Business Voice Q4 22

CHAMBER

SECTOR

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ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE

Business Voice is a quarterly magazine distributed to around 5,000 members, affiliates and key businesses in the Hampshire

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Welcome

BY JACKIE HIGHMORE,INTERNATIONAL TRADE MANAGER, HAMPSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Avery warm welcome to our latest edition of Business Voice which will take us through to the end of another busy year.

I am writing to you from our new ChamberSpace office facility. Back in April the team moved to the business hub within Fareham College, and ChamberSpace is our purpose-built office space which has been designed to fit around your needs and preferences providing bespoke workspace and business support for growing companies in Hampshire.

The past months have been busy, and I am sure have provided challenges for some and opportunities for others, and this has been no different for our international trade team who have been engaging with importers and exporters via our new customs clearance service, ChamberCustoms, which offers a fast, efficient, accurate and fully HMRC compliant service for all your import and export clearance requirements. The team

have also continued to work with companies, issuing their trade documentation including Certificates of Origin, ATA Carnets, and the EUR1 Preference Certificate for their overseas shipments.

Something to bear in mind and that is, all services within our international trade portfolio are available to all companies, with members of the Chamber benefiting from reduced fees as part of their membership and a reminder of the services: Certificates of Origin, HMRC EUR1 Preference Certificates, ATA Carnets, the ChamberCustoms service, Accredited International Trade Training workshops, Foreign Currency Risk Prevention, market and general advice.

The team are here to help so please do not hesitate to contact us with any of your international trade questions on tel 01329 242420.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Business Voice and would like to wish you the very best for the remainder of 2022.

MEMBER NEWS

THE LATEST NEWS AND SUCCESS STORIES FROM CHAMBER MEMBERS

Local financial advisory firm, Fortem Financial Management, based in Rankine Road, Basingstoke, has recently taken on two new members of staff directly from A-Level education at local colleges due to the demand to maintain and improve the service given to their existing clients and new clients as a result of a recent acquisition.

Fortem, who offer financial advice to predominantly business owners and families, have needed to expand due to a recent acquisition that has increased their client numbers by a third.

Harry Liddiard, a former student at Queen Marys College and Corey Bradley, a former student a BCoT, have joined Fortem as Client Administrators and will assist the firm’s Financial Advisers and existing clients.

Harry said: “I have always wanted to work in finance and am prepared to start at the bottom and work my way up and become a financial advisor one day. I thought about university, but wanted to get straight onto a career path and see where it can lead.”

Colleges provide a ready-made workforce

These were sentiments echoed by Corey who said: “During the time I was completing my studies at BCoT, I was looking for roles and heard that Fortem are a company that are prepared to take people without experience and train them up. Once I passed the interview process, I couldn’t wait to start.”

Both Corey and Harry have joined the company and are currently working through their initial induction before embarking on a career path that will see them start to work towards becoming fully qualified Financial Advisors within the next 3 years.

Shannon Liddiard, Operations Manager at Fortem, said: “One of the things we like to do is ‘grow our own’ by taking people straight from education and instil the training, culture and work ethic that will not only help us as a business but also help them. We have historically helped local colleges and schools with careers talks and financial education so it only seems fitting that we try to recruit from the local colleges to continue to build that relationship, and in this case both QMC and BCoT have managed to help us to recruit two fantastic individuals who have a lot of potential.”

‘One of the things we like to do is ‘grow our own’ by taking people straight from education’

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

Shannon Liddiard, Operations Manager, with Harry and Corey

The importance of having robust IT support your business can rely on

It has never been more important for businesses from all sectors to work with an IT support partner who is reliable, efficient, and understanding.

The ability to work remotely and securely is just one area that needs careful planning and successful implementation. Today however it is now a reality as the workplace is becoming a far more flexible environment. The value of hybrid working is now well established with employees likely to look for another job if their employer doesn’t offer a flexible working model.

Shenton’s Solicitors, based in Winchester, are an excellent example of how without the support of their IT partner Enhanced, they could not have responded to the requirements to allow them to operate in a different work environment.

Enhanced supported all their IT and developed an exceptional understanding of

their business. As soon as the Government announced that Shentons needed to work from home they were faced with a major challenge as the majority of their staff were office based. Enhanced stepped in and within 24 hours, upgraded their IT for hybrid working and their total workforce were up and running and working remotely.

The swift adjustment to work remotely and securely meant that Shentons could continue to deliver and maintain their service without any detriment to their clients.

Elisabeth Pollard (pictured), Partner, Shentons, said: “The partnership we have established and maintained with Enhanced is exceptional.

“They have supported us for over 20 years and have always been there to guide us in matters of IT.

“We now have up-to-date systems to help grow our business and their professionalism is outstanding.”

Wightlink boss swims the Solent

Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield says he was delighted and relieved to step on to Ryde beach after swimming more than five kilometres across the Solent for charity.

Keith and his daughter Jo Hudson took part in ‘Swim the Solent’ to help raise money for people living with motor neurone disease (MND) and research into the condition. It took two and a half hours of swimming and over 4,000 arm strokes for each of them to get across from Gosport.

Their JustGiving page has now notched up £2,423 for Ian Pratt's MND Foundation.

Clad in wetsuits, Keith and Jo were accompanied by buddies in kayaks to support and motivate them, alongside 10 other swimmers also raising funds for MND.

“I’m an enthusiast for open water swimming and have been training hard this summer, but this tested me to the limit.

Thankfully the conditions were good, although the tide made it harder. I’m pleased to play my part to help those with MND, through this swim,” says Keith.

Ian Pratt set up his MND Foundation after he was diagnosed with the condition in 2012. It increases awareness of MND, supports people with the disease and aids research into its causes. Since 2013, the annual swim has raised more than £200,000 for the charity.

Keith and Jo take a breather after swimming from Gosport to Ryde

Charity

MORTGAGES

Parity Trust is a group of companies based in Port Solent comprising of a charity, an industrial and provident society and a company limited by Guarantee. The organisation was formed in 2000 to provide an alternative finance option to those living in the Portsmouth area who were not able to access small personal loans from mainstream lenders.

Since inception, the organisation has developed its product offering and in 2005 introduced a secured Home Improvement Loan scheme in partnership with local authorities. In addition a range of secured loans and mortgages have also been developed. These products are separate to the suite of finance available for home improvements.

Parity Trust gained approval from the Financial Conduct Authority in 2010 for its regulated mortgage activities, and to date, more than £8.4m has been lent to approximately 900 individuals.

Currently, our core business is the Home Improvement Loan scheme and we tailor the scheme to meet the requirement of individual local authorities. We work with 16 local authorities throughout Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex, and the scheme allows us to provide subsidised loans for home improvements, repairs and adaptations as well as being able to offer top up loans where there is a shortfall in the cost of works under the various grants applicants are eligible for from their local authority.

As the landscape is constantly changing, we are assisting a diverse range of customers - we have spent many years supporting older home

owners, who do not have the disposable income to carry out the maintenance and repairs required to enable them to remain safe, secure, and warm in their own homes.

In assisting customers, our qualified staff carry out thorough financial assessments whether it be for the Home Improvement Loan scheme or for additional projects with local authorities, such as a shared equity loan. The latter has been modelled on the Government’s Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme, allowing first time buyers living or working in the borough to purchase existing homes instead of new builds.

Alongside our home improvement lending, we have provided mortgages for people wishing to move to a property more suited to their needs in later life as well as Shared Ownership mortgages, which have enabled first time buyers to enter the property market.

Like many other organisations, Parity Trust has faced a number of challenges over recent years and learned to adapt. We will continue to work alongside local authorities to provide what we believe is a valuable scheme for their residents.

Sandeep Sesodia

‘Alongside our home improvement lending, we have provided mortgages for people wishing to move to a property more suited to their needs in later life’

Sandeep

Build a strong perimeter and keep cyber criminals out

Many large corporations spend millions on cybersecurity and still get attacked by cyber criminals, their private data encrypted, stolen and used for ransom. Experts agree that it is no longer a question of if, but when you get targeted. A business needs to take every precaution they can in building strong perimeter and end point defences, however, they also need to plan for when there is a breach and how to manage it.

Steve Drayson, MD at Allied Office Machines, said: “We are specialists in printer, scan, document management and cybersecurity. One of the businesses we have been working closely with for the last 10 years is Window Warehouse, by supplying and maintaining their printers and copiers.

“We view our relationship with all our clients as a long-term partnership to understand the business and add value. Supplying another layer of protection to their cybersecurity will help to safeguard their company for the future.”

Andy Bulcock, IT Manager at Window Warehouse, explained: “We are always looking at ways in which we can strengthen our cybersecurity defences. Since ransomware attacks have become more frequent across all business sectors, we knew we needed to invest in an effective solution which would neutralise this specific threat. As a business we have grown in size in the last few years and now have more users to protect. After extensive research we selected RansomCare, which was implemented by our technology partner Allied Office Machines.”

RansomCare is a cost effective and easy to install solution from BullWall. It is an innovative, last line of defence software which protects your confidential data against ransomware attacks from any user on any device. It provides a complete 24/7 containment solution.

For more information, please contact Ava on 01794 526088 or a.lambert@aomltd.co.uk Visit Allied Office Machines at www.aomltd.co.uk

‘We are always looking at ways in which we can strengthen our cybersecurity defences’

Extend your network, grow your business

Are you a newly appointed leader within your organisation? Have you inherited a business?

Running a business at the moment is tough. Our Government-supported programme will help support senior managers of small and medium sized businesses to boost their business’ performance, resilience, and longterm growth.

Help To Grow: Management is a 12-week programme, 90% funded by the Government and has been designed to allow participants to complete it alongside full-time work.

The in-depth high-quality curriculum will support you to build your capabilities in leadership, innovation, digital adoption, employee engagement, marketing, responsible business, and financial management. By the end of the programme you will develop a business growth plan to help you lead your business to release its potential.

Facilitated by small business experts the course will include both online and face-toface sessions, alongside peer support and mentoring.

On top of this, you’ll extend your business network by working alongside business leaders taking part in the programme.

THE PROGRAMME IS BUILT AROUND A PRACTICAL CURRICULUM AND FEATURES:

• Eight facilitated online twohour sessions

• Four practical and interactive case study workshops

• One-to-one support from a mentor, providing you with personalised support to develop your business growth plan

• Peer networking, including peer group calls that give you the opportunity to share experiences with a small group of other small business leaders

• Access to the Alumni Programme featuring events with inspirational speakers, business clinics and networking events

Software that works just like Clockwork

Mythic Software are a software development company based in Dorset & Hampshire. Providing bespoke software development services, they also create a Software as a Service (SaaS) product called Clockwork CRM©.

