52 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:45 Page 53

SecToR FocuS: CHAMBER INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 53

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:45 Page 54

SecToR FocuS: LEGAL & FINANCE

cost of living crisis puts local firms under pressure • Supply chain issues and availability seen as their second biggest challenge in the next three months • Only eight per cent of OMBs see reducing their carbon emissions as a challenge in the next three months

ver half of business owners in the South of England say that rising costs will impact their profitability as the cost of living crisis hits businesses as well as consumers, says Moore UK, the top 15 accountancy network.

Moore’s quarterly survey of owner-managed businesses shows that UK businesses are now coming under acute pressure

o

from surging inflation driving up the costs of materials and energy.

Thirty-nine per cent of businesses in the South of England see supply chain issues and availability as their second biggest challenge in the three months ahead, followed by the lingering effects of the pandemic (38%) and the inability for business owners to increase their prices to the end consumer (29%).

‘Small businesses will typically have less pricing power than big corporates and will therefore be less able to pass on inflation to their customers’ Sue Lucas, Chair of Moore (South) said: “Small businesses are almost unanimous in identifying inflation as a major threat. Nine per cent inflation means costs are very quickly getting out of control for OMB’s. The UK’s cost of living crisis is increasingly impacting small businesses as well as ordinary people.

“A lot of small business owners are having sleepless nights over how they handle the shock of cost increases. Whether they choose to try to cut costs, increase prices or both, they will almost inevitably take a hit to profitability.

“Small businesses will typically have less pricing power than big corporates and will therefore be less able to pass on inflation to their customers.”

The Owner Managed Business (OMB) survey also revealed that only eight per cent of OMB’s see reducing their carbon emissions as a key challenge over the next three months.

Sue added: “For most small business owners, reducing carbon emissions is something that just isn’t seen as a priority at the moment. In their view, it’s currently dwarfed by the more immediate risks posed by inflation and interest rate rises. Most entrepreneurs would prefer to reduce their businesses’ carbon footprints but when so many industries are facing economic headwinds, their focus is understandably elsewhere.”

• Survey sample size: 517 owner-managed businesses

About Moore (South)

Sue Lucas

54 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

Moore (South) Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers are part of the Moore UK top 15 accounting and business advisory network. Its member firms are also member firms of Moore Global Limited, one of the world's major accounting and consulting networks with its headquarters in London. The network comprises more than 260 independent firms in over 110 countries, incorporating more than 30,000 people.

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:45 Page 55

SecToR FocuS: LEGAL & FINANCE

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 55

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:45 Page 56

SecToR FocuS: LEGAL & FINANCE

56 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:45 Page 57

SecToR FocuS: LEGAL & FINANCE

impact of health and Social care Levy n his Spring Statement on 23 March, Rishi Sunak confirmed that the Government would press ahead with its decision to use National Insurance Contributions (NICs) as a tax to help raise £36bn to fund the costs of the NHS, health and social care, referred to as the ‘Health and Social Care Levy’.

Under the change, employers and employees will each be taxed an additional 1.25 percentage points. The rule change came into effect on 6 April 2022, at the start of the new tax year.

However, it was also announced that the annual National Insurance Primary Threshold and Lower Profits Limit would increase from £9,880 to £12,570, aligning it with the income tax personal allowance from July, being the earliest date that will allow all payroll software developers and employers to update their systems and implement changes.

The Government argues that a typical employee will now be saving over £330 in the year from July and about 70% of NICs payers will pay less NICs, even after accounting for the introduction of the Levy.

These measures come at a time when businesses and employees are struggling with ongoing rises in the cost of living, an energy costs crisis and projected increases in inflation

to above 10% in the next three months.

Employers will have to contend with issues around staff retention and a national shortage of labour, coupled with the implications of Brexit and right to work checks which make employing non-UK passport holders increasingly complex.

i

Jacqueline Kendal

‘This tax increase could be translated into the form of lower wages or higher prices that may not be sustainable for small businesses in the long term’

What might the long-term effects be?

As an employer, looking ahead, you may need to cut back on other spending to fund the change and the new rules could impact employee benefits. This could lead to difficulties in recruitment and retention.

