Portsmouth Business & Growth Guide.

build your business in PORTSMOUTH Business & Growth Guide

Did you know?

That Airbus’ Portsmouth site is home to the design, build and test of advanced payloads for commercial and military communications satellites; world leading Earth observation payloads including radars and scientific instruments; as well as a significant Gover nment Communications and payload products presence.

Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2018 it generated revenues of €64 billion and employed a workforce of around 134,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

Find out more: www.airbus.com

Airbus, Anchorage Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO3 5PU, UK

T: +44 (0)2392 705705

adept at spot ximise the r

We’re exper t and experienced proper t y developers, at spot ting the right oppor tunities and gaining the right planning permission to ma return on this most valuable of assets.

A WO RL D OF WATE RF RO NT S HO PPI NG AWAITS

With ove r 90 brands at up to 60 % of f

Gunwharf Quays, set on the city’s historic harbour, is the only waterfront outlet shopping destination in the UK, boasting over 90 brands at up to 60% of f RRP and over 30 restaurants, bars and cafe ´ s.

Welcome to Portsmouth; The Great Waterfront City

Portsmouth has an excellent reputation for encouraging and supporting successful businesses and has the highest rate of startups of any comparable area in the UK. There are over 7,500 businesses in the city, and its strong productivity growth rates outperform those of both the national and South East regional growth rates.

Positioned within the Solent area, a region with a thriving economy and served by three important international gateways (Portsmouth International Port, the Port of Southampton and Southampton Airport), the city is a leading location and growth hub for high tech industries, particularly the marine and maritime, aerospace & defence, advanced manufacturing & engineering and creative industries.

The city has major development projects planned and underway, from City Centre regeneration, the new Tipner/Horsea gateway site, to new coastal defences, and significant investment in new University campus buildings.

Major investment in Portsmouth is anticipated over the next 20 years. In August 2017 the first of the two new aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth arrived in her home port of Portsmouth, and will soon be followed by HMS Prince of Wales. These are the largest ships ever built for the Royal Navy securing £120m of investment in the base. Our businesses are growing fast as part of the city’s culturally led regeneration. It is an exciting time to be a business in Portsmouth.

Why Choose us?

❑ We offer a complete construc on management servic e

❑ We train and support our people to deliver a great service

❑ We are a financially sound business and carefully plan our growth

❑ Our annual turnover is £50 million

❑ Employing local people

❑ Specialist contractor in social housing developments

❑ Specialist contractor in private house building

Ivy Close (Former Arthur Pope House)

Construc on of 60 new dwellings. The dwellings comprise of nine three & four bedroom houses along with 51 flats in three blocks varying in height from three to six storeys. Construc on on behalf of Portsmouth City Council. (Contract value £8.085 million)

9.3M VISITORS PER YEAR

TOP 20 UK UNIVERSITY 21

GOLD 24,000 UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

CITY FOR GVA PER WORKER

7,500 BUSINESSES

RATED FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE

ONLY 70 MILES FROM LONDON

215,000 POPULATION

144,000 POPULATION WORKING AGE 144,000 POPULATION

BUSINESS IN THE GREAT WATERFRONT CITY

Portsmouth, the Great Waterfront City, is a successful and exciting location at the heart of south Hampshire. The city has great vision: as the skyline, landscape and economy grows, it continues to establish its position as a great business hub. Portsmouth City Council’s reputation for playing host to leading businesses and events, and for fostering a strong business community, ensures continued growth and success.

The council is committed to supporting business, from encouraging SMEs and assisting fast growing business to attracting new ventures. As part of the Solent region, Portsmouth is proud to be home to INEOS Team UK, which has its purposebuilt headquarters on the Camber in Old Portsmouth. Sir Ben Ainslie has teamed up with INEOS Team UK to use its world class technologies to challenge, in 2021, the current holder of the America’s Cup, Emirates Team New Zealand. Portsmouth is a central focus for the marine and maritime sectors, with plans in place for a new National Maritime Systems

Centre at Portsdown Technology Park and a new National Maritime Autonomy Centre provides an important test bed for unmanned vehicles and vessels. The council is focused on building on its existing sectors and expanding them. They include advanced engineering and manufacturing, aerospace and defence, digital and creative, logistics and environmental technologies. With a joined-up approach from a committed regeneration directorate, and award winning support for startups, the council is proud of its businessfriendly status.

