Business News - February/March 2022 by HCOC

P4 | Hampshire Chamber survey highlights business resilience despite inflation fears.

P24 | New President sets out his stall: let’s champion the best we can be. FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

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What are the greatest concerns for Hampshire Businesses? Findings from Quarterly Economic Survey Page 4-5

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

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HAMP SHIRE CHA M B ER OF C O M M ERC E

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Welcome

Contents

By Coral Benham, Membership Manager Hampshire Chamber of Commerce

elcome to the first quarter issue of our magazine for 2022. I am sure, like me, you have approached this new year with some caution and a little uncertainty bearing in mind our collective experiences over the past two years. The course of the pandemic has been a rocky road for businesses but it is clear from the achievements across those past two years that with the unparalleled creative mindsets applied within so many of Hampshire’s businesses, and with the ongoing help of your Chamber, there is much scope to grow your business and achieve your goals. Please remember to fully use us to raise awareness of your business via our magazine, e-shots, mailshots, and obviously events, both in person and virtually. A very much under-used benefit is the ‘Chamber Member Offers’ allowing you to put your offers through to fellow members or to benefit from the many offers made by others. Some of these are purely business to business, while others would benefit your employees, so please share this with all staff across your company. We also provide business support services in partnership with our national body, the British Chambers of Commerce. These include: • Legal, HR, Tax and Health & Safety advice • AA Vehicle Cover, at preferential rates • Health Care with Westfield Health (payment plan) and AXA PPP We continue to be your powerful voice. Over the past year, in conjunction with BCC and other Chambers we have been successfully lobbying Government for support around furloughing staff, business rates, business loans and selfemployment. And we continue to find new ways to work on your behalf influencing Government policy by providing a direct voice (your voice) through to Government on a range of issues of importance to business. Supporting your business is at the heart of what we do, by understanding and appreciating your individual needs and objectives. We would welcome any of your suggestions that would help us enhance your membership experience; simply contact me at coral.benham@hampshirechamber.co.uk.

Publisher Ross McNally E: ross.mcnally@hampshirechamber.co.uk T: 01329 242424

Business Voice

4-5

Member News

6-9

International Trade

10-11

Member News

12-19

HP Contracts

20-21

Member News

22-25

Commercial Services

26-27

Member News

28-33

Hampshire Chamber Events and Training

34-35

Events Spotlight

Member News

Commercial Services

Member News

39-40

Member Offers

Commercial Services

Patrons

Welcome to our New Members

44-47

Subscriptions facebook.com/HampshireChamber @hantschamber linkedin.com/company/ hampshire‑chamber‑of‑commerce

Production Editor Ben Applin E: magazine@hampshirechamber.co.uk T: 01329 242420

To subscribe email our publisher E: rossmcnally@hampshirechamber.co.uk

Advertising Sales Ben Applin E: ben.applin@hampshirechamber.co.uk T: 01329 242420

Members are invited to send in their editorial to:

Printed by Bishops Printers T: 023 9233 4900 E: enquiries@bishops.co.uk www.bishops.co.uk

Fareham Office Fareham College, Bishopsfield Road, Hampshire, PO14 1NH E: magazine@hampshirechamber.co.uk T: 01329 242420 F: 01329 822090

Welcome

The opinions expressed in the editorial content of Business News from Hampshire Chamber of Commerce are not necessarily those of the publishers or of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, neither do they accept responsibility for the accuracy of such content or liability for any legal implications.