Mythic Software was founded by Oliver Beardwood and Jamie Wood who are both software developers with nearly 20 years of combined experience between them.

Currently working with a big UK based

disability charity, they look after, maintain, and expand their public facing websites, as well as their internal tools for managing their 12k+ product database and websites.

Their SaaS software: Clockwork CRM, is web-based subscription software that helps keep track of customers. It comes with a whole range of tools from a built-in email client, an email template editor, and a fully featured project management system. Setup takes minutes and can all be done from the website.

A quote from Oliver the director: “Software is a passion of ours and has been for as long as we can remember. Our goal as a company is to give our customers the best experience we can, making their lives easier with the software we make.”

Find out more about Mythic Software by visiting their website: mythic.software and Clockwork CRM by visiting: clockworkcrm.com

Popular business expo to make return to Southampton

An exciting opportunity for local businesses in the region is returning to Southampton this November at the Hilton Hotel at Ageas Bowl. These business expos are free one-day events to help professionals and local businesses network, learn and grow.

Memo Events decided to host a B2B Expo at the well known Hilton Hotel in Hedge End due to its great open space, wonderful hospitality and as the venue gives the ability to hold a vast amount of stands whilst also having space for a designated networking zone and seminar room.

B2B Expos bring businesses, start-ups and local organisations together under one roof to encourage networking, collaboration, support, conversations and partnerships. This returning business expo is set to attract 400 visitors throughout the day. Encouraging b usiness owners to unite and do business locally.

The vast networking event will feature more than 80 stands, with a chance to participate in workshops, seminars as well as obtaining free business advice throughout the event.

Whether you've been in business for a long time, or if you’ve just started, you’ll find plenty of opportunities at your next local

expo. These events are often attended by small business owners, company directors, entrepreneurs, charities, council officials, local VIPs and anyone interested in starting or growing a business.

If you’re not looking for new customers, or don't want to grow your business or network to meet new suppliers, perhaps these events aren’t for you. But if you’re in business, or part of a business, and would like to see it succeed and grow, then Memo Events highly re commend you attend your next local business expo.

Why exhibit at the event?

Exhibiting at these local expos is one of the best ways to reach, engage and connect with local businesses. Every event is attended by over 400 professionals including company directors, key decision makers, buyers and senior managers. They also attract new startups and entrepreneurs.

Whether you’ve exhibited before, or if you’re thinking of booking a stand for the first time, Memo Events can help you achieve your marketing goals.

They are also continuously on the lookout for sponsors of their events so if you’re a business and interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact them.

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

Visit

Join hundreds of small businesses and professionals to be inspired, learn, network and grow at these local expos.

Exhibit

Showcase your business, meet potential customers and generate leads at these business expos.

Speak

Raise your profile and share your knowledge by becoming one of the seminar hosts or keynote speakers.

If

would like to find out more about these events, please visit: b2bexpos.co.uk

contact

Awards night promises to be an event to remember

Companies of all sizes are urged to get involved and make the 21st year of the Business Excellence Awards one to really remember. The annual awards, which are free to enter and recognise the best in business in the region, are now open for entries until 18 November.

Winners will be announced on Friday 10 February at a gala black-tie dinner and ceremony to be held at Portsmouth Guildhall - the highlight of the business year in the city.

Mark Waldron, Editor of The News, said: “I would encourage any business based in PO1PO22 with a success story to tell to enter the awards.”

The headline sponsor this year is the University of Portsmouth Business School.

Peter Hooley, Director of Business Development, Business Services and Research Office, Faculty of Business and Law, said: “Portsmouth Business School is delighted to sponsor The News Business Excellence Awards 2023.

“I am often asked why we sponsor awards and support initiatives in the community.

“The answer is that it is great for us as a community to celebrate all that is great about business and to recognise the great innovation and community successes that stem from our businesses.”

Interested? Search The News Business Excellence awards for details or visit: www.portsmouthbusinessexcellence.co.uk

Right royal honour for Southern Co-op

Dressed in full uniform, complete with ceremonial sword, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire paid a special visit to Southern Co-op to present the Queen's Awards for Enterprise.

Praising the independent co-operative for its strong values, the Lord-Lieutenant Nigel Atkinson Esq said he was honoured to present the award on behalf of the Queen.

Colleagues and business partners of Southern Co-op gathered for the ceremony where they were presented with the award for Sustainable Development - one of the most prestigious awards for UK businesses.

Speaking at the event, the Lord-Lieutenant said: "This is a very special award presentation. Actually it is the first time I have presented a sustainable development award. This is a really difficult award to achieve.

"I had no idea Southern Co-op was formed in Portsmouth in 1873. At that time, it was set up in response to societal change. It was a

business to help people help themselves. Sadly some of these issues still remain today and I'm pleased to see Southern Co-op is still here helping people.”

Colleagues at the event stretched across all of the co-operative's areas of work from end of life services and retail to head office and coffee branches.

Other people in attendance were Deputy Lieutenant David Frere-Cook Esq, Debbie Tann - CEO of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Welcome Franchisee Richard Dance, Rowena Farr - Client Success Manager from Neighbourly, Nick DiamondMembership Engagement Director at Business in the Community, and Paul Gonella from Strong Island Media. With thanks to Hill Farm Juice one of Southern Co-op's Local Flavour partners.

Mark Smith, Chief Executive of Southern Co-op, said: "The principles we have around sustainable development go all the way through our business so it is important that

we celebrate this success with colleagues throughout our co-operative.

"Our third party partnerships are also important to us on this journey as we always achieve a lot more when we work with others.

"This award is an opportunity for us to celebrate where we have got to on our sustainable journey. This award recognises organisations, like our own, who have a true and genuine commitment to being responsible and sustainable, and how it's truly embedded in business strategy, governance, management, culture, and day to day decision making."

Southern Co-op operates convenience food stores, coffee shops, funeral services, and crematoria/natural burial grounds in more than 300 locations across the south of England.

It is currently working towards ambitious science-based targets to cut direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions from the business by 2030, supported by a climate action pathway of planned activity and an initial investment of £5.8m.

For more information, visit: www.gov.uk/queens-awards-forenterprise

To view Southern Co-op's long term strategy including its commitment to climate change and responsible business, visit: southern.coop/how-we-doit/sustainability

We join the millions of people in the UK and around the world in mourning of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Our deepest condolences go out to the Royal Family and everyone feeling this great loss.

ABOVE: Guests attend the award ceremony

LEFT: Lord-Lieutenant Nigel Atkinson Esq with Mark Smith, Chief Executive of Southern Co-op

Former learner joins college as Lecturer

Counselling alumna Charlotte Eyre has just been appointed as Lecturer of Counselling at Eastleigh College, completing a fullcircle evolution from a Level 3 learner to a Level 6 First-Class Honours graduate, and finally to a lecturer of the department.

Charlotte’s first foray into counselling studies began in 2016 at the age of 30. Having previously been a counselling client herself, she had a first-hand appreciation of its power as a healing tool and found herself developing an interest in the administrative side of the counsellor –client relationship. It was this interest that led her to Eastleigh College, where she enrolled on a six-week starter course: Introduction to Counselling Skills.

Charlotte said: “Returning to an academic environment was challenging at first.

“My school years were difficult and I didn’t emerge with the grades I wanted, which had left imprints on my confidence and self-esteem. I quickly realised that being taught by counsellors was a fantastic solution for this, as they know exactly how to support you through that.”

Upon completing her Introductory course, Charlotte enrolled on a Level 3 ABC Certificate in Counselling Skills the next year. She established a strong support network among her peers over the duration of this course, and through mutual encouragement a number of them decided to continue their studies together with a further Diploma at the college. She set up a private practice in 2021 in collaboration with two course peers.

“Establishing my own practice gave me a real burst of energy,” said Charlotte. “It really helped me put all my training into action and cemented the value of communication and empathy in the role.”

She continued her practice throughout 2021 alongside her studies, including a further Level 6 qualification at the college. Now she is looking forward to her next steps as she prepares to begin her teaching career at Eastleigh College.

Jacqueline Beavis, Head of Delivery for HE, Business and Logistics, said: “Charlotte is a welcome addition to the team and her experience as a learner here will bring a unique understanding to the role that I am confident will be of great benefit to her learners.”

Meachers in partnership with Millbrook Beds

Meachers Global Logistics has entered into a three-year contract with Millbrook Beds Ltd to exclusively manage and operate their UK transport requirements.

The new agreement, which began on 8 July 2022, sees Meachers move from supporting Millbrook Beds Ltd with the UK distribution of its beds and mattresses to fully managing it.

Included is a Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) and asset transfer, whereby Meachers will integrate all of Millbrook’s drivers and a number of trucks into its own business, consolidating both fleets.

Gary Whittle, Commercial Director at Meachers, said: “We have a longstanding relationship with Millbrook Beds, which spans more tha n 10 years. I’m delighted to strengthen our relationship further with this new long-term agreement that will see Meachers become its total and sole UK logistics partner.

service, is something we are incredibly proud of as a business. Equal to that are our customers and the trust they place in us to keep their operations moving.”

Ross Thurston, Operations Director at Millbrook Beds Ltd, said: “We have worked with Meachers for many years and are extremely pleased they have now taken over as our exclusive logistics partner. With Meachers’ extensive fleet and logistics experience, the delivery service we can now offer to our customers will improve significantly, enabling us to continue our expansion throughout the UK.

“I'd like to thank Gary and the team at Meachers for all their help and support in making the transition unbelievably smooth with no disruption to our customers.”

To

“The scale and geographic location of our fleet, combined with our knowledge and reputation for providing a high level of

Gary Whittle, Commercial Director at Meachers, right, with Ross Thurston, Operations Director at Millbrook Beds Ltd

Charlotte Eyre

‘Establishing my own practice gave me a real burst of energy’

increase their energyefficiency

How can businesses and lower their costs?

Low Carbon Across the South and East (LoCASE) provides grants to help businesses increase their energy efficiency and develop and promote green goods and services.

Energy Reduction

With winter fast approaching and substantial energy price increases happening, it is essential for businesses to look at all possible measures to reduce energy use.

Replacing lighting is an obvious low cost option with high returns in terms of savings. The LoCASE programme has supported many SMEs to replace old style strip lighting with LED systems which generally result in savings of 60-8 0%.