INEOS TEAM UK

FAST-TRACK YOUR GROWTH PLANS

Portsmouth City Council is passionate about assisting businesses to grow and thrive. We offer a uniquely dedicated and collaborative approach to our business support. We pride ourselves on being one of the most business-friendly councils in the country.

From the first point of contact, our team of experts will help to fulfil your needs and assist your business journey. Whether you are a start-up business, an SME seeking support, an established

multi-national based in the city or a developer looking to invest here, we will assist you through your journey, playing an enabling role.

In Portsmouth we are passionate about helping businesses to grow and thrive. Deal with a single team who will provide information and comprehensive support, unlocking access to financial incentives and a network of skills, knowledge and assistance.

We offer:

• High-quality business support with an award-winning action plan to boost the city’s start-up and survival rates.

• Access to excellent data and performance indicators, thanks to our high-quality research and information for businesses and investors.

• A property search facility, list of local commercial property agents and database of available property.

• Information on Portsmouth employment and skills, including data on recruitment, skills, apprenticeships and wage levels.

• Comprehensive support for the retail sector and provision of markets across Portsmouth.

• Help with accessing the international market.

HOW CAN PORTSMOUTH CITY COUNCIL HELP?

Award-winning business support

Portsmouth City Council’s support for small businesses was highly commended in the recent FSB’s Hampshire Local Authority Small Business Friendly Awards.

The council delivers a varied programme of business support with its partners, including the Shaping Portsmouth business forum and the University of Portsmouth. The programme includes free business advice through a dedicated business enquiry line operated by Portsmouth City Council (dealing with an average of 350 enquires) and up to six hours free mentoring through the Portsmouth Business Support Bank, an innovative scheme originated and enabled through the Business & Enterprise project team of ‘Shaping Portsmouth’.

Businesses can sign up to receive a free monthly e-business bulletin from the council updating them of funding, events and new ways to access help.

The council was shortlisted in the Enterprising Britain ‘Improving the Business Environment’ category for the supported space it provides across the city, including its three enterprise centres, comprising 136 units, and the unique ‘Hotwalls Studios’ which provide13 working artist studios, a brasserie and café in listed 15th century barracks in Old Portsmouth.

Innovation, incubation and entrepreneurship

The council is passionate about assisting businesses to grow and thrive. Providing low-cost, adaptable business units with access to business advice organisations, in a professional and supportive environment, is at the heart of this. By assisting with incubation, mentoring and innovation, the aim is to significantly raise the long-term business success rates within the city. We offer business advice and direct support, building and nurturing successful relationships with a large number of organisations to assist with business space requests from established and growing companies. These incubator organisations also provide startup companies with resources, experience and networks across the city. There are a variety of exciting and dynamic centres, for further details see page 23 or visit www.investinportsmouth.co.uk/ property-search

Stay connected

As well as a dedicated business team, ready and willing to answer your questions, our website www.portsmouth.gov.uk underpins all business support and activity. The site is designed to be relevant to all business types and sizes. It comprehensively covers:

• funding opportunities

• skills and talent

• council property search and opportunities

• support and advice

There is also a commercial property search at www.investinportsmouth.co.uk, along with current business news stories.

Keep up to date and engaged with local news and opportunities through the council’s business Twitter account @Portsmouthbiz and its monthly business e-bulletin (to subscribe click the Sign Up box at www.portsmouth.gov.uk). The bulletin contains information about free events, available funding, grants, advice and training.