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BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Business Voice

Hampshire Chamber survey highlights business resilience despite inflation fears Businesses in Hampshire remain confident that economic growth will return despite the still-fragile recovery and increasing concerns over inflation. This is one of the main findings from the latest quarterly survey of Hampshire Chamber members. Respondents in sectors including manufacturing, retail, hospitality, professional services and the creative industries all cited inflation as a major issue for the year ahead. The survey found that around a third more businesses are concerned about inflation than three months ago, 72% of respondents as opposed to 43%. At the same time, more businesses say they are coming under pressure to raise prices. Those blaming hikes in raw material costs are up from 25% of respondents in the previous quarter to 32% now. Other factors that may lead to higher prices include the need to cover off likely pay settlements, a reason given by 18% of respondents this quarter as opposed to just six per cent three months ago. Despite their inflationary fears, 73% of respondents believe turnover will improve over the next 12 months, with 55% feeling the same about profitability. Both these figures are unchanged from the sentiments expressed in the previous quarter. Responding to the findings, Hampshire Chamber Chief Executive and Executive Chairman Ross McNally said: “As the input costs of raw materials, transport, energy and production go up, so inevitably will prices. That all adds to the risk of inflation. Our survey is further proof that we are a long way from repairing the economic damage wreaked by the pandemic. Yet, we are also buoyed by how steadfast and resilient our members continue to be in this period of extraordinary pressure and challenge. It is only through their hard work and determination that we will achieve the business-led recovery we all want to see. We repeat our call for government to continue its programme of business support which has been so vital up to now.” Six out of ten respondents to the survey say they are currently operating below capacity. Compared with findings from three months ago, many investment plans have been scaled back. Only 13% of respondents have increased their investment in plant, machinery and equipment, compared to 19% who said they had done so in the previous quarter. HAMP SHIRE CHA M B ER OF C O M M ERC E

Twenty per cent, as opposed to six per cent, have actually decreased their budgets. In a similar vein, only 18% say they have increased their training investment this quarter while three months ago the figure was 27%. There is a mixed picture on UK sales with 20% of respondents having seen decreases, compared to just ten per cent in the previous quarter. On a more positive note, just under half the respondents, 47%, say they have seen increases in UK sales, up from 28% who said they had three months ago. As well as completing Hampshire Chamber’s quarterly survey, members have this month answered a southeast regional trade survey, part of national research by British Chambers of Commerce. The Hampshire respondents’ views reflected wider regional concerns about the time it takes post-Brexit to transport goods to or from overseas. More than half the southeast respondents, 53%, say they have seen a significant increase in the time involved. Other factors impacting on the costs of transporting goods to market include the rising price of vehicle fuel, higher utility bills and skyrocketing charges for the use of shipping containers. On climate change issues, the most favoured type of government support that would help business on the journey to net zero is capital grants, a factor cited by 34% of respondents to the southeast survey.

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Business Voice

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BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Member News

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce launches important consultation for developing its South Asian Business Engagement Strategy Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is conducting a six-month consultation with its members and local stakeholders to foster stronger relations and business links with the region’s growing South Asian business community. As an influential and independent membership organisation, owned and managed by local businesses, the Chamber plays an important role in promoting business links and collaborations through its impactful programme of networking events, activities and portfolio of products and services. The purpose of formulating a refreshed strategy and action plan is to connect, engage and support the broad range of South Asian businesses and entrepreneurs operating in Hampshire, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight. From retail and pharmaceuticals to real estate and manufacturing businesses, the region has many successful businesses of all sizes, which are making a positive contribution to the Solent region. Led by Lakbir Singh and Peter Taylor, this timely consultation will comprise a series of meetings, roundtable discussions and electronic questionnaires with stakeholders to identify any barriers that may prevent these communities in fully engaging with other peer businesses and organisations. To address these challenges, we will be engaging with local businesses and will devise a well-informed action plan. The plan will be developed through analysis and wide-ranging consultations over the next six months, to ensure that we create value-added propositions and service offerings in collaboration with the community. The aims of the new strategy will be to: ¾ Enhance collaborative opportunities for South Asian businesses to engage better with other like-minded organisations within the region. ¾ Strengthen cross-community engagement with our local diverse communities and support Southampton’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2025. ¾ Foster new partnerships between Hampshire Chamber members, non-members and other public sector organisations within the region, including research and knowledge-exchange collaborations with our local universities. ¾ Support businesses in key areas such as maintaining safer communities, deepening community cohesion, and addressing emerging security concerns. ¾ Utilise the Chamber’s programme of business activities and outreach work to make a positive difference and help create inclusive and sustainable development. The strategy will involve a mix of short, mid and long-term objectives and actions to ensure that we are fully supporting and engaging with South Asian businesses and communities in Hampshire in a way which is relevant, reliable and responsive to their needs and aspirations. It will evolve in close collaboration with the communities we support and will be delivered in conjunction with our key partners and supporters. HAMP SHIRE CHA M B ER OF C O M M ERC E