The bigger the building (like warehouses), the bigger the savings! LoCASE has recently supported a football club to replace inefficient and expensive to run flood lights, helping them to reduce their costs and improve their facilities whilst tackling their carbon footprint.

Heating costs are much the same - using gas or electric portable heaters which are generally inefficient compared to infrared hea ters, replacing aging gas boilers for electric ones with added zoning controls. Air or ground source heat pumps work well in suitably insulated buildings to provide greater energy savings than using older gas boilers.

Fuel costs have stabilised but remain higher than in 2021, so moving your fleet to electric vehicles can also provide good savings and help promote your green credentials. LoCASE has supported an SME to replace a diesel van with two e-cargo bikes, saving thousands of pounds each year in fuel costs and other fees. Other SMEs are buying second hand cars, vans and taxis to reduce their business costs and drive down their local environmental impact..

We are also seeing high demand to support solar projects from sports clubs, village halls, charities and other businesses to reduce the day to day use and cost of grid supplied electricity, with some using battery storage to support

energy use in the evenings. With LoCASE grant funding helping to reduce the overall project cost, the return on investment can be made in just a few years.

Green Goods and Services

LoCASE also provides funding to help promote green goods and services, whether that be electricians promoting heat pump or solar installations, do uble glazers promoting increased energy savings in their products or those in manufacturing working to develop new goods that need extra R&D support or marketing to help promote a new product launch.

Steps to Environmental Management - a free resource

The aim of this free business support is to facilitate the reduction of carbon emissions across the South and East by providing training, tools and resources t o small and medium enterprises to implement an environmental management system or plan. This is delivered by the LoCASE partnership across three levels: Blue, Silver and Gold. Each

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 Cou ncil, 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.

SME completes a stage, moves on to the next level and achieves accreditation. Check out www.locase.co.uk for more information.

CHAMBER NEWS

ADVICE, NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THE CHAMBER

Businesses set to benefit as Chamber wins skills contract

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce has won a major Government contract designed to equip businesses with the skills they need to grow and prosper.

Ministers have designated the independent business membership organisation as the ‘employer representative body’ to lead a local skills improvement plan (LSIP) in the Solent.

Under the plan, the Chamber will use its convening power and knowledge of the local business landscape to bring stakeholders together to address long-standing skills challenges.

Key players, such as employers, colleges, LEPs, universities, local authorities, and other business organisations will work together to align labour market needs more closely with training provision and skills support programmes.

Ross McNally, Hampshire Chamber’s Chief Executive and Executive Chairman, said: “In successive member surveys we have done over the past decade, skills gaps have been cited as one of the most pressing issues for SMEs.

“Now, in leading the local skills improvement plan, we have the opportunity to truly make a difference and enhance the essential workplace skills needed by businesses.

“We will work with our partners to help all sectors in Hampshire including marine, engineering, digital, creative, hospitality and healthcare – any industry where employers are articulating a need for better skills.

“And we will do this is in an inclusive way, reaching out to diverse business communities and supporting greater sustainability on the journey to net zero.

“This is all about creating a managed framework of learning pathways and a business-led community of practice in developing skills.”

One of the partners involved in the LSIP is the new skillslabs project based, like the Chamber, at Fareham College business centre and serving as an interactive hub to link employers with colleges across the Solent region.

The LSIP will feature elements such as a new skills leadership board, a peer network for employers to work together on shared needs, an employer needs assessment tool, a case study resource, and a ‘one-stop-shop’ of accessible information for learners.

The Department for Education has made an initial fund of £365,000 available for the Chamber to develop the LSIP in collaboration between now and May 2023.

Hampshire Chamber’s LSIP work in the Solent will be supported by the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce. In a separate LSIP across the EM3 Local Enterprise Partnership area, Hampshire Chamber will play a supporting role to Surrey Chamber of Commerce.

Jane Gratton, Head of People Policy at British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Closing the skills gaps across English regions and sectors will help build all communities.”

For more information on Hampshire Chamber, call 01329242420 or visit www.hampshirechamber.co.uk

‘We will work with our partners to help all sectors in Hampshire’

Key players, such as employers, colleges, LEPs, universities and local authorities will work together

business Open for

- how Hampshire County Council supports growth

Partnership is a central theme cited by the man tasked with ‘joining the dots’ of Hampshire’s economic strategy. And given the pressures on businesses and communities as we look to navigate this winter and the years beyond, Rob Humby knows working together is more vital than ever.

As Leader of Hampshire County Council and in charge of a £2.3bn budget across many essential services we rely on, Rob has the widest possible perspective on how to achieve the priorities behind a vibrant economy.

“Everything the council does to support Hampshire residents helps towards a happy workforce,” he says. “How families are faring, the standards of housing they have, their schools, their transport links, the environment – it all has a direct influence on the success of local businesses and their workplaces and staff. We think about the whole effect that a healthy, prosperous place in which to live, work, study and play has on the economy. I strongly believe a good quality of life makes for good business.”

Rob, who can trace his family roots in Hampshire back 460 years, was an apprentice engineer who went on to run his own engineering business and plant nursery before going into politics.

“What drives me and gets me up in the morning is the opportunity to make this beautiful, fascinating county an even better place,” he explains. “Hampshire has amazing people, great industries and fantastic centres of education - everything you need. We want to put Hampshire on the map by shouting about the patch we know so well in order to keep securing inward investment and boosting productivity. At the same time, we need to address the significant challenges we face, especially in the areas of very high deprivation we have that don’t always square with external perceptions.”

Cllr Rob Humby

Rob has been prominent among English council leaders in recent months calling for central government to do much more to help struggling families as the cost-of-living crisis intensifies. He has spoken publicly of “the many people who will be making exceptionally difficult and troubling choices this winter about how they spend their household budgets.”

‘The way to achieve economic growth at scale is through partnership’

But aside from the need for immediate help, his considered view is that the county can only maintain quality of life for all in the longer term if the economy is firing on all cylinders.

“To deliver all the services we do, and make them better, we need a vibrant economy. My job is to represent Hampshire residents and its businesses as well. The way to achieve

Working together is the key to growth

economic growth at scale is through partnership. But it’s not growth for the sake of growth, it’s about looking after everyone. And to join up the dots and make things happen, we work with our districts, boroughs, cities, LEPs, Hampshire Chamber and other organisations to talk about our county, how can we help each other and how we can best address our challenges and opportunities. Our message to Chamber members, including its many SMEs, is that Hampshire County Council is absolutely open for business.”

The long-term Hampshire 2050 strategy, progress with Solent Freeport, other regeneration and growth partnerships, and ongoing discussions about greater devolution from Westminster, are all key aspects of Rob’s

vision. They embody the need to solve complex issues. Priorities include the widely recognised skills gaps that hamper many workplaces, achieving greater integration in infrastructure and connectivity, and reaching the goal of net zero carbon emissions.

Rob says: “If we can support businesses to grow through the partnerships we have with them and the wider priorities we focus on, we can then look at the overall benefits that success brings for people’s lives.”

Rob points to recent examples such as the £100m investment secured for much needed transport infrastructure improvements in the Gosport and Fareham areas - a huge boost for employers, he says.

Solent Freeport has the potential to be, in

Rob’s words, “a transformational opportunity for jobs and growth as long as we ensure the benefits are shared throughout the whole county and not only the ports.”

And describing the County Council as “sometimes the glue between education and businesses”, he adds: “We have worked with more than 150 organisations across Hampshire in the past three years to fund apprenticeships, committing more than £3m from our Apprenticeship Levy. Our Apprenticeship and Skills Hub is supporting large employers in Hampshire to make levy transfer commitments and offer a local brokerage service to support smaller businesses with their apprenticeship recruitment. Businesses need to think about the future skills they will need. When you look

at the pace of technology, we must ask if universities and colleges are truly offering the right courses for business so that we have a workforce fit for the future. We should a ll give a consistent message here and we can only do that by working together to see the whole of the process involved in skills and training.”

Rob is keen to praise the value that Hampshire Chamber and other strategic partners bring to the regional economy and the council’s priorities. When it comes to support and advice for businesses, it is about “agreeing who is best placed to provide the help required”. He adds: “I genuinely care about our relationship with the Chamber. If we work successfully with you, we therefore help the people of Hampshire as a whole.”

Venturefest South ready to inspire local innovators

#VFS22 Festival of Innovation will take place at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton, on 17 November and is now an official activity of Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is an international movement, which will take place from 14-20 November. Southern innovators will gather together to celebrate at the popular annual Festival of Innovation hosted by Venturefest South.

Ed Gould, Venturefest South’s Event Director, said: “Global Entrepreneurship Week is the world’s biggest festival of entrepreneurship, so we’re thrilled that Venturefest South is a part of it this year. Plans for this year's big showcase event on 17 November are gathering at pace and the stage is set for the biggest celebration of the South's innovation economy yet. I’d encourage anyone who is yet to get a ticket to do so soon, it’s not one to be missed!”

Jonathan Ortmans, President of GEW said: “This Global Entrepreneurship Week, we are celebrating some of the world’s most creative, innovative, and resilient citizens. Each November, GEW celebrates and empowers millions of entrepreneurs in every country and community around the world – especially individuals who face barriers or who have never considered the idea of launching a start-up.”

Venturefest South has welcomed a number of new partners on board this year, including Catax, which has put forward a generous prize as part of the Battle of the Pitches competition taking place during the event. Businesses which enter by 4 September will be in with a chance to win £10,000 to help develop their business ideas.

John Challen, Regional Development Director at Catax, said: “We help businesses uncover their commercial hidden value and, after sponsoring Venturefest South last year, we quickly realised how important it was for us to engage further with the vast innovation community in the South. We’re thrilled to be supporting the Battle of the Pitches

competition this year and can’t wait to hear all of the pitches, and most importantly give one lucky business a £10,000 investment.”

Now in its sixth year, the Festival of Innovation is a place for the brightest minds and big thinkers to share experiences, insights and knowledge. 2022’s showcase is expected to surpass previous years in terms of its entrepreneurs and crowd of innovators, investors and business people attending on the day. Other partners involved in championing the innovation and entrepreneurial community in the South include Solent LEP, BAE Systems, Dstl, University of Southampton, Solent University, University of Portsmouth, Innovate UK, KTN, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, University of Winchester and the British Business Bank.

Learn more about Venturefest South at: venturefestsouth.co.uk and Global Entrepreneurship Week at: genglobal.org/gew

‘The Festival of Innovation is a place for the brightest minds and big thinkers’

Recession fears for UK economy as inflation continues to rise - BCC report

KEY POINTS IN THE FORECAST:

• UK GDP growth forecast for 2022 is 3.3%, 0.2% in 2023 and 1% in 2024

The BCC expects the UK economy to plunge into recession before the end of 2022, with inflation spiking to 14% and lingering weakness in growth expected to continue into 2024.