Events

Access to a vibrant business community is important for all organisations and businesses, encouraging knowledge exchange and providing an opportunity to nurture future growth. Portsmouth fosters a great business community, encouraging contact and communication across the city. From financial and legal to marketing and social media, specialist advice from experts in their fields is never far away. There is an array of meetings and networking opportunities regularly held across the city. Businesses can sign up to receive details of business news and events at www.portsmouth.gov.uk - search for ‘My Portsmouth Updates’

• Portsmouth City Council runs a B2B lunch and network event, on the third Thursday of the month. Email: Danielle.Eberhardt@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

• First Friday Network is a monthly meeting, nationally linked but run locally to offer opportunities to network and promote business ideas.

https://www.firstfriday-network.co.uk/meetings

Payroll

Providing peace of mind when it comes to payroll, a designated payroll officer will look after your business and monthly salaries. Payments will be made via BACS, with the necessary payments to HMRC, NICS and any other statutory payments.

Human Resources Support

Portsmouth City Council offers bespoke services and expertise within HR that assist and support local businesses. From Employee Relations, Learning & Development and recruitment support, all provided by over 50 experienced HR specialists.

Working with organisations from the voluntary and public sectors, the team has a strong track record in managing local work, all the way up to multimillion pound projects, providing a high level of service no matter what size of organisation.

Services are provided on an ad hoc basis or as part of a longer term agreement; this will ensure your organisation has the right backing to drive your business forward. Whatever your organisation’s needs, we’re confident we’ll have you covered.

For further information contact the Business Development Executive on 023 9283 4736 or email toby.beale@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Amenities and highways

To place ‘amenities’ such as a table and chairs, or display stands, outside premises on the public highway, you must first obtain a permit. For further information on highway amenities visit www.portsmouth.gov.uk/ext/licensing/amenitieson-the-highway-permits.aspx

Advertising

Portsmouth City Council provides advertising opportunities to local businesses. There are numerous ways we can help to promote brands, including print, outdoor advertising and sponsorship opportunities. The opportunities offer advertisers a greater reach and higher penetration than any other service in the Portsmouth area.

•over 200,000 Portsmouth residents and 90,000 homes

•more than 7,500 city businesses

•5,900 Portsmouth City Council employees

•more than 23,000 students

•100,000 vehicles in and out of the city daily

•over 9 million visitors

For further information from the advertising team contact Danielle.Eberhardt@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or phone 023 9283 4307.

Planning permission

The city development team is here for advice on planning and building control. They can assist with checks on existing planning permissions and conditions on premises. Some properties can change usage without needing planning permission, or qualify for ‘temporary use’ permission.

To apply for planning permission or building control, including approval for installations and alterations, visit the link below. You can submit a ‘preapplication’ enquiry to the city council for further advice and support prior to a full application. For further information on planning permission visit https://www. portsmouth.gov.uk/ext/developmentand-planning/planning-applications/ submitting-a-planning-application

Food hygiene

For any type of food business or offering, you will need to ensure your premises are registered and food production and labelling systems are up to standard. For further information on food hygiene visit https://www. portsmouth.gov.uk/ext/environmental-health/safety/food-safety

Trading standards

Trading standards advice is available as a payable business service. Please contact: trading. standards@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or visit https://www.food.gov. uk/business-guidance

A checklist to help businesses trading from home, at the door, online or via telephone or mail order can be found at https:// www.gov.uk/run-businessfrom-home

Licensing

If you want to sell alcohol, host events or stage live music, you may need to apply for a licence. For further information on licensing visit https://www.portsmouth. gov.uk/ext/licensing/apply-forlicences/premises-licences or for Information about street trading licences call 023 9268 8367

Business rates

To find out more on commercial business rates, including qualifying for relief or a discount, contact the 023 9268 8588 or localtaxation@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Business Continuity Management

This service helps business identify those parts of your business that you can afford to lose and plan how to maintain them. In safeguarding your organisation the Business Continuity Management team will help you plan and prepare for the unexpected. Contact BC@portsmouthcc.gov.uk for more information.

Tax, National Insurance, business records and expenses

Advice about complying with government rules on tax, NI etc. can be found at www.gov.uk/browse/business

SOLENT SUPPORT

Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)

The Solent LEP area is an internationally recognised key economic hub compromising the Isle of Wight, the cities of Portsmouth and Southampton, the M27 corridor and the Solent waterway.