While this strategy focuses on South Asian Businesses communities, we believe our action plan will impact the entire region, and all who are involved in it. Lakbir said: “I am delighted to be supporting strategic engagement and collaboration with the region’s thriving South Asian business community, to help foster dialogue for businesses and communities within the region. The purpose of formulating a refreshed strategy and action plan is to connect, engage and support the broad range of South Asian businesses and entrepreneurs operating in Hampshire, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight.” He added: “We know that working closely with key partners will play a vital part in making this consultation a success for unlocking new business, innovation and knowledge transfer opportunities.” For further information please contact: Lakbir Singh – Lakbir.singh@hampshirechamber.co.uk Peter Taylor, Senior Partner at Paris Smith LLP, Commercial Mediator, and President for Hampshire Chamber of Commerce. Lakbir Singh, Head of Group Operations at Planet Education/ UKESG and Head of Special Projects at the India Business Group (IBG), and Ambassador for Hampshire Chamber of Commerce South Asian Community Engagement.

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Member News

Make new connections at Hampshire’s largest business expos Business owners are invited to attend a series of free events being organised across Hampshire this year. Basingstoke-based organisers of the UK’s largest business expo roadshow, B2B Expos, have announced their most ambitious calendar of events since it launched in 2011. Business expos are being planned across Hampshire including events in Farnborough, Portsmouth, Basingstoke and Southampton. Each event attracts over 250 businesses and local professionals from a range of sectors, making it a great place to promote, network and do business. This year’s events aim to help businesses not just survive, but to thrive in a post-Covid world. Each event will have speakers, seminars and exhibitors showcasing the very latest in sales, marketing, innovation and growth. Managing Director and founder of B2B Expos, Matthew Larcome, told us, “For almost two years everyone has been forced online due to the pandemic. But now it’s time for people to meet again and do business face to face. “For too long people have been clicking profiles,” continues Matthew. “It’s now time to start clicking with people again.” Matthew runs the annual events to help businesses network, connect and grow. He’s organised over 100 business shows across the UK and recently won Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the Hampshire-based Inspire Business Awards. The first event of 2022 is the Farnborough Business Expo which returns to The Village Hotel on 10 March, followed by the Portsmouth Business Expo which runs on 24 March at the The Village Hotel in Portsmouth, near Lakeside Business Park. Businesses looking to boost brand awareness, generate leads and meet customers face to face are encouraged to book stands early. Stands are available for local businesses that want to showcase at the business shows. Stand prices start from £295 and include plenty of pre-event promotion to help you drum up business. As well as the events in Hampshire, the organisers are also hosting business shows in West Sussex, Brighton,

Bournemouth, Guildford, Reading, Oxford and Birmingham. If anyone is interested in getting involved with the business expos this year, either as an exhibitor, sponsor, speaker or attendee, please contact Gemma Brett at B2B Expos. You can call Gemma on 01256 838386 or email gemma@ b2bexpos.co.uk. Alternatively you can find all the details of the upcoming events on the B2B Expos website: www.b2bexpos.co.uk.

