Member News

Calling all Hampshire businesses to hop on board!

The Hares of Hampshire, a Wild in Art event brought to you by local charity The Murray Parish Trust, is launching a spectacular public art trail which will see ‘larger than life’ brightly painted hares, pop up at 30 locations in the city of Winchester in the summer of 2022.

For 10 weeks the city will come alive with the exhibition of giant hares. Each one will be sponsored by a business and individually designed by local artists, showcasing the wealth of artistic talent the county has to offer while positively contributing to the economic, cultural and social life of the area. Residents and visitors to the city will be able to hop on the family friendly trail of discovery to find all 30 hares using an interactive app which will display information on the sponsor, artist and location.

The event hopes to raise awareness and funds for local charity The Murray Parish Trust and is supported by Winchester Bid and creative partners BECG. To get involved please head over to www. haresofhampshire.co.uk for details of sponsorship, artists and our schools' learning program.

“This spectacular trail is an exciting addition to the wide range of festivals and events held annually in Winchester. It will deliver significant economic, social and cultural impacts to the city whilst benefiting local businesses. We look forward to seeing local artists engaging in the design process, more visitors coming to our beautiful city and a boost of civic pride for local residents.” – Sarah Davis, Winchester BID.

University awarded new Small Business Charter award

Solent Business School has retained its Small Business Charter (SBC) award in recognition of its continuing support of students, small businesses and the local economy.

One of only 33 business schools in the UK and Ireland to hold the Small Business Charter, Solent was first awarded accreditation status in 2015 and will now retain it for a further three years.

The SBC assessor panel – made up of small business leaders – was impressed by the business school’s continued support of SMEs through the Higher level and Degree Apprenticeships. They also highlighted the University’s strong track record in embedded enterprise education – with particular distinctiveness in the creative, film and digital, and maritime sectors.

The panel noted how Solent has evidenced a strong new strategy, developed their leadership and management capabilities, and embraced opportunities such as the City of Culture 2025 bid.

Anne Kiem OBE, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter and Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, says, “We would like to congratulate Solent Business School for successfully attaining the Small Business Charter Award. It does vital work supporting small businesses and local economies, while its commitment to supporting student entrepreneurship and growth remains outstanding. We are delighted to continue working with Solent in the future, especially with the imminent roll out of the Help to Grow: Management programme.”

The assessors were particularly impressed by the dedicated faculty team and Solent Business School’s commitment to encouraging entrepreneurship and providing support to small businesses.

The panel also highlighted the business school’s partnership with Warsash Maritime School, which will stimulate growth by opening routes for leadership and management training for businesses in the maritime sector and their supply chains.

Caroline Walsh, Director of Solent Business School, says, “We are delighted to have secured the Small Business Charter award for a further three years. As well as supporting our work in creating future-ready graduates, it will help us to continue our important work with the region’s SMEs. Knowledge exchange is at the core of Solent Business School and we’ll be expanding our reach through the Help to Grow: Management programme. We look forward to playing an even bigger part in leading the COVID-19 pandemic recovery with leadership and resilience capability across small businesses in the region.”

For further information on how your business can work with Solent University and the Business School visit our business solutions site. www.solent. ac.uk/business-solutions.

Reality HR supports employers with the shift to hybrid working

Reality HR’s experienced team of people management specialists are supporting employers as the country eases out of COVID‑19 restrictions and into a world of hybrid working.

A recent survey of the UK’s 50 largest employers found that the vast majority anticipated the long-term adoption of a hybrid working model, with their people splitting their time between home and the workplace.

Recognising that this is distinct from fully remote working and that employers may need support in implementing processes and systems for hybrid teams, Reality HR’s team have developed resources to help organisations through this next phase.

A 10-step step-by-step online guide for employers and a free “roadmap” guide can be found on their website https://www.realityhr.co.uk/.

The Reality HR team regularly post helpful information on their dedicated Coronavirus Hub and on their LinkedIn page.

If you have queries relating to hybrid working, or any other HR needs, call Reality HR on 01256 328 428 or email info@realityhr.co.uk

Marsolutions Translation Services scores an ‘ISO HAT TRICK’

A major accomplishment for Marsolutions Ltd achieving three significant ISO Certifications – ISO9001:2015, ISO 17100:2015 & ISO 18587:2017

We have, from the outset, focused on delivering service excellence, concentrating on accuracy and quality. Over the years, we have implemented solid procedures and workflows that we felt best served our customers.

The ISO journey over the last five months allowed us to formalise these processes and to give our business a full service, discovering our weaknesses, and recognising our strengths as to what we did well as a language service provider. This gave us the opportunity to make the necessary changes and/ or adjustments, in order to achieve our aims and objectives.

We are delighted to have achieved the ISO certifications, further supporting our comprehensive range of personalised and flexible language services, backed by an even higher quality customer service experience.

For more information please call +44 2392 356497 or +44 7787 518929. e-mail phil@marsolutions.net

Website at www.marsolutions.net

Making IT amazing

Why do we have the paradox that instead of improving agility and cohesion, ‘enabling’ more flexible working patterns, the opposite can be the case with IT investment?

Instead of better information flow, for example, access to relevant data is more complex, while any expected reduction in the operational costs of the business fail to materialise.

The implications are increased vulnerability, as well as an impact on effectiveness, an increased difficulty in remaining competitive and being on the same wavelength as their customers.