Taking into account that it is not just employees who pay National Insurance but also employers, this tax increase could be translated into the form of lower wages or higher prices that may not be sustainable for small businesses in the long term. SMEs generate 50% of GDP and 60% of private sector employment; the economic recovery relies on small business to bounce back.

Timing is everything and an immediate rise could dampen down the recovery. if you have any questions or would like advice about this subject, please contact Jacqueline Kendal by calling 01256 854626 or emailing jacqueline.kendal@phillips-law.co.uk

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 57

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:45 Page 58

SecToR FocuS: SKILLS & TRAINING

Skillslabs help close the gap between education and work B

orn from the January 2021 White Paper, Skills for Jobs: lifelong learning for opportunity and growth, and funded by the Department for Education, College Business Centres have been launched across the country with the aim of bridging the gap between business and education.

Officially launched in early June, the facilities at Fareham College include a bright and spacious coworking space available for short-term one-day hire or long-term membership, which includes a range of meeting spaces, such as a large boardroom and various meeting pods, with catering options for events and lunches.

The coworking space acts as a meeting point and crossroads for SMEs supporting growth and development across the region.

The physical meeting spaces, hot desks and board room support individual businesses to engage in creative discussions and interactions furthering business development.

As part of the project, two ‘Skillslabs’ hubs were created to address the disproportionate level of business failure in the region, providing support and mentoring for start-ups and growing SMEs. One centre is based at Fareham College and one at the Isle of Wight College, with additional college partners including Brockenhurst College,

‘it is vital to ensure the skills learning and development is in place’ Southampton City College, City of Portsmouth College and Havant and South Downs College.

Director of College Business Centres Beverley Poole said: “Working with all the college partners is crucial in securing the success of the plan. We have a golden opportunity to reach across the south coast from

Brockenhurst College in the New Forest through to Havant with HSDC. Each activity and event are tailored to the specific needs of that area and delivered with a strategic purpose in mind.”

Working in partnership with Skillslabs and the colleges Hampshire Chamber of Commerce are principal tenants of the space at Fareham College.

CEO and Executive Chair of the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce Ross McNally said: “We know that large organisations have the resource and capacity to invest heavily in talent development optimising

their future workforce, however, SMEs, in particular, do not have this luxury. The Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Skillslabs and the colleges, strive to create a community of practice enabling all involved to address needs far more effectively.”

President of the Chamber of Commerce Peter Taylor added: “This region is strategically important both nationally and internationally, being home to a major international port in Southampton, and the Royal Navy in Portsmouth. As a result, the Solent is attracting widespread investment and investment interest, so it is vital to ensure the skills learning and development is in place to support the long-term strategy of the area.”

A key strategic priority of the College Business Centre is to support businesses to inform skills training and education, bringing organisations together to share best practices, and innovative solutions, learning from peers and gaining support.

Speaking on the additional benefit for students brought about by the partnership, Managing Director for Business and Partnerships Anoushka Ottley said: “Industry placements are a key requirement of many qualifications, including T Levels, and the inclusion of the Business Centre on site will provide greater opportunity for our students which is hugely valuable.”

Further information and opportunities to access skills training and education, succession planning and mentoring is available at Skillslabs.co.uk

About Skillslabs Skillslabs hosts a range of events throughout the year from business breakfasts to master classes and official launches and industry boards.

The coworking space at Fareham College is available for bookings and enquiries now, the Isle of Wight will be launching their space shortly.

For further information please take a look at Skillslabs and Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.

58 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:45 Page 59

SecToR FocuS: SKILLS & TRAINING

hybrid working will demand even more from our teams Post-pandemic working models require our teams to be even more efficient, says vicKY maddiSon of Maddison Coaching.

Where a team was established and worked well together, home and hybrid working were relatively straight-forward to implement and functioned well. However, for teams who don’t know each other so well, for whatever reason, these non-traditional set-ups can challenge everyone.

“It’s really important that organisations find ways to help teams gel quickly,” said Vicky. “Many agree that hybrid working models are the future for many businesses, and they bring huge benefits in areas like work/life balance and reduced travel. However, spending less time physically sharing an office means teams get to know each other more slowly, impacting upon their efficiency.”