The Solent’s position also means it is one of the UK`s most important gateways to European and global markets, with direct highway and rail links to London and the strategic national corridor, plus international connections through an airport and two ports.

It has a population of over 1.3 million people with around 50,000 businesses and a GVA of £29bn. It has a range of assets that are globally renowned, a strong SME and skills base, and a thriving research community based in its universities and research institutions.

The Solent LEP has a range of solutions to support the growing demands of the business community, continuing to inspire, develop and enhance the local economic landscape through direct interventions and stakeholder management. The Solent LEP is able to offer:

• Support for Start Ups

• Support for small and medium Business

• Funding for Large Projects

Support is available in 2 key areas:

Business support - The Solent LEP growth hub provides a concierge service

that is free and accessible to all Solent businesses. The service is aimed at:

• Simplifying the business support landscape signposting to relevant opportunities that may include finance and funding, sales, skills, mentoring and much more.

• Supporting high growth business start-ups with exporting potential, and encouraging growth in existing businesses through innovation.

• Supporting the development of peerto-peer self-help networks, business-to business mentoring and more efficient networking opportunities.

• Working to expand an enterprise culture and support for young people, including enterprise programmes in partnership with the voluntary and community sectors.

• Encouraging business start-ups and social enterprises in difficult to reach and economically inactive communities, working with business leaders, social entrepreneurs, universities and civil society organisations.

• Supporting business growth through enhanced leadership and management skills in the Solent business base.

Funding - The Solent LEP has various funding opportunities to support businesses, which can include capital and revenue funding. See case studies for examples of successful applicants.

• Renovos is a medical business start-up commercialising the results of decades of University of Southampton research in orthopaedics and regenerative medicine. The company has put a £15,450 grant towards the opening of new labs at the Southampton Science

Eastleigh

Fareham

Isle of Wight

Gosport

Portsmouth

New Forest

Southampton

Havant

East Hampshire

Park which will enable it to provide highquality products and tools including stem cell and screening services.

• Commercial furniture provider The Meeting Pod Company was signposted to £28,000 of financial support to help expand its Isle of Wight manufacturing facility and produce additional moulds to accelerate product development. Demand for the company’s bespoke composite-based ‘flexible working zones’ has grown dramatically with installations being completed across the UK alongside interest from international markets.

• BookMyGarage.com was nurtured as a start-up by Solent LEP with a bridging the gap grant of £42,500 in 2013. This grant persuaded the founders to base the business at Portsmouth City’s Lakeside campus. Founders Karen and Douglas Rotberg said that moving to Portsmouth was one of the success factors which made BookMyGarage.com the UK’s 35th fastest growth business in Britain in 2018. The company has grown now to 40 full time team members.

Portsmouth has a wonderful selection of people who are passionate about their work. This has been rewarded by the team being awarded The News

Business Excellent Award in 2019. The City Council have been engaging with the business through their economic growth team and we look forward to a continued involvement within the City.

Any business looking for funding must complete the enquiry form through the following link https://solentlep.org.uk/ business-support-and-funding/solentlep-funds/ For further information on the Solent LEP Business Support call us on 01329 820 898 or visit www.solentgrowthhub. co.uk. You can email any questions to enquiries@solentlep.org.uk

To find out more about the wider work of the Solent LEP visit https://solentlep.org. uk/

BOOK MY GARAGE

GEARING UP FOR THE FUTURE

With committed and sustained investment we are securing the city’s long-term vision to shape and regenerate.

The resulting economic opportunities will resonate across the city, boosting opportunities, skills and aspirations. This forward-thinking and progressive environment ensures that the city offers the ideal location for business of all sizes to proposer.

Tipner East, Port Solent and and Horsea Island

These strategic sites have been identified to meet the city’s future development

needs, developing Tipner and Horsea Island as the gateway to the city. The vision makes best use of these prominent waterfront sites, bordering the M275, with developments set to move forward rapidly over the coming years.

We have secured £48.7m as part of the government’s City Deal to regenerate these areas that have been largely derelict for a number of years and the project is estimated to attract £831m in investment.