For a report being researched and written by DECISION magazine for HB Tech, various companies consider what they need to address if IT is to deliver key objectives.

Leading up to publication of the final report, HB Tech will be presenting the latest thought-provoking interview on their social media channels. It will be available to download as a PDF from their website. HB Tech offer IT support and services to businesses and charities.

www.hbtech.co.uk

The big 40 for MedTec Design Services

MedTec Design Services are an award winning, ISO9001 accredited engineering design company based in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight.

The name MedTec derives from the proximity of the office to the River Medina and the technical nature of the service provided, hence MedTec. This year sees MedTec celebrating 40 years in business!

Whilst MedTec has seen many changes over the past four decades, one thing has always stayed the same – the passion for utilising local suppliers and staff. We have employed hundreds of members of staff over the years, many of whom have launched successful careers within the engineering design sector, the foundations for these skills being formed during their time at the company.

MedTec’s experienced design community have worked on numerous engineering and design projects across multiple sectors from renewables to architectural using the latest technologies and state-of-the-art software packages – supporting clients at all stages of the design process by offering turnkey solutions from concept to creation. MedTec pride themselves in offering a second-to-none service, and the amount of repeat business received is testament to this, “Fully flexible and available at short lead times we aim to produce high-end corporate work whilst instilling family values into it,” says Daniel Carley – Director.

The use of 3D models, computer generated images, animations, 3D printing and simulation analysis gives a visualisation of how clients’ products will look and perform before any commitment to manufacture is made. Contact: Daniel Carley E: dcarley@medtec.co.uk T: 01983294974

Property valuations specialist joins Vail Williams, as Partner

Daniel Pearce, commercial property valuer, has joined the Southampton office of property consultancy Vail Williams, a Hampshire Chamber member, as Partner.

Daniel Pearce joins from JLL, where, as a London-based national director, he sourced and managed valuation assignments for banks, investors and property companies.

Gary Jeffries, Vail Williams’ regional managing partner, South Coast, said: “Daniel is a highly experienced valuer of commercial property for a wide range of purposes including loan security valuations, company accounts, acquisition purposes and development appraisals.

“In keeping with, as Partnerz staff appointments, Daniel is well respected in his particular field – he will help us provide a market-leading service to clients across the region.”

Daniel provides valuation advice across all main commercial sectors including offices, retail and industrial, as well as mixed-use portfolios including an ever-increasing weighting towards the alternative sectors.

A MRICS, RICS Registered Valuer, Daniel said: “Vail Williams is dedicated to providing clients with an exemplary service, and I look forward to supporting growth and opportunity with my new colleagues.”

Away from work, Daniel enjoys the occasional round of golf and turning out for his local village cricket team, and is training for the London Marathon on behalf of homeless charity Crisis in October.

His appointment is the latest by Vail Williams on the south coast – Bryony Solan, who was previously with Goadsby Commercial, is an Associate (property acquisition and disposal) at the new Bournemouth office following Vail Williams’ merger with Cowling & West in March.

Paralympic brand ambassador

Wessex Lifts, providers of through-floor homelifts and platform lifts have welcomed Sophie Carrigill as their brand ambassador.

Sophie is no stranger to Wessex Lifts. Following her accident in 2010 her family had a lift installed in their home and Sophie has recently moved into a new house with her boyfriend Josh, where they have installed another Wessex Lift to ensure Sophie has full access around their home.

“I think having the lift will prolong the time we will be able to be here. We will grow into this house. My lift has given me the freedom of moving around my home without any restrictions. Before it was put in I was having to go up and down the stairs on my bum, which is absolutely fine, but I am very fortunate that we have created a really great relationship and Wessex have supported us to have this done. It’s been amazing!

To find out more about Wessex Lifts visit wessexlifts.co.uk

EBP supports STEM careers

Ensure the future of local STEM talent by working with EBP South who help businesses to develop a pipeline of future employees.

Recent research from employers and education show that job roles young people choose at primary school age are ‘relatively unchanged’ throughout their education.

The impact of this means that when young people are in their final years of school, and making their choices for college, they are choosing courses based on unchallenged aspirations that do not always match their skills or interests.

EBP South’s STEM projects bring together businesses and schools to enable young people to understand different STEM careers available and to help businesses to develop a pipeline of STEM talent that starts with primary aged pupils.

EBP South has two upcoming STEM events that businesses can support, the Primary Schools’ STEM Fair in partnership with Portsmouth Water and Inspiring STEM Careers for secondary pupils. Find out more at: https://www.ebpsouth.co.uk/Pages/

Events/Category/events-for-businesses

Club Select is coming...

We are nearly ready to launch the very exciting ‘Club Select’ membership.

This membership will be for people who want to become part of an ever-growing community for mature singles. This club is all about encouraging and celebrating being single over 50-ish.

As a member, you will have premium access to a range of social events, workshops, and activities for over 50s in your area. ¾ Upscale organised events ¾ Locally organised informal get-togethers ¾ Masterclasses ¾ Interactive activities ¾ Monthly zoom catch-up and fun quiz ¾ Preferential treatment from our selected business partners in your area (hotels, restaurants, beauty/grooming, gourmet foods) ¾ Access to our exclusive coaching zone... WATCH THIS SPACE! (All members of the Select Elect, Select Advantage & Select

Transformation packages will have complimentary access to Club Select.)

www.selecteventscompany.com www.select-connections.com