Vicky recommends the Everything DiSC® suite to help build those relationships, fast. “As an authorised partner of DiSC we like the focus on personality profiling to enhance team cohesion, something Maddison Coaching excel at developing.”

Everything DiSC® is a personal development learning experience.

Participants receive insights which, first, deepen their understanding of themselves, and second, develop their understanding of others. This makes workplace interactions both more enjoyable and more effective, resulting in a more engaged and collaborative workforce. Vicky also facilitates DiSC packages that offer leadership support, emotional intelligence development and awareness around conflict behaviours. vicky is happy to chat with any hampshire chamber member who would be interested in finding out more about how everything diSc® can help their business. chamber members receive a 30% discount. please get in touch on 01794 341583 or email: enquiries@maddisoncoaching.com

Training staff from the comfort of their living room

By SheLLeY edWaRdS, Progress to Success.

Learning and development is an important part of any person’s life.

Knowing that you have the skills and to carry out your role is powerful but when you also manage “you” better by learning more tools and techniques, you not only feel more empowered but you gain more confidence, motivation and you learn to manage stress much better.

Companies benefit hugely from having a culture of coaching and training. While I have always delivered coaching and training all over the country and internationally via Zoom, my world massively opened to Zoom more so, like it did for all us in March 2020!

I have to say it has been the most exciting and brilliant time for me.

Connecting with more people who are not only very busy and can find it hard to find time for training, they may be short staffed or the time to travel to venues is too time consuming.

Many staff I connect with are still working from home so zooming in and then having a proper lunch break before work again has been very good for work life balance. I have also been advised by many shy and introverted staff that they feel more at ease in the zoom arena and find it easier to have their say.

I can still build rapport, control a session with regards to time, engage a group of training delegates and everyone gets a comfy seat!

To find out more, please contact Shelley edwards on tel: 07505 600719 or via email: shelleyedwards@progresstosuccess.co.uk Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 59

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:45 Page 60

xR centre brings hollywood technology to the region T he University of Portsmouth’s new £7m Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality (CCIXR) opened in May - and it’s offering businesses in the region the chance to explore the potential of XR technology through its Enabling XR Enterprise (eXRe) Project. ‘eXtended Reality’ (XR) covers a wide range of technologies that blend virtual and physical worlds together using Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR) and Virtual Reality (VR) to create fully immersive experiences.

CCIXR is the UK’s first purposebuilt facility to bring together a whole suite of the very latest XR technologies under one roof to support research, training and innovation.

Often associated with gaming

The SmartStage(R) at ccixR can be set up with just about any backdrop, bringing a new dimension to presentations

or Hollywood special effects, XR also has a huge range of business applications, including workplace training simulators, new ways to promote products and services, visualising new projects to attract investors or building a brand

‘often associated with gaming or hollywood special effects, xR also has a huge range of business applications’ 60 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

presence in the Metaverse.

However, the specialist nature of the technology, the speed at which it’s evolving and the perceived cost, have created barriers to entry for many businesses. CCIXR, part-funded with £3.6m from Solent LEP, aims to make XR technology and its business potential more accessible to more organisations.

Its eXRe Project offers organisations of all sizes and sectors the unique opportunity to get expert advice and experience

the latest XR technology – including VR simulators and motion capture – first-hand. There are free networking events, workshops and one-to-one support for companies to create an XR innovation plan for their business.

Pippa Bostock, CCIXR’s Business Director, said: “There’s a huge percentage of the business market that has limited understanding of what XR technology is, what it can do for them and how it can help them. eXRe allows us to open the doors of CCIXR to the regional business community, showcasing the technological possibilities and how XR can help organisations in a wide range of ways. We want businesses and organisations to come to us with their questions and challenges, and then we can show them how XR can be applied to have real-world impact.”