Overall, the project will bring major business benefits to Portsmouth, attracting investment, creating additional business space, strengthening the business community, increasing trading opportunities, developing the workforce and enabling new and existing businesses to prosper.

Tipner West

Portsmouth City Council has an ambitious vision of producing high quality marine employment and an extraordinary development of residential neighbourhoods. This will create a unique and sustainable community within a contemporary and ecologically focused location. The marine employment hub will be recognised as a national beacon within the industry and the residential development will be regarded as a highly desirable place to live within Portsmouth. We will have also created an iconic and captivating gateway into the city.

City centre

This is an exciting time for the city centre, with significant investment planned and a bold vision in place to reshape the heart of Portsmouth.

Tricorn site development will: Produce an economic growth opportunity - short and long term land development needed to facilitate an improved use of retail and commercial space that promotes growth and sustainability.

Reinvigorate the northern aspect of the city centre - land development is needed to create a desirable space and focal point/landmark within an important part of the city.

Enhancement and improvements to Commercial Road high street will: Secure the economic future of the high street - area development strategies to drive economic growth evenly and sustainably within the city centre.

Address behavioural changes towards retail - meeting the current and evolving needs of consumers, focusing on place attractiveness, public realm and promoting cultural growth.

Rapid transit

In 2018, Portsmouth City Council was successfully shortlisted to bid for a share of the government’s £1.28billion Transforming Cities Fund. Working in partnership with Hampshire County Council and Isle of Wight Council, the joint bid proposes to improve public transport by introducing a rapid transit system to Portsmouth and surrounding areas. For more information visit: www.sehrt.org.uk

Flood defences

Portsmouth is carrying out an ambitious £54 million flood defence programme around the northern part of Portsea Island and is working on a £100+ million scheme along 4.5km of the Southsea seafront to reduce the risk of coastal flooding for the next 100 years. This significant investment will enable regeneration, ensure future security for businesses and unlock potential

investment opportunities, to create a more vibrant place for residents, businesses and visitors alike. For more information visit http://www.escp.org.uk

Electric vehicles

As one of the first local authorities to receive funding from the government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), Portsmouth City Council has installed 50 charge points in 34 roads. Portsmouth is the first city to introduce an integrated solution, where electricity is provided by the street lamp column (either directly or via a bollard) and is charged on a pay-asyou-go basis.

BUSINESS LOCATIONS

Choosing a business location is one of the most important decisions a small business or start-up will make. Whether you are looking for a first location, a re-location or additional space, Portsmouth offers a range of business centres, premises and locations across the city, with space, facilities, environments and support to suit all types of businesses.

Voyager Park is one of Portsmouth’s premier industrial and distribution locations, providing up to 46,500 sq m of modern employment space. The park has excellent environmental design features, and units can be flexible as to size and use. It is within walking distance of Hilsea rail station and has fast connections to Portsmouth International Port and the A27/M27 south coast trunk route. Units are available to purchase or lease.

Dunsbury Park is an award winning new industrial distribution and business park just north of Portsmouth, next to junction 3 of the A3 (M), offering swift freight movements into the national road network and easily accessible for a large, skilled workforce.

Dunsbury Park is well connected with rail, bus routes and Portsmouth International Port offering a comprehensive travel network across England and with Europe. The scheme offers bespoke facilities on a flexible built-to-suit basis from 20,000 sq ft to 200,000 sq ft. The site, owned by Portsmouth City Council, is served by a new link road. All 45-acres have been levelled and are served by high voltage power supply in excess of 9MVA, high speed broadband, mains water and gas. Check out www.dunsburypark.co.uk

Merlin Park offers major new industrial and warehouse opportunities. It provides high-quality units from 850 sq m to 12,950 sq m on a 2.7 hectare site, in a prominent

location on the established Airport Industrial Estate. Planning permission is in place for around 15,000 sq m of industrial, warehouse, office or R&D use.

Limberline Estate, owned by Portsmouth City Council, offers 22 industrial and enterprise units on Limberline Road from 41 sq m to 2,262 sq m. It provides the opportunity for local businesses to flourish in bespoke, modern premises on three or five year leases. With easy motorway connections, it is an established freight and distribution location.