Dates for your Diary 2022 March 10th Farnborough Business Expo,

The Village Hotel, Farnborough

24th Portsmouth Business Expo,

The Village Hotel, Portsmouth

April 7th Basingstoke Business Expo,

The Apollo Hotel, Basingstoke

28 West Sussex Business Expo, th

Fontwell Park Racecourse

May 12th Southampton Business Expo,

St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton

Get FREE tickets to attend the business shows online or call 01256 838386 to get details on exhibiting! www.b2bexpos.co.uk.

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BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Member News

Attracting and upskilling talent in hospitality By Michael Clitheroe, General Manager at Balmer Lawn Hotel Over the past 15 to 20 years, we’ve seen the restoration of credibility in the hospitality sector. This has been achieved through taking the time to invest in our people and their education throughout the industry. In fact, the sector is going full circle with a meticulous focus on its people. A voice has manifested throughout the industry, providing education on the importance of diversity, mental health, work/life balance, and generally speaking up for what we believe in. As a result, there is an exceptional wave of professionalism coming into the industry, leading to fairer pay, incredible job opportunities, and long-term career prospects.

At Balmer Lawn, we’re extremely fortunate to be surrounded by award-winning colleges on the south coast, such as Bournemouth and Poole College and Brockenhurst College. We work with such institutions and affiliations to offer a range of skills through championing entry-level roles with a high degree of influence and authority over the customer experience and business reputation. By taking this approach, we’ve successfully kept complaints down, improved staff retention and increased motivation, which has, in turn, enabled us to be able to pay higher wages and continue to invest in courses and employee development. Michael Clitheroe is the General Manager at Balmer Lawn Hotel, a luxury hotel and spa nestled in the heart of the ancient New Forest, close to Lyndhurst, the National Park’s natural capital.

Ridge warns businesses on rapidly changing carbon regulations Businesses need to adapt to a rapidly evolving regulatory environment regarding their carbon impact as the United Kingdom moves towards a target of net zero by 2050, according to multidiscipline property and construction consultants Ridge and Partners. The national target of 2050 will have major implications across all sectors. Many local authorities have committed to even more ambitious timeframes. Ridge also anticipates that the embodied carbon impact of businesses will soon be included in government regulations. Many businesses are already considering this to avoid fines, asset waste or expensive remedial action and mitigate the risk of carbon price rises. Ridge has the rare capability to provide a one-stop multidisciplinary service, guiding clients through the process

while ensuring seamlessly integrated, full-service solutions which offer value for money. Ridge works collaboratively and proactively with businesses to help them meet their carbon reduction requirements and achieve the optimum payback on investment. For further information, please contact Sustainability Lead Abby Bartlett: abartlett@ridge.co.uk | www.ridge.co.uk.

The inside view on building Earth’s digital twin to tackle climate change The concept of digital twins has been around for years, and many industries use virtual replicas of items or systems to realistically simulate the outcomes of different scenarios. An example being using the digital twin of a wind turbine to explore its likely performance in different weather conditions. What we’re working on is a giant step forward, scaling up that principle to create a digital twin of our entire planet, to help better understand and predict the impacts of changing conditions. HAMP SHIRE CHA M B ER OF C O M M ERC E

Digital Twin Earths have immense potential when it comes to monitoring and forecasting the effects of human activity on our planet. Because they can help predict the impact we’re having on the environment, they are a critical sustainability tool. The power of being able to try things out and see their likely effect will be transformative. Full blog https://www.cgi.com/uk/en-gb/blog/space/ inside-view-building-earths-digital-twin-to-tackleclimate-change.

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Member News

Frost Creative delivers the latest United Nations Free & Equal campaign The Frost team have delivered the creative for the latest campaign for The United Nations Free and Equal initiative, a global movement against homophobia and transphobia. Rachel Bartlett, Studio Manager said: “The majority of our work for the past two years has been working with a variety of big corporates and SMEs, so when the brief came in from the UN it was great to see the studio involved in something helping to deliver positive change around the world.” This campaign delivers a really powerful message helping to raise awareness of global inequality. Sadly more than a third of the world’s countries still criminalise consensual, loving samesex relationships, entrenching prejudice and putting millions of people at risk of blackmail, arrest and imprisonment. Frost is really proud to have supported the UN in helping change people’s mindsets with our work.