To find out more about the exRe project, visit www.port.ac.uk and for details about ccixR, visit www.port.ac.uk/ccixr

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:45 Page 61

SecToR FocuS: TECHNOLOGY

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 61

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:45 Page 62

neW memBeRS HAMPSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME ITS NEW MEMBERS

Advantage Members aQua 360 BaThRoom RenovaTionS LimiTed adam Fitzgerald 25 Barrington Drive, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 9RS T: 07464170646 W: www.aqua-360.co.uk Aqua360 Bathroom renovations Ltd is a local bathroom design, supply and installation business based in Basingstoke, Hampshire. We have over 20 years’ experience with Bathroom renovations, designing, installing and project managing bathroom installations. We offer a free no obligation design consultation service.

Essential/Digital Members phoebe holworthy

evoLTiQ LimiTed John White

Unit 17, Sandleheath Industrial Estate, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 1PA

International House, George Curl Way, Southampton, Hampshire, SO18 2RZ

T: 01425 653943 W: www.alfadisplay.co.uk

T: 02381 542988 W: www.evoltiq.co.uk

We offer total modular exhibition solutions with a free design service. We supply and install Linx modular exhibition stands – for purchase or hire. We handle every stage on your behalf, from initial concept and detailed designs through to production and installation.

Evoltiq is your local green energy electrical installer. We specialise in vehicle charging points at your home or for your business. We also have solutions for solar integration as well as battery storage. Feel free to call our friendly team.

aLFa diSpLaY & deSign LimiTed

BeTapaK Jon carter Pritchett’s Way, Rookley, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 3LT

hampShiRe & iSLe oF WighT communiTY FoundaTion Jacqui Scott The Orchard, White Hart Lane, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 4AF

T: 01983 721 100

T: 01962 798700 W: www.hiwcf.org.uk

Betapak provide 100,000+ products covering manufacturing, retail & mail order packaging, furniture, cleaning & janitorial products, catering equipment, office stationery & supplies, catering disposables and packaging plus much more! Always giving you the best price, service and product quality.

HIWCF is an independent charitable foundation specialising in building funds and awarding grants on behalf of donors and fundholders. Our aim is to support the work of smaller charities, community groups and voluntary organisations across Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

62 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:45 Page 63

hampshire chamber offers a range of membership packages designed to meet your business needs.

Be inspired, learn, network and grow at these upcoming business to business shows in Hampshire

JunipeR ReSeaRch LimiTed carlie cohen 9 Cedarwood, Chineham, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 8WD T: 01256 830002 W: www.juniperresearch.com Juniper Research specialises in providing bestin-class market research across mobile, online and disruptive technologies. We offer indepth reports, forecasts, annual subscriptions and consultancy. Our global clients include Tier One operators and vendors. moToR maRKeTing uK mark Francis

SWig Finance LimiTed

South Office, Unit 2, Harbourgate, Southampton Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 4BQ

Lisa alcock Lowena House, Truro, Cornwall, TR4 9NY

T: 0800 043 8113 W: www.motormarketinguk.com

T: 01872 223 883 W: www.swigfinance.co.uk

We are a marketing agency and contact centre who specialises in lead management and retention programmes across all industries.

CRM is the driving force behind what we do and we strive to deliver exceptional service for our clients through CRM programmes, training, video & animation and digital marketing.

SWIG Finance aims to make finance accessible for SMEs and start-ups which have the potential to grow and benefit their local community but can’t get the support they need from their bank or other mainstream sources.

panTaeniuS uK Simon hedley Deacon House, Deacons Boatyard, Bridge Road, Bursledon, Hampshire, SO31 8AW T: 01752 223656 W: www.pantaenius.com/uk-en Pantaenius UK has been providing marine insurance solutions for over 50 years with its UK offices in Plymouth and Southampton.

Over 100,000 boat owners place their trust in the Pantaenius brand globally and enjoy the peace of mind that our policies provide.

RoYaL WincheSTeR goLF cLuB paul crowe Sarum, Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 5QE T: 01962 852462 W: www.royalwinchestergolfclub.com Royal Winchester Golf Club is a private members club just a short distance from Winchester City. Founded in 1888, the club has an extensive clubhouse with spectacular views. The clubhouse, with ample free parking, is a perfect venue for small conferences and banquets.

The KingS TheaTRe TRuST LimiTed darren Smith Albert Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO5 2QJ T: 02392 828282 W: www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk The Kings is a magnificent Edwardian theatre in the heart of Portsmouth. It has an impressive and varied entertainment programme with West End musicals, first class comedians, music, dance and drama, and is home to the renowned Pompey Panto.