Lakeside Business Park, owned by Portsmouth City Council is a thriving 130 acre park with brand new facilities, giving a professional and unique character. A diverse mix of companies of all sizes have the opportunity to create standalone office space designed to meet individual business specifications and needs. Buildings 2000 and 3000 offer suites from 3,600sq ft to whole floors from 10,500sq ft to 36,000 sq ft. Occupants

also benefit from visual prominence, location, level of services, meeting rooms, ease of access and conference facilities for up to 250 delegates, in total 100,000 sq m of offices.

Innovation and incubation space

Portsmouth offers an array of affordable, flexible business units with access to support, advice and local networks. There are a variety of exciting and dynamic centres to suit all types of newly established and growing businesses:

• Hotwalls Studios is part of the city’s creative quarter in Old Portsmouth. It brings artists and designer-makers together in an exceptional heritage location with 13 start-up working studios. In 2014, Portsmouth City Council was successful in securing £1.75 million of government funding, via the Coastal Communities Fund, to refurbish the buildings at Point Battery and to re-use them as working artist/ maker studios.

• Portsmouth City Council enterprise centres provide a range of units for industrial and office use. The council owns three large centres across the city. www.portsmouthenterprisecentres. co.uk/

• Innovation Space is close to Portsmouth city centre and is the place to find professional, modern and friendly shared workspace, with free expert advice to help businesses grow.

• Portsmouth Technopole is an iconic building at the entrance to Portsmouth. It provides offices, meeting rooms and virtual offices to start-up, growing and established businesses.

• Cell Block Studios is located in the Historic Royal Naval Dockyard and is aimed at digital and creative start-ups. The newly opened Future Technology Centre at the heart of the University of Portsmouth’s campus enables businesses to locate alongside R&D facilities and the technology faculty of the university. The FTC capitalises on relationships with local industry that will bring together the University’s expertise from within academia and industry.

• Pure Offices at Port Solent, is aimed at entrepreneurial, start-up or global businesses looking for a first office or a regional satellite base.

• Regus at Lakeside North Harbour offers flexible office space with support and managed facilities.

• Port 57 in Southsea is a co-working studio aimed at small creative businesses and freelancers.

• Aspex Gallery based at Gunwharf Quays provides start-up office space for artists and creative businesses.

The Invest in Portsmouth website provides a searchable listing of premises, a list of commercial agents and up-to-date information on all major business location within the city: www.investinportsmouth.co.uk/ property-search

You can also search for business properties at www.portsmouth.gov.uk or email commercialpropertyforsale@ portsmouthcc.gov.uk

New retail opportunities

The retail sector in Portsmouth is strong, with many start-up businesses, young entrepreneurs and growing retailers. The council aims to make finding an appropriate location as smooth as possible, by offering access to property searches on www.investinportsmouth. co.uk/

We are constantly looking for new opportunities to set up and support entrepreneurial retailers on low-cost starter platforms. Long term, this contributes to a vibrant and thriving market sector, feeding into the economic diversity of the city.

Love your local markets: Local markets provide a viable route to a local customer base. With one-off day pitches available, start-up businesses can trial products, establish customer bases and develop ranges at an affordable rate. There are markets across the city, including in Commercial Road, Cosham and in Southsea. Themed markets include Love Southsea market, an arts and collectables market, a craft market, a local produce market, a Hotwalls festive market and a German Christmas market. For further information contact Portsmouth City Council on business@portsmouthcc. gov.uk

SKILLS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Portsmouth’s progressive attitude towards education and training ensures its workforce and skills are aligned with the needs of local businesses.

A skilled city

The population of Portsmouth stands at almost 215,000, with a workforce specialised in advanced manufacturing and engineering, specifically related to marine and maritime, aerospace and defence, information technology and computer service activities.

Sector training centres include the International Boat Building Training Centre in the Historic Dockyard, which teaches traditional boat-building, and the North Harbour construction centre, both run by Highbury College.