To see the work visit: https://www.frostcreative.co.uk/ourwork/helping-raise-awareness-for-transgender-equality/ www.frostcreative.co.uk | 01489 892602.

Ten2Two: Part-time professionals – great talent, affordable cost Are you planning for recovery and growth? How can you achieve growth whilst protecting the business and minimising risk? Growth often relies on expanding your team, but when is the right time to invest in more staff? How do you identify where more staff are needed? How does recruitment work post-Covid? Many local businesses have been coming to us asking for advice, having identified gaps in their growth plans. We help them find experienced individuals, from a range of professional skills, to join their teams, all on a part-time basis, mostly on PAYE. If you have a skills gap, or you don’t think you can afford the experience you really need, consider employing part-time professionals. You gain a highly talented, motivated individual to work with you – at an affordable cost – and get time back

to reset your work-life balance. www.ten2two.org/location/hampshire-berkshire-surrey/ Louise Boardman-Rule Tel: 1252 856862 | Email: louise@ten2two.org.

Would you like your Payroll to be Perfect? Payroll Perfection Ltd is a Payroll Bureau located in Ringwood. We offer an outsourced payroll solution to all types of business including a professional white label service for accountants. We are highly experienced and also qualified in payroll. Legislation is constantly changing in the payroll world and we pride ourselves on being up to date at all times. We use an amazing HMRC accredited payroll software which provides an accurate and detailed payroll solution with crystal

clear payslips and reports. We can offer employee payments and/or an employee selfservice portal. We are an environmentally driven company and we encourage digital payslips and reports which are fully password protected. We are passionate about our Customer Service and fully support all of our employers on their payroll journeys. We would love to hear from anyone regarding their payroll requirements. 0 1 32 9 2 42 42 0 | HA M P S HIR E C H A M BER. CO. UK

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

International Trade

Foundation Award in International Trade

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is offering the

Foundation Award in International Trade Workshops range from Understanding Export, Export Documentation, Incoterms Rules through to Letters of Credit and Methods of Payment Candidates need to pass assessments from six workshops and certificates are provided for each module passed Workshops are replicated 3 times during the year and there are nine workshops to choose from A qualification assessed by the British Chambers of Commerce

For more information visit www.hampshirechamber.co.uk/training/ Email: train@hampshirechamber.co.uk Call: Ben McDonald on 01329 242420

From 1st January 2021, all goods moving between the UK, the EU and beyond require a customs declaration Importing goods into the UK and exporting goods outside of the UK for your business now involves more paperwork and know-how than ever before. ChamberCustoms can simplify this process for you, filing your customs declaration forms and additional paperwork on behalf of your business, ensuring you are HMRC compliant. We can also assist with T1 documents and this allows goods to travel from the UK to an EU destination country without the need to make an import declaration at the first port of entry into the EU.

For further information please contact ChamberCustoms Hampshire office on 01329 242420 option 3

WE DON’T FACE CHALLENGES ALONE WE SUCCEED TOGETHER AS CHAMBER MEMBERS WE’RE WELL CONNECTED. IF IT’S NEW CUSTOMERS YOU’RE AFTER OR THE RIGHT ADVICE TO KEEP YOUR BUSINESS GROWING, BELONGING TO YOUR LOCAL ACCREDITED CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEANS YOU ARE ALWAYS WELL CONNECTED. VISIT WWW.HAMPSHIRECHAMBER.CO.UK TO SEE HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOUR BUSINESS.