UK Economic Outlook – 2022

• The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has again downgraded its expectations for UK GDP growth for 2022 to 3.3% (from 3.5% in Q2) against a deteriorating economic outlook.

• UK inflation is now expected to reach 14% in Q4 2022, an upwards revision of four percentage-points from its previous projection of 10%.

• The BCC is now forecasting a recession for the UK economy this year, with negative economic growth for Q2, Q3, and Q4 2022

Short-term GDP expected to go into recession

In the short term, the BCC is now forecasting a recession for the UK economy with three consecutive quarters of contraction between Q2 and Q4 in 2022. Annual expectations for GDP growth also continue to decline, with 3.3% forecast for 2022, significantly below the 7.4% growth recorded in 2021. However, unlike the Bank of England, the BCC expects the economy to grow in 2023, albeit at a very low 0.2%, with a slight increase to 1% in 2024. These anaemic predictions for GDP growth are in light of deteriorating economic conditions; rising energy costs, a decline in household spending and real wages; weaker export prospects and a pessimistic global economic outlook; poor investment conditions and weakening business confidence and cashflow. Many of these issues were initially caused by the global response to Covid-19 and have been further compounded by the war in Ukraine.

Inflation to peak at 14% Businesses and consumers will continue to face exceptionally high costs as rampant inflation spirals upwards in 2022. Increased and more sustained inflationary pressure is

now forecast for Q4 2022, as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate is expected to reach a peak of 14%. This is up from the previous, already high, projected rate of 10%. The CPI rate is expected to slow to 5% in 2023, and finally return to the Bank of England’s target of 2% in 2024.

The forecast for the Bank of England’s interest rate remains unchanged; the rate is expected to increase from 2% in 2022 to 3% in 2023 and 2024. Inflation is expected to outpace growth of earnings by over 3:1 in Q4 2022, with average earnings increasing by 4.5% in Q4 2022.

Investment and recovery expected to be anaemic Business investment is set to grow at 2.7% in 2022, an upward revision from the Q2 forecast of 1.8%. This is likely to be driven by growth in building construction rather than spending on machinery or equipment. However, it is expected to increase by only 0.6% in 2023, slightly down from the 0.8% growth predicted in Q2.

Overall investment is expected to grow by 4% this year but shrink by 0.4% in 2023 before rebounding to 1.1% in 2024. Consumer spending is now forecast to grow at 3.8% in 2022, a fall from the 4% predicted in Q2.

Commenting on the forecast, Alex Veitch, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of

• Following a contraction of growth in Q2 2022 by 0.1%, quarter-onquarter GDP growth is forecast to continue to decline in Q3 by 0.1% and Q4 by 0.3%, before a slight increase in growth of 0.2% in Q1 2023.

• Household consumption forecast is for growth of 3.8% in 2022, growth of 0.3% for 2023 and 1.1% in 2024.

• Business investment forecast is to grow by 2.7% in 2022 before more than quartering to 0.6% in 2023, and then rising to 1.2% in 2024

• BCC expects export growth of 2.3% in 2022, 1.8% in 2023 and 1.2% in 2024, compared to import growth of 7.7%, -3.8% and 1.6%

• BCC expects UK unemployment rate of 3.8% in 2022, before rising to 4.1% in 2023 and 2024

• CPI inflation is forecast to peak at 14% in Q4 2022, before falling to 5% by the end of 2023. Inflation is expected to drop back to the Bank of England’s 2% target by Q4 2024

• UK official interest rates are expected to rise to 2% by Q4 2022 and then to 3% in Q4 2023, ending 2024 at the same level.

Commerce, said: “Our latest quarterly economic forecast will not be of any comfort to either consumers or businesses. The extreme inflationary pressures already present are only likely to increase as we head towards Christmas; with the UK economy already thought to be in recession.

“With prices spiralling out of control, they are expected to race ahead of earnings growth by a ratio of 3:1 in Q4 2022. This will undoubtedly impact consumer confidence, another key concern for businesses.

Alex Veitch, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of

“Action is needed now, and the BCC has set out a comprehensive plan for Government to provide vital support to firms. Along with taxation and labour measures, the BCC business support plan includes key asks to help businesses with spiralling energy costs.”

CHAMBER GLOBAL

SUPPORT AND ADVICE TO BUSINESS IN ALL AREAS OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Get onboard and make waves with Solent Freeport

Solent Freeport is on track to create thousands of high-quality jobs, improve skills training, attract billions of pounds’ worth of investment and boost the regional and national economy. Here, BRIAN JOHNSON (pictured), chair of the Freeport board, calls for businesses to climb aboard what he describes as a ‘once-in-a-generation’ opportunity.

Long-term strategy has been a mainstay of Brian Johnson’s career for many years.

An electronics engineer and a board member of the Society of Maritime Industries, Brian has spent 25 years at multinational tech giant BAE Systems, rising to become Business Development Director in its Naval Ships division. Economic development work at Portsmouth Naval Base led to him becoming, first, chair of Solent Local Enterprise Partnership and, now, chair of the board of Solent Freeport.

“Naval vessels such as warships and aircraft carriers are basically complex systems that float,” said Brian. “They take a great deal of time to commission, build and put into operation. I see several parallels between longterm strategic naval development and the economic planning required for lasting regional growth and prosperity. As well as similar timescales in both cases, you have to get lots of different stakeholders together to make things happen. And you are working with the Government and public money, so you should expect scrutiny and to be accountable.”

To make Solent Freeport a reality, the LEP worked with a range of partners including businesses and local authorities to enter a competitive process and submit a proposal to Government.

Key elements of the bid included the need for a sustainable economy, the prospective benefits of maritime trading with the rest of the world, and

businesses and organisations working together on the path to net zero.

“Finding out we were successful was exciting,” recalled Brian of the moment he learned the outcome of the bid process last year.

“A Freeport represents a major Government intervention at scale, and we get to benefit from it. We are the only place in the central south to do so.

“This is an economic stimulus reflecting the Solent as a global gateway alongside one of the world’s major shipping lanes and with connections to all continents. It recognises Southampton’s status as the UK’s biggest export port.”

Economic modelling indicates that Freeport status will help to create more than 15,000 jobs in the Solent region. That includes direct employment in, for example, manufacturing, freight, logistics and port administration, and the ripple effect of indirect jobs in the supply chain.

Bid partners also expect the Freeport to attract £1.35bn of private sector investment in the area. And because of the Solent’s existing trading links, the benefits

‘A Freeport represents a major Government intervention at scale, and we get to benefit from it’

How the 112-acre Navigator Quarter near Southampton Airport will look

set to be generated for the UK as a whole include more than 30,000 jobs and an additional £1.75bn GVA.

Freeports benefit from tax reliefs, simplified customs procedures, streamlined planning processes to promote regeneration and innovation, and seed funding for skills training. They operate with both ‘tax’ and ‘customs’ sites. Tax sites are similar to enterprise zones where occupiers enjoy fiscal incentives such as business rates relief and enhanced capital allowances. Customs sites help enable the efficient movement of goods for both export and import through simplified customs procedures.

In the Solent’s case, land earmarked for tax sites includes the 112-acre Navigator Quarter near Southampton Airport, a 30-acre development site in Southampton’s Western Docks, the 100-acre Dunsbury Park business campus just north of Portsmouth, and locations along Southampton Water and the Fawley Waterside. The main customs sites are Solent Gateway on Southampton Water and Portsmouth International Port.

A key advantage of a Freeport is that the Government allows tax receipts to be retained in the region and reinvested in economic development based on local decision making. Like many coastal communi ties, parts of our region have seen major change as they respond to deindustrialisation, trends in tourism, and globalisation,” said Brian. “Freeport status will be a catalyst to support their development and growth by increasing the throughput of trade.

“It helps us improve the use of existing land assets and facilities and take major strides forward on innovation and green growth.

“That includes deve loping more renewable energy provision and the technologies to manufacture lowcarbon or zero-carbon fuels like green hydrogen.

“We want to give more Solent residents, including young people, the prospect of being able to find a good job locally.

“My message to businesses about the Freeport is that this is not something we are doing to the area, it’s something we are doing for the area, with buy-in across our communities. I encourage those businesses who are interested in joining with us, if you are looking to expand and create jobs, to come and talk to us. You can also register for updates on our website.

“We need the professional services sector - the lawyers, accountants, bankers and insurers - to come on board and understand how freeports work because their SME clients need to understand the tax and customs rules so they can make the most of it.”

Asked to predict how Freeport activity will look in five years’ time, Brian is optimistic. “The Freeport gives us the opportunity to do more, creating high-quality employment and making the most of opportunities we have identified for a long time but haven’t quite managed to grasp in the past. Improving skills and fixing our infrastructure will also make the Solent better connected with the rest of the UK.”

Helping you take

business global

CHAMBER POLICY

Plans for a greener Portsmouth in motion

Portsmouth City Council is setting out its ambitions and plans to create a more vibrant, welcoming and greener city centre that has the flexibility to evolve with the times.

The council is inviting residents to get involved in reimagining the city centre and share their ideas and priorities for different areas in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Councillor Steve Pitt (pictured), Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Economic Development said: “We need to seize the moment to take a fresh look at what our city centre can be, how it can best serve our communities, our retailers and businesses and become an adaptable and vibrant focal point for future generations. There are already over 20 projects underway to make improvements and pave the way for the future of the city centre, but we have big ambitions for Portsmouth city centre and there’s a lot we want to achieve. We want people to share their big ideas and priorities for the future with us so we can create a city centre that flies the flag for Portsmouth.”

To support its ambitions, the council has submitted a bid for over £19m from the Levelling Up Fund to spearhead improvements that would see new creative community spaces, better facilities, and greener, more welcoming streets - breathing new life into areas like Guildhall Walk that have felt the impact of changing

habits and the coronavirus pandemic. If successful, the bid would also support a major refurbishment of The Guildhall and the Theatre Royal.

The council has also secured over £800,000 of funding from the Future High Streets Fund, Safer Streets Fund and Safety of Women at Night Fund to make

The plan for city centre North

improvements to areas around Commercial Road. These improvements aim to create new welcoming outside spaces where people can sit, relax and play, as well as take steps to tackle crime and combat violence against women and girls in public spaces.

