Borough Business Gems

We’re always keen to highlight local business success stories and have been revisited some of the local Business Gems that we showcased as the Borough emerged from the pandemic.

Eastleigh’s Got Talent

Eastleigh-based original importer Tukshop, one of our Borough Gems, provided electric tuk tuks for the Britain’s Got Talent judges to drive to the 2023 auditions.

Mr Steve and his collection of tuk tuks for sale and hire can be found at the rear of 3 High Street in Eastleigh Town Centre. Mahindra Electric Treo EVs in both Passenger and Cargo variants are in stock.

“It’s great that the judges recognise the emission free benefits of electric and of course they are huge fun to ride in,” said owner, Mr Steve. Tukshop.com

Fitness charity status for Chickenhall Lane business

CrossFit Southampton has just been awarded charitable status for its new initiative, Momentum in Fitness.

They say: “Momentum is a charity for local people, run by local people. Our fitness charity brought to you by CrossFit Southampton is focused on providing fitness to the local community! Whether you’re 16 and looking to learn weightlifting or 66 and looking to be more active and social, we’ll be running free sessions for you soon from our Chickenhall Lane location!” crossfitsouthampton.com

goPhysio sponsors Eastleigh 10k

For the fifth year, goPhysio were the Official Health Partners for the Eastleigh 10K last month. The goPhysio team and local student volunteers were on hand early and throughout the race offering free injury support and advice, free computerised foot scans and pre-and post-race massage.

Fiona Moir, goPhysio’s Non-Clinical Director, said: “It’s always a highlight of the year for the goPhysio team, not only the event day itself but also being able to support so many runners with their running journey in the lead up to the race and beyond. goPhysio is all about helping people live a healthy, active and positive life, free from pain and injury. So, an event like the Eastleigh 10k is perfect to be involved in.”

Read more here: gophysiotherapy.co.uk/eastleigh10k-2023-gophysio

Hamble-based company delivers jobs boost

A photonics manufacturing company based in Hamble is looking to expand its business by recruiting more people from the area.

Qioptic Photonics Ltd in Hamble, an Excelitas Technologies Company, has been expanding for the last few years and now has over 200 employees - and needs to recruit more in the next few months. The company has seen three years of exceptional business growth in the semi-conductor, laser, and optical technology industries, as well as biomedical.

Council Leader, Cllr Keith House (right) visited the company to find out more about their plans and what support the Council can provide. (Picture above)

Hamble Hog Roast Sausage Roll – a national headliner

Hamble Catering entered three of its homemade products into the Great Taste Awards 2022 – and all three won stars for their product quality.

Their homemade hog roast sausage rolls won two stars and jointly claimed the top spot in the country.

The company’s online app, developed during the pandemic, was also a technology finalist in the South Coast Business Awards 2022

The app, which allows customers to order a customised breakfast or lunch choice within a 15-minute interval, has been a success from day one, racking up 35,000 orders since its introduction.

New refillery in Chandler’s Ford

One of our Borough Gems, Bay Leaves Larder, has now added a refill station to its popular mix of deli, coffee shop and event space.

Since it was opened, customers have been able to eat in –anything from a full English breakfast to a gluten-free cake with afternoon tea – or take away Hampshire-sourced treats including New Forest Teas, flowers, candles, eggs, and a range of local gins. You can even attend Thermomix masterclasses among a whole host of other events – and now customers can reduce plastic waste by refilling their own containers with fresh milk, orange juice and cleaning products at the larder’s refill station.

April 2023 marks the 15th anniversary of the familyfriendly business and Sarah and her team are inviting local residents to join the celebrations.

COMING SOON:

Botley: 1086 Wine Bar

Botley’s mill was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 so it’s a fitting name for the latest addition to Botley Mills’ growing cluster of artisan food and drink outlets. The wine bar will be serving a cheese and charcuterie selection sourced from local suppliers to complement wines from the local Wickham Estate. Customers will also be able to buy wine and food to take home.

Eastleigh: a bubble tearoom called POPZ Tea at 56 Market Street

Named after their daughter Poppy and the popping balls in the drink, POPZ Tea’s owners spent 2022 travelling around the world sampling enough bubble tea to create their own ideal recipe.

On the site previously occupied by Pat’s Sandwich Bar, POPZ Tea will soon be looking for staff to help them serve their hot and cold teas, topped with fruit flavoured popping/boba balls.