The University Technical College is a new type of school / college that provides a specialist STEM curriculum for 14-19 year olds, delivered by experts. It specialises in advanced manufacturing and electrical & mechanical engineering

Such facilities ensure the future skills needs of specific industries are met for Portsmouth and the country. The city’s higher and further education providers ensure a future pool of skilled employees as well as immediate access to part-time and casual staff.

Skills for your business – further education. Portsmouth is very fortunate in having a thriving and dynamic further education sector with two very highquality colleges in the city training and supporting businesses and a further four in the travel-to-learn area; Havant & South Downs College, Fareham College, St Vincent College in Gosport and CEMAST engineering college in Fareham.

The colleges have specific areas of expertise, as follows:

• Portsmouth College offers academic, vocational courses, specialist learning disability provisions and apprenticeships.

• Highbury College offers many vocational entry courses and professional and technical courses.

• Havant & South Downs College have been selected to pioneer the new T Level qualifications, which offer a technical alternative to A Levels.

Employers have access to further education services for additional training and courses to further develop their workforce. The colleges pride themselves on their effective partnerships and collaborations with local business. All the colleges offer good facilities, with expert staff ensuring a skilled workforce for the city for today and into the future.

Recruiting your work force – higher education

The University of Portsmouth holds ‘Gold’ rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework, the UK government’s assessment of teaching excellence in higher education. It is a leading modern university with high levels of student satisfaction. The university is ranked 21 in The Guardian University Guide 2020 - the 5th straight year that they have climbed the rankings.

The university has excellent links with local industry and businesses, with a strong record of student employability. Every course has opportunities for work-related learning, ranging from placements, volunteering and commercial projects to a sandwich year in a workplace relevant to a student’s degree. University of Portsmouth Business School holds the Small Business Charter Silver Award and is one of a small number of what the Small Business Charter describes as world-class

business schools across the UK to have demonstrated their ability and promise to help grow business

The University’s £11m Future Technology Centre (FTC) is equipped to the highest standard to enable students to become innovative engineers of the future through hands-on experience of specialist technology. Students benefit from real life projects as the FTC opens its doors for companies to access its advanced facilities and specialist equipment, building relationships with local industry and bringing together the University’s academic expertise and industry.

Businesses also have access to students looking for part-time work that fits around their studies. The university’s Recruitment centre offers the opportunity to advertise paid part-time, seasonal and casual vacancies directly to 50,000 students and graduates.

70 per cent of graduates are in professional or managerial level roles within six months of graduation, putting Portsmouth above the UK sector average. A high percentage of these graduates choose to remain within the city, ensuring a continuous, highly skilled and motivated pool of employees.

Portsmouth is within easy reach of universities in Bournemouth, Brighton, Chichester and Southampton. Over a quarter of the south-east’s university students are within the catchment with an emphasis on IT based fields.

WORKING

With decades of experience in print, internet, data and adver tising ser vices, we are able to deliver ex ceptional standards of design technology, projec t management and customer ser vice

We o er a range of exciting, fully funded publishing and marketing ser vices to major public and private organisations throughout the UK – primarily government bodies, local authorities, NHS Trusts and trade associations.

Our comprehensive ser vice encompasses all elements of printed and elec tronic publishing. We provide a wide range of ser vices including design and print, data management, adver tising sales, mark et research, website design and produc tion, software development and sponsorship. b w m

IT’S LOCAL PORTSMOUTH ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Portsmouth Council is proud to be part of launching an exciting new service for businesses in Portsmouth, connecting local businesses with local

/Portsmouthcitycouncil www.portsmouth.gov.uk

‘It’s Local’ is an online business directory, built for today’s mobile generation, that accompanies this Portsmouth Business Guide.

At itslocalportsmouth you can find business services by keyword or company name. It is fully integrated with Google maps, directions and Streetview and includes direct links to businesses’ websites and social media including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and YouTube.

‘It’s Local’ is a business directory for businesses and people who live in, work in and visit Portsmouth.

There’s no download or install to worry about. The service is dynamic, sending deviceappropriate pages to mobiles, tablets, laptops, desktops and Smart TVs.

Scan the QR CODE above to connect you to itslocalportsmouth.