“We’re working with partners and experts to unlock new opportunities like the Levelling Up Fund and Future High Streets Fund and looking at where the council has the capability to step in and drive regeneration forward,” adds Councillor Pitt. “We want culture to lead the way with new and inviting public spaces, innovative events, art, music, cafes and restaurants sitting alongside well-known and independent retailers. Where private developments are being proposed, we need to make sure that they are going to support our ambitions and play their part in delivering the right mix for a revitalised city centre."

The north of the city centre will see some of the biggest changes. The council is working on proposals for new homes, a large open green space and new walking and cycling routes. The plans would the see the redevelopment of the former Tricorn and Sainsbury's sites which the council bought to unlock the opportunity for long-term regeneration that will support the wider revitalisation of the whole city centre.

These improvements will complement plans already in place as part of the South East Hampshire Rapid Transit projects. The council has submitted plans for a new two-way bus lane along Unicorn Road and Cascades Approach, along with safer crossing points for people walking and cycling, and a new shared cycle and footpath on Unicorn Road.

Over the coming months, people in Portsmouth will be invited to learn more about the vision for the city centre and share their ideas and priorities for the area through city-wide consultation, pop-up events, focus groups and creative workshops. The council’s regeneration team will also be reaching out to key communities including businesses, retailers, special interest groups, schools and colleges.

You can keep up to date with the latest city centre news and sign up to receive updates at: portsmouthcitycentre.co.uk

New walking and cycling routes, alongside open green spaces, have been proposed

GREEN BUSINESS

CELEBRATING HAMPSHIRE FIRMS TAKING THE STEPS TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY

Understanding the changes to energy performance certificates

What is commercial EPC?

Commercial Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are energy surveys that determine how energy efficient a building or commercial premises are. The ratings on a commercial EPC start from G (least energy efficient), going up to an A for the most energy-efficient building possible. EPC is the measurement of an existing building’s energy efficiency and forms part of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

The EPC rating indicates the energy efficiency of a commercial building such as:

• Installed heating

• Ventilation

• Cooling

• Lighting systems (building services).

This does not consider how the present occupier uses these systems.

What EPC changes are coming?

From 1 April 2023, new and existing commercial lettings will need to meet a minimum EPC rating E, making it a legal requirement, unless a specific exemption applies. This change and future EPC commitments stem from Government’s commitment to achieving a net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

This strategy also aims to reduce energy bills, boosting our post-Covid economic recovery in a sustainable way.

Who is affected by the EPC changes?

Currently, there are no immediate actions to be taken, however, landlords should be forming strategies around how to improve the commercial property to rating E by 2023, rating C by 2027 and, rating B by 2030,

Landlords are currently fully responsible for EPC compliance, not the tenants. However, we strongly recommend and encourage more collaboration between the two parties.

Although tenants are not responsible for the leased building’s energy efficiency, they likely have valuable suggestions about what changes could be made to increase the efficiency of the property and a collaborative approach is always advised.

Changes that could largely improve the EPC rating of commercial property:

• Replacing the boiler. Opting for a new energy-efficient boiler can cut down energy consumption.

• Installing double glazing. Upgrading your windows and doors to double glazing can improve your EPC rating and reduce noise.

• Installing wall insulation. Insulating your walls can reduce your EPC rating significantly, making sure no energy is lost.

• Improve lighting. Modern energy efficient LEDs can improve EPC rating and significantly reduce energy consumption

• Installing a renewable energy source, i.e. solar panels can improve your EPC rating and provide you with cheaper, greener energy.

Non-compliance with MEES could result in enforcement action and a fine.

Solar

What about the impact on commercial leases?

Rent costs – Any building improvements associated with a better EPC rating will also mean an inevitable rental increase. Landlords may wish to increase the frequency of rent review to reflect any changes in their lease agreement with the occupier.

Lower utility cost – Favourably, improved building efficiency may lower running utility costs or service charges, balancing the increased rent.

Business disruptions – Landlords will need to carefully plan any future energy efficiency works, causing minimal disruptions to tenants and day-to-day business operations.

What about BREEAM?

This global sustainability assessment method rates a property’s environmental, social, and economic sustainability performance. A recent study carried out by JLL shows only 16% of current office space has a BREEAM rating of Good to Outstanding.

Going forward, commercial office spaces will require significant development to meet sustainability and efficiency targets, while simultaneously meeting desired EPC ratings.

EPC Changes

Landlords should prepare now for the changes, starting with a review of their properties to ascertain if they fall below the proposed new minimum threshold.

Both new and existing tenants should understand their property’s EPC rating.

FOCUS FEATURES

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

Festive fun or HR nightmare?

When organising the office Christmas party, an employee will have to face a minefield of HR challenges to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their staff.

BUSINESS VOICE explores some of the questions an employer should ask before hosting a Christmas bash.

As an employer, what should I do to prepare for the festive season?

Your first step should be to issue a statement to all employees ahead of a Christmas party or similar workrelated event.

This should not simply outline the where’s and when’s of a party but also remind staff of conduct matters, what could constitute as inappropriate behaviour and what the penalties for such behaviour will be.

A dress code is always a good idea to keep things professional. Additionally, make sure that all managers familiarise themselves with the workplace policy on work-related social events.

Do I really need a policy on workplace social events?

Yes, regardless of the size of your organisation. Employers should always maintain a policy on workplace events because they have a duty of care towards their staff, and this will ensure that all staff know what appropriate behaviour is in such settings.

The Equality Act 2010 makes employers liable for acts of discrimination, harassment and victimisation carried out by their employees, unless they can show that they took reasonable steps to prevent such acts.

Can I make attendance at any Christmas events compulsory?

It is prudent to allow employees to decide themselves if they wish to attend a Christmas party or group event. The chosen date may fall on a non-Christian holiday, or staff may simply find that in the run-up to Christmas they are

simply too busy with other commitments to attend. Additionally, making attendance compulsory means that employees may be entailed to claim the time back too.

Is it appropriate to do an office ‘Secret Santa’? It’s a nice gesture to bring th e spirit of giving into the workplace and a Secret Santa gift-giving ceremony is a great way to involve the whole company.

However, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, review your company’s gift giving policy and make sure all staff are aware of it – and if you don’t currently have a bribery policy implemented, now would be a good time to have one written up.

It is important to remember that in a work environment, gifts cannot be inappropriate or offensive. It’s also wise to include an upper spend limit on any gifts exchanged to keep it fair.

What if an employee comes to work late or not at all the day after the Christmas party? You can include in your disciplinary policy the fact that you can take action for any lateness or non-attendance after a Christmas party, and staff should be reminded of this.

As an employer, you can make deductions from employees’ pay if they turn up for work late the morning after the company Christmas event – providing the right to make deductions for unauthorised absence is written into the employment contract.

If an employee misses work due to legitimate illness, you should follow you usual attendance management policy and procedures.

‘Tis the season of giving…

Christmas offers the perfect opportunity to show your appreciation to those who you care about and value.

And while it is probably a given that you’ll lavish gifts on your nearest and dearest, have you considered the positive impact of giving gifts to your clients?

A corporate gift can help nurture long-standing and valued client relationships and will certainly make a better impression than a generic Christmas card or email. But how do you pick the perfect gift?

Planning and budgeting

If you do plan on giving gifts to your customers and clients this year, don’t leave it until the last minute. You will need ample time to compare and choose a supplier, and factor in the time it will take for branded gifts to be produced and distributed. Corporate giving should be seen as a business investment. Implement and stick to a budget, as you would for any other investment, and keep the value of the gift in proportion to what your client spends with you. While you’re hardly likely to make a lasting impression or prove your appreciation with a cheap bottle of wine or a generic box of chocolates, it’s also important to make sure you don’t overdo it. Gifts that are seen as too expensive and lavish can imply that you’re trying to buy business from your customer. It’s important to strike the right balance, as there is a fine line between a thoughtful gift and a bribe.

Make the gift useful

A quality gift is more likely to be used and kept for longer than a cheaper item – think of how many cheap corporate gifts you may have discarded or lost over the years.

With that in mind, it’s important to put some thought into the gift to make sure it won’t just end up in the bin by New Year’s Day. What are your client’s likes and hobbies? Would they value a Christmas hamper over a new sports bottle? People make deeper connections with a brand that speaks to them on a personal level so try to choose a gift that will suit your clients’ needs, demonstrating that you care about them as an individual and value your partnership.

Create a clear marketing message

Many options for corporate gifts will have a dual purpose – a useful item that the recipient will appreciate that also serves as a practical marketing tool for your business.

Branded gifts are a popular option, especially around the holidays; by simply adding your logo, icon or a subtle brand message to the gift or its packaging – or even by implementing your brand colours – you are raising brand awareness.

But don’t go overboard, or your effort at self-promotion could distract from the gift itself. There is also the option to personalise gifts with the recipients’ logo – a thoughtful gesture that is sure to impress. Finally, adding a call to action, such as a phone number, website or even a social media hashtag is a great way to reach people and make sure you’re remembered.

Consider how you send the gift

If you are sending your gifts via the post or a delivery service, make sure you factor delivery time in your initial planning, as Christmas is a very busy time for the postal service. For your most important clients, do you have the option to deliver their gift in person to make it really special? No matter the delivery method, you’ll find that including a handwritten, personalised note will go a long way in helping strengthen personal relationships.

Year-round appreciation

While it’s natural to think of sending gifts during the holiday season, is there anything that is stopping your business from appreciating your clients all year round? Other cultural holidays can also be celebrated with tasteful tokens of your appreciation, and if you send gifts when your clients least expect it, you’ll certainly stand out from the crowd.

Changing the face of corporate partnerships

Oakhaven is a hospice at the heart of the community, providing end of life care and support to patients and loved ones during the most difficult of times.

Our services reach out across the New Forest, Totton and Waterside areas touching the lives of so many.

Oakhaven has been serving the community for over 30 years because of the generosity shown by those who support us. This is true of our business family too who have always been an integral part of Oakhaven’s fundraising portfolio with successful relationships spanning over 20 years with some of our partners.

Since the introduction of a dedicated Corporate Fundraising Manager early in 2022 the focus on corporate partnerships has been even more important and ensuring that what is being offered in return for corporate support is of benefit to those businesses is key to our corporate strategy. With this in mind we launched some new initiatives to engage the corporate community and bring them closer to the work that we do at the hospice.

In May we launched the ‘Beaverbrook 30 for 30 Challenge’. Local businesses are given £100 and challenged to turn it into £1000 by March 2023. The idea is to get 30 businesses on board to raise £30,000 in the 30th year of Oakhaven Hospice. This fantastic initiative makes fundraising for businesses easier

as they are given seed money to fund their initial fundraising idea.