WincheSTeR RugBY FooTBaLL cLuB Rob Sanderson North Walls Park, Off Nuns Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 7SU T: 01962 867021 W: www.winchesterrugby.rfu.club Winchester RFC: it’s not just rugby.

Networking, hospitality, sponsorship, match day experiences. 600 junior players, 120 volunteers, 1400 members. We’re an integral part of the community.

Come and get to know us. #teamwork #respect #enjoyment #discipline #sportsmanship

Businesses and professionals from across Hampshire are invited to attend two upcoming business shows taking place in September.

The first event is the Basingstoke Business Expo which returns to Oakley Hall Hotel on Thursday 15 September; shortly followed by the Portsmouth Business Expo on 29 September at The Village Hotel.

Both events attract over 250 professionals from business owners, CEOs, managers and directors, as well as local entrepreneurs, startups and charities.

Be inspired, learn, network and grow, plus learn from keynote speakers. There are free social media, marketing, LinkedIn and lead generation masterclasses and seminars, and it’s completely free to attend.

There’ll also be packed exhibition halls with over 50 exhibitors and businesses on hand with all the services you’ll need to take your business to the next level.

Businesses looking to raise awareness, generate leads and network at the events are invited to book a stand with prices starting from as little as £295.

The organisers have also announced the launch of their brand new mobile app which aims to help attendees to connect and network before, during and after the event.

As well as these two events in September, B2B Expos, who have organised the business shows since 2011, also plan further events later on in the year in Brighton, Oxford, Birmingham, Swindon, Southampton and Reading.

To find out more about how you can get your business involved with these events, go to: www.b2bexpos.co.uk or email gemma Brett at: gemma@b2bexpos.co.uk

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 63

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:45 Page 64

Basic Members Business management services & consultancy

aTLanTic accounTS paul owen Gatcombe House, Copnor Road, Portsmouth Hampshire PO3 5EJ

The FouRpennY WoRKShop LimiTed matthew plummer

T: 020 3287 9200 W: www.atlanticaccounts.com Accountancy and taxation services

Unit 4, Maple Farm, Botley Road, Curdridge, Hampshire, SO32 2DU

audiTeL

T: 07808 279485 W: www.thefourpennyworkshop.co.uk

John gerard

Makers and restorers of shepherds huts

13 - 19 London Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 1JL

TinY ToeS daY nuRSeRY

T: 07813 841638 Utility consultant and supplier

Tiffany hanley

BeLieve YouR WeLLBeing maTTeRS

gRaYLandS

Justine markley

Winchester, Hampshire

Colden Common, Hampshire T: 07501 409322 Mental health & wellbeing support

T: 07793 021607 W: graylands.uk Public affairs/public relations

caTax

gReen Team inTeRioRS

molly Williams

ian Blyth

36 Earls Court Road, Kensington, London, W8 6EJ

Unit E2, The Brickyards, Steep Marsh, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 2BN

T: 0300 303 1903 W: www.catax.com Research & development capital allowances

James Boyd-Wallis

T: 01730 890111 W: www.greenteaminteriors.co.uk

JOIN THE CHAMBER

The chamber provides a range of quality services and benefits supporting your business to grow successfully.

From networking events to business profile-building opportunities and business support, there are plenty of reasons to join hampshire chamber of commerce membership is open to businesses of all sizes and from all sectors with packages starting from as little as £2.30 per week.

Just call us on 01329 242420 or 01256 338477, or email membership@hampshirechamber.co.uk

64 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022

1 Sutherland Road, Lordshill, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 8GA T: 02380 735061 W: tinytoesdaynursery.com Nursery services, child care Tmc FinanciaL conSuLTancY LLp Tom collins Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 6SG T: 07824 442917 W: www.tmcfc.co.uk Wealth managers, wealth planner, financial services

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:45 Page 65

Q3 2022 BuSineSS voice 65

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:45 Page 66

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:45 Page 67

Business Voice Q3 issue 2.qxp_A4 size 06/07/2022 15:45 Page 68

68 BuSineSS voice Q3 2022