We already have 15 companies on board for the challenge all of whom have benefitted from the positive publicity associated with the challenge.

In July, the Oakhaven Business Club was launched, a networking opportunity for local businesses to come together bi-monthly to connect. The primary aim of the Oakhaven Business Club is to provide a community for businesses that is part of the Oakhaven family. Each event is held at the hospice providing an opportunity for those businesses attending to see first hand the great work that we do whilst being able network and meet other businesses.

The venue for the networking events, The Coates Centre is a hidden gem within the grounds of the hospice. Not only is it perfect for hosting events like networking it also provides boardroom facilities for local businesses to use. When it became clear that these facilities were not being used to their full potential the concept of Corporate Team Building Days was born. Oakhaven Corporate Team Building Days provide the opportunity to have half a day volunteering at the hospice and half a day using the boardroom facilities, with full catering included, all packaged up at a reasonable cost.

Sponsorship for our local events has always been popular with our corporate partners and will continue to be offered,

however, we are moving towards more tangible sponsorship opportunities where a business can see the real benefit to the hospice of the money they have donated. This includes opportunities to sponsor a nurse, a patient room, or even an entire building. We make all our sponsorship packages bespoke so that we discuss and negotiate all the benefits to the corporate partner to ensure they are benefitting from their donation.

Corporate Fundraising

Manager, Natalie Hutchins (pictured), said: ‘The most important role that we have to play at the hospice for our corporate partners is to ensure we work together to benefit each other and the business community. Our corporate partnerships are vital to the Hospice, working together we are able to create the sustainable relationships that underpin our values and most importantly support those facing end of life, who are at the forefront of everything the Hospice does.”

For more information about any of the Oakhaven Hospice initiatives please contact Natalie Hutchins, Corporate Fundraising Manager on email: Natalie.hutchins@oakhavenhospice.co.uk or call: 01590 613 036

Bringing joy to children living in poverty

By SAMANTHA TANNER (pictured),Charity Manager, at Wave 105 Cash for Kids

Why am I on the naughty list?

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to wake up on Christmas morning as a child living in a household with very little money?

You rush downstairs convinced that Father Christmas has left your present in the lounge, because it wasn’t by your bed. You hunt around the lounge and then you have the awful realisation that he has, in fact, forgotten you. There is no present for you. And then you start to wonder why you have been put on the ‘naughty list’?

Christmas is a luxury

At Wave 105 Cash for Kids, we hear stories like this all the time from the organisations who support these families, such as social workers, teachers and food bank staff.

They support children who have fled domestic violence or war, or families that are struggling to keep their heads above water. Many of the children that we help have at least one parent working and Christmas is often seen as a luxury – a long way down the list after putting food on the plate.

Last year, we heard a story about a care worker who visited a family that they support. When they arrived mum, dad and the children were all sitting in jumpers and coats in the freezing cold. They were trying to save heating so they could use the saved money for Christmas presents. We were also told of a single mum who was in the process of listing all the furniture she was going to have to sell so that she would have money to buy Christmas presents.

Together we can make Christmas special for local children

Life can be tough for families at Christmas - however, together, we can make a difference. Our Mission Christmas appeal means that children living in poverty in the south will wake up to a present.

A Lego or farmyard set takes a child away from their surroundings and into the world of their imagination. Books for teenage boys can inspire and encourage. Craft sets for children can help with anxiety and soft toys to cuddle can give comfort to children and teenagers who have emerged from a traumatic or violent background.

HOW YOU CAN HELP…

Donate presents - look for drop off points on our website from 15 November. Gifts should be new and unwrapped.

Donate money - so we can buy presents if we have a shortfall of donated presents (we normally have a shortfall of presents for 12-17 year old boys). We allocate £40 a child so every £40 raised is another child helped.

Hold a fundraiser in your company – again, every £40 raised is another child helped.

EVENTS

SEMINARS AND EVENTS

THE LATEST LIST OF CHAMBEREVENTS TO HELP YOU NETWORK AND GROW

October- November 2022 Events

MEET THE MP – PENNY MORDAUNT

DATE: 14 October

Throughout the final quarter of the year, we will visit all corners of the county and deliver a diverse catalogue of events.

Our events aren’t solely around networking, although we offer this at all our events. We welcome industry experts and guest speakers who can help to guide businesses through their issues through breakfast briefings and panel discussions.

Sponsoring an event with Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, can give you a great opportunity to reach a wide audience and engage with the local business community. We can offer sponsorship at our events from breakfast briefings, to our exhibition shows and once a year, at our flagship event, The Boat Show Lunch.

Through the final quarter of the year, we welcome Portsmouth North MP, Penny Mordaunt who recently finished third in the race to become leader of the Conservative party. Penny will join businesses from across the region and answer their questions.

Finally, we will welcome experts on NetZero, SEO & provide and update from the Bank of England to ensure businesses are getting the most relevant and informative content that they require.

For more information on all our events, please visit our website.

TIME: 08:30 – 10:30

‘CELEBRATING WINCHESTER’ WITH DUTTON GREGORY

DATE: 18 October TIME: 12:00 – 14:00

HAMPSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AGM

DATE: 19 October TIME: 10:00 – 12:00

MEET THE CHAMBER & BUSINESS EXHIBITION

@ BCOT

DATE: 25 October TIME: 16:00 – 18:30

COMMUNICATE YOUR WAY TO NET ZERO

DATE: 9 November TIME: 12:30 – 14:30

SPEED NETWORKING

DATE: 15 November TIME: 13:30 – 15:30

HAVE YOUR CAKE & EAT IT! @ THE LYTHE HILL HOTEL

DATE: 17 November TIME: 14:30 – 16:30

BREAKFAST BRIEFING –INCREASING YOUR BUSINESS’S ONLINE VISIBILITY

DATE: 22 November TIME: 08:30 – 10:30

BREAKFAST BRIEFING –UPDATE FROM THE BANK OF ENGLAND

DATE: 23 November TIME: 08:00 – 10:00

MEET THE CHAMBER & BUSINESS EXHIBITIONSOUTHAMPTON

DATE: 28 November TIME: 16:00 - 18:30

SOUTH EAST CHAMBERS

NETWORKING

DATE: 30 November TIME: 10:30 – 12:00

TRAINING

BOOST YOUR WORKFORCE WITH CHAMBERTRAINING

BUSINESS TRAINING WORKSHOPS

October - December 2022 Training Courses

CUSTOMS PROCEDURES & DOCUMENTATION

Learning, development, and upskilling within organisations has proved challenging for several years.

Through our members and providers, we continue to develop and evolve our training programme to deliver top of the range training courses at affordable rates.

International Trade plays a huge part in Hampshire. With two major ports and an airport, businesses located in the region, as well as the Solent Freeport, have fantastic links to Europe and beyond. We can offer a wide range of training courses to ensure that those who are involved with import and export receive the training that they need to operate efficiently and effectively.

We work closely with our members to develop new and informative courses and workshops which we know will upskill your colleagues. Whether this be through Marketing, Sales or Engagement and Motivation, we only use our trusted members, who have the experience and knowledge to help your colleagues and business grow.

For more information on all our training courses, please visit our website.

DATE: 19 October TIME: 09:30 – 12:30

UNDERSTANDING COMMODITY CODES

DATE: 1 November TIME: 09:30 – 12:30

UNDERSTANDING EXPORT

DATE: 2 November TIME: 09:30 – 12:30

METHODS OF PAYMENT

DATE: 3 November TIME: 09:30 – 12:30

ENGAGEMENT & MOTIVATION WORKSHOP

DATE: 9 November TIME: 13:00 – 16:00

IMPORT PROCEDURES

DATE: 15 November TIME: 09:30 – 12:30

SOCIAL MEDIA FOR BEGINNERS

DATE: 16 November TIME: 09:30 – 12:30

INWARD/OUTWARD PROCESSING

DATE: 30 November TIME: 09:30 – 12:30

INCOTERMS RULES

DATE: 1 December TIME: 09:30 – 12:30

KICKSTART YOUR MARKETING

DATE: 6 December TIME: 12:30 – 14:00

CUSTOMS PROCEDURES & DOCUMENTATION

DATE: 13 December TIME: 09:30 – 12:30

EXPORT DOCUMENTATION

DATE: 14 December TIME: 09:30 – 12:30

SECTOR FOCUS

NEWS AND ADVICE FROM THE SECTORS THAT MATTER TO BUSINESS

A simpler way to host meetings and events

In the ever-growing, competitive market of hospitality and events, it can be difficult to set yourself out from the crowd. Add in the complexities of a postCovid world and you find yourself navigating a changing environment.

The Hilton at The Ageas Bowl launched Meetings Simplified as a proactive response to the new needs of corporate conferences and events. In a world of blended work schedules and working from home, there is a higher demand for flexibility and leniency in contracting. With the new simplified way of corporate events, businesses have been able to benefit from a more flexible meeting environment with breakout systems and a streamlined booking process.

The Meeting Simplified process removes the rigidity of previous, outdated booking systems and helps to provide some confidence to the customer when making bookings.

David Vella, Sales Manager at Hilton at The Ageas Bowl, said: “Being able to adapt our

meeting practices has enabled us to help businesses with their meetings and events post Covid. The last few years have encouraged a change in how businesses are run day to day and it seems inevitable that these changes are also needed for meetings and events to encourage flexible work and maximise the efficiency of our events.”

Meetings Simplified at Hilton at The Ageas Bowl provides exactly what it says on the label. Booking meetings, with total simplicity.

Email: Events@Hiltonageasbowl.com

Tel: 02382 027096

Conferencing

Manufacturers in call for more support as costs continue to rise

South East manufacturers are calling for greater levels of support on the back of a substantial revision downwards of prospects for 2023 in response to the eyewatering increase in energy and other business costs companies are facing.

The revision downwards comes as the Q3 Make UK/BDO Manufacturing Outlook survey, published recently, forecasts growth for manufacturing of just 0.6% in 2023, down from 1.7% being forecast as recently as June. Make UK has also slashed its GDP forecasts from 3.6% this year to just 0.3% in 2023.

In the last quarter, the performance of manufacturers in the South East held up well compared to the national picture. This is reflected in the strength of the food and drink and electronics sectors in the region which always hold up well even in difficult economic conditions. Output and total order s in the Region held up especially well compared to the national averages.

THE IMMEDIATE MEASURES BEING PROPOSED BY MAKE UK INCLUDE:

Future support must set out concrete and specific actions to help business deal with escalating energy costs, as well as a range of measures to aid cashflow, provide greater access to labour and encourage investment, especially in energy efficiency technologies.

In a worst-case scenario of companies being asked to stop production or, a reduced working week, Government should also introduce an energy furlough scheme similar to that introduced during the pandemic.

Jim Davison, Region Director for Make UK in the South East said: “While industry has recovered strongly over the last year, the storm clouds are gathering in the face of eyewatering costs and a very difficult international environment. This threatens to shatter expectations of a sustained recovery from the pandemic and put many perfectly viable businesses in the South East at risk.

“Clearly some of the factors impacting companies are global and cannot be contained by the UK Government alone. However, we have already wasted a substantial amount of precious time over the summer playing the fiddle while Rome has started to burn. As a result, urgent and decisive action is needed by the Chancellor to help shield the economy and protect companies and jobs, otherwise we risk a permanent scarring of the economy.”

Matthew Sewell, Head of Manufacturing at BDO in Southampton, said: “We are seeing manufacturers in the South East continue to demonstrate their resilience despite the cost pressures on the sector. However, input prices are at near record levels for the second quarter in a row as profit margins continue to fall.

Looking forward, given the potential for the economic situation to deteriorate further and force the sector into recession next year, Make UK re-iterated its call for Government to bring forward a ‘shock and awe’ package of policy

measures on a scale in line with those seen during the worst points of the pandemic. This is essential to prevent a permanent scarring of the economy, help protect viable companies in the South East and avert significant job losses.

“The new Government must recognise the daunting position manufacturers find themselves in with respect to soaring energy prices, which alone is an indicator of the need for short- and longterm support. The Government needs to set out details for sustained business energy support as soon as possible. Implementing tax incentives to encourage investment in energy-saving plant and machinery would be particularly helpful in the current circumstances.”

Marine outlook stays positive in challenging climate

British Marine has published the latest results of its Sentiment Poll, which tracks quarterly sales performance and outlook among British Marine members and monitors the state of the industry.

According to British Marine’s latest Sentiment Poll, UK marine businesses remain upbeat, despite a challenging economic climate driven by high inflation and growing public concern regarding the prospect of recession.

When last surveyed in July 2022, 56% of British Marine members indicated they were confident about their business’s current prospects (Q2 2021: 78%; Q4 2021: 70%; Q2 2022: 56%).

While this is significantly down on the record-breaking 78% figure reported in Q2 2021, at the height of the industry’s postlockdown recovery, that a majority of members are still positive, despite the UK's current economic challenges, reflects the continued strength of the market.

Just over half (51%) of British Marine members reported an increase in sales in Q2 2022, compared with the same period in 2021 – a period (Q2 2021) which also represented a post-lockdown sales peak for the industry. However, the overall share of members reporting a year-on-year sales increase for this period has decreased marginally compared to the previous quarter (Q2 2021: 68%; Q3 2021: 62%; Q4 2021: 51%; Q1 2022: 52%; Q2 2022: 51%).

Boat sales remain above pre-pandemic values

When compared against the share of members seeing a contraction of sales for Q2 2022 compared with Q2 2021, the latest figures represent a net score of +25%. In other words, 25% more businesses reported a sales increase than a sales decrease for this period (Q1 2021: +31%; Q2 2021: +53%; Q3 2021: +44%; Q4 2021: +30%; Q1 2022: +30%; Q2 2022: +25%).

There has been a small increase in members reporting a contraction in year-on-year sales in the latest quarter (26% in Q2 2022, compared with 22% in Q1 2022), but there remains a substantial gap between the share of members seeing sales growth and those seeing declines.

Overall, these sales figures reflect the drag effect of high inflation and depressed consumer sentiment on industry economic growth from late 2021 onwards. But they also show the continued energy and resilience of the marine industry's post-pandemic recovery.

This trend is also reflected in British Marine's latest boat sales statistics. UK boat sales revenue for 1 January to 31 July 2022 were down five per cent compared with the same period in 2021, which represented a peak for UK boat sales post-Brexit. But sales remain significantly above pre-pandemic values, with sales revenue for 1 January to 31 July 2022 seven per cent higher than for the same period in 2019.

‘These sales figures reflect the drag effect of high inflation and depressed consumer sentiment’

Managing in a slowdown: businesses told to prepare for a Q4 dip

By MARK PERRIN (pictured), advisory partner at accountancy firm Menzies LLP

With the economy slowing and UK inflation rising at a record rate, the cost of living crisis is being felt by households across the UK, and the situation is expected to worsen in the months ahead, especially once the energy cap rises again in October. So should businesses be preparing for another economic recession?

A Financial Stability Report, published recently by the Bank of England, has warned that the economic outlook for the UK and globally has ‘deteriorated materially’ and the UK inflation rate is expected to reach over 11% by the end of the year.

Few businesses expected to feel the pressure of another economic downturn so soon after the pandemic. However, those that performed strongly through 2020 and 2021 will be best placed to ride out the challenging times ahead.

Largely out of necessity, many organisations adopted a more agile approach to decision making and business management at the start of the pandemic. In many cases, this agility has stuck and become part of their more resilient business model.

Know your customer

The worsening cost of living crisis, with its likely effect on consumer spending, is expected to bring different trading challenges for businesses.

Instead of switc hing products or services to boost revenues, businesses may need to mitigate risk in some areas by reducing their reliance on customers with a

higher financial risk exposure.

Credit checks should be carried out regularly to track customers’ performance and sales. Businesses should also make sure they have an accurate understanding of what makes an ‘ideal’ customer, versus those that are higher maintenance, or deliver less value due to reduced operating margins.

Don’t get caught out Depending on the company’s operating model, an economic downturn could cause some businesses to get caught at the wrong point in their working capital cycle. In other words, they could be left with excess stock or work in progress that they are unable to realise value from.

Having a range of suppliers to supply critical products and services is also important and mitigates the risk of any one supplier failing during an economic downturn.

Practise proactive cost and cashflow management

In a climate of rapidly rising costs, if revenues start to dip, the

situation can escalate into a financial crisis quickly. Businesses can take action immediately to mitigate cashflow risk by practising proactive cost and cashflow management.

For example, it may be possible to negotiate better credit terms with key customers and longer payment terms with key suppliers.

Secure more headroom

For many businesses, economic recession is as much a time of opportunity, as it is a time for battening down the hatches. However, in order to capitalise on market opportunities by recruiting skilled staff or assets for example, businesses need to have sufficient headroom in terms of funding. While borrowing comes at a cost and repayments must be met, some businesses may wish to secure a ‘safety net’ now, before funding becomes harder to come by.

Focus on debt management

Another way to protect cashflow is to focus on debt management. If interest rates rise and loans paid to the business become more expensive to service, some businesses may wish to restructure their debt finance to reduce cost in this area.

Lead the workforce

Business owners must lead from the front and take a proactive role in communicating and motivating the workforce. This will help them to retain skilled people and maximise performance,

which is as important now as it was during the pandemic.

Look to the future

Whatever happens in the coming months, businesses can’t afford to get stuck in fire-fighting mode and they need to maintain a longterm, strategic overview. Using best practice techniques such as scenario planning, supported by reliable financial information and forecasting models, can help businesses to make the most of growth opportunities during the downturn.

For more information and advice about managing during an economic downturn visit: www.menzies.co.uk

Business clinics available for SMEs

The Solent region has good levels of entrepreneurship and small business startups, but a high level of businesses who don’t reach their second year.

According to recent research carried out by CBInsights, the main reason for failure was lack of funding and the need for the services being offered. They also sighted issues with competition and flawed business models.

The key aim of the Skillslabs Business Clinics is to improve growth, particularly for start ups, to medium enterprises (SMEs) and micro-businesses.

By offering support with business planning, sometimes taking ideas right back to first principle where needed, we enable business owners to plant strong roots with structured ideas. This can be across brand development, marketing and communications, personal development and using social media. Skillslabs also signposts business to specialists, such as funding, employment law, digital

development and financial technology, to touch on just a few areas. Skillslabs is also an excellent opportunity for the colleges in the Solent group to benefit from the growth of

businesses too. By helping to develop job opportunities, work placements and offering skills training, education, succession planning, early careers programmes, L&D planning, we

will ultimately support economic growth for the Solent region.

A selection of upcoming events are available on our website and Eventbrite. Come along to a local business skills clinic with your pain points and let us help your growth.

Contact Beverley Poole at hello@skillslabs.co.uk

Fareham College secures more funding to boost skills

Fareham College, working in partnership with other further education providers, has secured additional funding from the Department for Education through the second wave of the Strategic Development Fund (SDF).

Recognised as economically, socially and culturally significant, the Solent region is set to benefit from further investment in skills training and technical education, supporting businesses to address long-standing skills challenges.

The Strategic Development Fund (SDF) forms part of the Government’s commitment to boost nationwide skills and get more people into local jobs.

The first round of SDF projects, totalling £65m nationwide with £4m in the Solent, included investment in the construction of the College Business Centres, Skillslabs, located at Fareham College and the Isle of Wight College. Fareham College also secured investment in new teaching resources for technical subjects across digital, marine and net zero. This second round of investment will help to further develop workforce industry exchange programmes, ensuring further education lecturers and industry work together effectively to develop skills training.

Andrew Kaye (pictured), Principal and Chief Executive of Fareham College, said: “Ongoing investment as part of the Strategic Development Fund has enabled Fareham College to remain a pioneering provider of advanced technical training in the region, from post-16 education through to adult learners. This further investment will secure additional resources for new and returning students, apprentices and employers and ensure we provide the skills training to best suit local and regional businesses.”

‘We enable business owners to plant strong roots with structured ideas’

A Skillslab in action

Businesses fly high at Hampshire Police breakfast event

HB Tech teamed up with Hampshire Police, Digital Intelligence and Investigation team, to share the latest cyber security threats facing businesses and how to avoid being a victim of cybercrime. Hosted at the ‘Army Flying Museum’, guests got to also enjoy a welcome breakfast and guided tour of the museum.

With the guest speakers from Hampshire Police only giving a couple of talks each year, this popular event saw businesses attending from all over Hampshire.

John Clough, Commercial Director, HB Tech, said: “It was lovely to meet so many new and familiar faces! A big thank to Hampshire Police, the Army Flying Museum and everyone who attended!”

Covering the latest cyber security threats, the seminar provided guests with lots of tips to keep their businesses safe now and in the future.

Gemma Stevens, Marketing Manager, HB Tech, said: “We are especially thrilled with the positive feedback received from all the attendees and delighted everyone enjoyed it.”

Sam Mabbott, CEO of Citizens Advice Hart, said: “Really great event! I know that cyber-crime is on the increase, but it was informative to hear from Hampshire Police about the threats our business will face in the future.

“The bacon baps and guided tour were a lovely bonus too!”

HB Tech are a provider of IT support and services to businesses and charities across Hampshire and Dorset. Since being founded in

2015 they have grown to deliver exceptional IT services to over 95 organisations.

HB Tech will be carrying out several complimentary events throughout 2022/2023.

Visit their events page to see what events might benefit you. www.hbtech.co.uk/events

MAIN PICTURE: Guests enjoyed a guided tour of the Army Flying Museum

NEW MEMBERS

HAMPSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME ITS NEW MEMBERS

Premier Partners Corporate Members

CALUM HARKISS (CURRENCIES DIRECT, FRANCE)

Calum Harkiss

4 Le Fougeray, Le Cambout, Bretagne, 22210, France

W: www.currenciesdirect.com/francecal

Calum Harkiss from Currencies Direct has recently joined the Chamber as a Premier Partner.

With many years under his belt working for Currencies Direct, he mainly works with partners in France and the Channel Islands to assist their private clients when buying or selling property or when importing or export goods between the UK/US and EU etc.

Currencies Direct are fully regulated in the UK, EU and US and have a five-star rating on Trustpilot. Working as part of a strong network which includes French Banks, Accountants, Estate Agents, IFA’s, Property Managers, Property finders, Visa Specialists etc they can offer a complete package for anyone with a requirement to transfer funds.

Currencies Direct can offer various products and services to both private and corporate clients helping them to save on their transfers.

Calum will be co-hosting a French Property & Lifestyle Show in Portsmouth on the 8-9 October at the Village Hotel and members of the Chamber are invited to join them there.

There will be multiple French-based astate agents showcasing properties from various regions of France, includingAgence Thom in the Mayennewho are on the doorstep of Escape to the Chateau; 3%.com in the Loire Valley; IaD Immo in Brittany; Groupement Immo in the Dordogne; Cenrillon Immo in the Limousin, and Ryan Green Properties in the Alps and South of France.

Prestige Property will be there with their

holiday rentals and Caravans in the Sun promoting their Mobile homes as well as other specialists who can help with your move to France.

ALL CLOTHING & PROTECTION LTD (ACP).

Russell Lacey

Units 6 & 7 Manor Park Industrial Estate, Station Road South, Totton, Hampshire, SO40 9HP

W: www.allclothing.co.uk

T: 07834 083840

Based in Southampton, England and established in 2003 we are now entering our 20th year in business.

We specialise in corporate clothing, uniforms & work wear as well as personal protection equipment (PPE). Garment personalisation is our speciality, and we offer a range of different applications such as embroidery, heat seal or screen print whichever suits your budget requirements.

Although we are an independent company, we are members of the Troy UK buying group which gives us greater buying power within the marketplace and often have some great promotional deals.

We are BS EN ISO9001:2015 Quality Management, BS EN ISO14001:2015 Environmental Management and BS EN ISO45001:2018 Health & Safety Management certified as well as approved by the rail industry standard Achilles RISQS and Utilities network UVDB.

Our commitment is to you the customer, with this in mind we understand the need to have knowledgeable experienced staff to deal with our sales enquiries.

We have dedicated members of staff in our sales team who are always happy to help with any enquiry you may have.

We are current suppliers to Network Rail for specialist PPE as well as providing security uniforms to Royal Ascot and Wimbledon to name just a few of our valued contracts.

SOUTHAMPTON CARGO HANDLING (SCH)

Simon Rowe

Pilgrim House, Canute Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 3FJ

W: www.schltd.com

T: 02380 429700

Southampton Cargo Handling (SCH) is one of the most extensive providers of port stevedoring services in the UK and the most experienced stevedore in the Port of Southampton.

We have supported the port and logistics sectors for over 30 years and our expertise spans a full range of services, including discharging and loading cargoes, and port terminal management, which entails receiving and distributing cargoes.

WILKINS SAFETY GROUP (SOUTH) INCORPORATING WSG PROJECT MANAGEMENT (SOUTH)

Chris Patching

DT2 8SB

W: wilkinssafety.co.uk/offices

T: 01305 896939

Chris is based in our Wilkins Safety Group (South Coast) office which incorporates WSG Project Management (South). He worked in the construction industry for over 10 years, starting out as a self-employed tradesman before moving into the project management side. During this time he has been heavily involved in Health and Safety, especially gaining experience of health and safety as the principal contractor in charge of the general site and employees.

His previous experience has combined the need to manage and advise on timescales, planning estimates, permissions, statutory approvals, plus develop scheme designs from feasibility through to detailed proposals.

Essential Members

ABSOLAR SOLUTIONS LIMITED

Nic Cory

Epsilon House, Enterprise Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 7NS

W: www.absolar.co.uk

T: 02382 680106

Absolar help businesses property portfolios and Local Authorities reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. Using advanced technologies, Absolar conduct remote solar surveys to provide investment cases for installing solar panels, perform Solar Audits and carry out installations with on-going optimisation.

CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF BUILDING (CIOB)

James Cole

1 Arlington Square, Downshire Way, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1WA

W: www.schltd.com

T: 02380 429700

The Chartered Institute of Building are the world’s`s largest and most influential professional body for construction management and leadership. We have a Royal Charter to promote the science and practice of building and construction for the benefit of society.

REDONBLUE – LEADERSHIP IN ACTION LIMITED

Daniel Neil

72 Blackthorn Road, Augusta Park, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 6YS

W: www.redonblue.co.uk

T: 077762 11747

RedOnBlue delivers bespoke experiential intervention that provide the opportunity to study holistically leadership and team development philosophies, to create sustainable change particularly Practical, Servant, and Values-based approaches and put these theories into practice.

Basic/Digital

SLTFM LIMITED

Marco Bertacchini

35/36 Oxford Street, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 3DS

T: 02380 224444

Marco’s Bar-Ristorante-Cicchetti is situated in the delightful Oxford Street in Southampton, serving traditional Italian cuisine, where ingredients are paramount. We are offering hand-crafted high-quality cocktails and highly selected wines in a stunning restaurant by a professional and knowledgeable staff. The large spacious bar area makes it ideal for events of up to 150.

A J WHEELER LIMITED

Amanda Duffin

338 London Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO2 9JY

W: www.ajwheeler.co.uk

T: 02393 162666

We are a chartered certified accountancy practice specialising in taxation and accounting for small to medium businesses. We provide business accounting services to small and medium sized businesses throughout Hampshire, the UK and overseas.

ALLIED OFFICE MACHINES LIMITED

Ava Lambert

Belbins Business Park, Unit 11 Westlink, Cupernham Lane, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 7AA

W: www.aomltd.co.uk

T: 01794 526088

We are specialists in printer, scan, document management and cybersecurity. We have been working closely with for the last 10 years with Window Warehouse, by supplying and maintaining their printers and copiers. We have long-term partnerships with all our clients to understand the business and add value.

ALMA VALLEY HEALTHCARE

LIMITED

Presley Urubusi

1983 Fratton Road,Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 5EU

W: almavalleyhealthcare.co.uk

T: 07546684927

We are a specialist domiciliary care provider and a temporary employment agency We specialise in the supply of a variety of healthcare professionals to a wide range of clients, including hospitals and care homes, as well as domiciliary care services to private clients and those referred by social services.

MAIRON UK FREIGHT LIMITED

Ash Horn

Unit 1 Fulcrum 6, Solent Way, Whiteley, Hampshire, PO15 7QQ

W: mairon.co.uk

T: 01444 400830

Mairon UK are a freight management business. We manage our client’s freight both domestically and internationally. We handle imports/exports, warehousing, 3PL, road freight, sea freight and air freight. We have two warehousing facilities in Sussex & Hampshire.

MARCO’S (SLTFM LIMITED)

Marco Bertacchini

35/36 Oxford Street, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 3DS

T: 02380 224444

Marco’s Bar-Ristorante-Cicchetti is situated in the delightful Oxford Street in Southampton, serving traditional Italian cuisine, where ingredients are paramount. We are offering hand-crafted high-quality cocktails and highly selected wines in a stunning restaurant by a professional and knowledgeable staff. The large spacious bar area makes it ideal for events of up to 15O.

LRB CONSULT LTD

JASON BUTCHER LIMITED

Jason Butcher

Unit

Linda Bazant

PO Box 219, Shepperton, Petersfield, TW17 7DB

W: www.lindabazant.com

T: 07957422069

Lawyers, Legal Services, Consultancy and Training

MYTHIC SOFTWARE LIMITED

Jamie Wood

71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ

T: 01202 122618

Computer Software, Software Development, Electronics and Software Design Consultancy

PARITY TRUST

Kim Higgs

Port View, One Port Way, Port Solent, Portsmouth, PO6 4TY

W: paritytrust.org.uk

T: 02392 375921

Financial Services

WEBSTER ASSOCIATES

Adrian Russell

Virgina Villas, High Street, Hartley Wintney, Hampshire, RG27 8NW

T: 01252 846688

Financial Services, Wealth Planner, Wealth Managers

CLEAR OUT GROUP LIMITED

Stephen Brown

Suite 7, Nix Business Centre, Premier Way, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 9DQ

W: clearoutgroup.co.uk

T: 017943 37390

Waste Disposal and Management

FREEDOM BAY LIMITED

Roland G Dobolyi

Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh, Hampshire,

W: www.customshub.uk

T: 07577054931

Customs Clearance Agents, Customs & Excise

OUTREACH RADIO LIMITED

Osman Sen-Chadun

Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, Hampshire

W: www.outreachradio.co.uk

T: 02380 090800

PORTSMOUTH CATHEDRAL

LizSnowball

Cathedral House, 63-68 St. Thomas's Street, Old Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2HA

W: www.portsmouthcathedral.org.uk

T: 02392 893300

Conferencing, Wedding Services, Conservation Charity

ROSENA

Shobina Jayaseelan

Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3SH

W: www.rosena.info

T: 02392 049923

Film Directors, Film, TV & Video Production

THE MAGAZINE CONNECTION

Melanie Wardle

Suite 2, Victoria House, South Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7QUW

W: www.themagazineconnection.co.uk

T: 01252 625683

Publishers, Local Magazine, Advertising & Marketing

JOINTHE CHAMBER

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

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