HAMP SHIRE CHA M B ER OF C O M M ERC E

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

International Trade

2022

Training February 2022 3rd Import Procedures 10th Preferential Rules of Origin

24th Customs Procedures & Documentation

March 2022 8th Export Documentation

April 2022

Guarantee payment for your exports

5th Preferential Rules

A fully managed Letter of Credit service

21st Understanding Export

of Origin

6th Inward/Outward Processing

7th Incoterms Rules

Getting paid on time and securely is the most important financial consideration when trading internationally. A Letter of Credit will ensure that you avoid problems when receiving payments.

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

What is a Letter of Credit? A Letter of Credit is a guarantee issued by a bank assuring payment for goods. The Letter of Credit will have strict terms specifying the amount of money to be paid, time frame and documentation required.

How can we help? Over 75% of exporters who do their own Letters of Credit do not get paid due to incorrect paperwork. Hampshire Chamber of Commerce has partnered up with Business West to offer this service to companies in Hampshire. Business West has a reputation for getting it right first time and by using this service you will: ¾ Save time and money. ¾ Secure payments for goods exported. ¾ Avoid bad debts. ¾ Enhance your reputation for efficiency and reliability. ¾ Increase your profitability.

What does the Letter of Credit service include?

2022

Events March 2022 10th Doing Business in the USA

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is pleased to deliver this webinar with a Q&A session in partnership with Blue Link Worldwide, Inc on Thursday 10th March 2022.

¾ Advice on Letter of Credit terms. ¾ Assurance that all Letter of Credit terms are met. ¾ Preparation of all shipment documents. ¾ Full visibility of documents online. ¾ Liaison with freight forwarders, shipping companies, inspection agents etc. ¾ Compliance check for third party documents.

For further information please contact jacqueline.highmore@ hampshirechamber.co.uk

¾ Advice on Incoterms® 2020. ¾ Strong relationships with all major UK banks. ¾ Presentation of all documentation to the bank within agreed deadlines.

How to get started To speak to one of the expert trade advisers about how they can help your business with Letters of Credit please contact the International Trade team at Hampshire Chamber of Commerce on 01329 242420 option 3. 0 1 32 9 2 42 42 0 | HA M P S HIR E C H A M BER. CO. UK

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Member News

Gold standard in distance learning Fareham-based Gold Edge Training is a specialist provider of more than 900 user-friendly distance learning courses, particularly in accountancy but now more broadly across a wide range from business management and entrepreneurship to education mentoring and information technology. The company is constantly recognised in awards for excellence and year-onyear its students equal the highest AAT distance learning pass rates in the UK. During 2022 Gold Edge Training will continue to develop its Young Professionals scheme where students aged 14 or older can blend professional career based education alongside school studies. Founder Christine Baxter has recently hit the regional headlines twice. Firstly, she called for school pupils to be given greater careers guidance, more choice

over educational routes and for funding systems to be radically overhauled. Secondly, she urged people to take first steps up the career ladder without worrying about the total cost of training – which might be subsequently picked up by employers. Find out more at our website: https://goldedgetraining.co.uk/ Gold Edge Training Ltd Ground Floor, Unit 5, Fulcrum 2, Solent Way, Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire. PO15 5FN, UK Head Teacher Christine Baxter T: 02394 00 3559 E: iag@goldedgetraining.co.uk

W: https://goldedgetraining.co.uk/ Gold Edge Training is constantly recognised in awards for excellence, year-on-year.

Would your business survive a real-world cyber-attack? Identify critical vulnerabilities in your defences and provide key risk insights to stakeholders The growing digitalisation of business operations creates numerous entry points for cyber attackers to compromise critical systems and expose assets, data and customer information. SecQuest’s Penetration Testing Services is an effective way to test the investment in your prevention and detection capabilities, with real world cyber-attack scenarios.

We are experienced CREST / CHECK practitioners that work with clients across all industry sectors. SecQuest can provide vulnerability management and system testing to provide you with a ‘current state assessment’ for your risk management programmes, helping you effectively manage your cyber security challenges. Contact our friendly team today https://www.secquest.co.uk/contact.

Would your business benefit from our growth grant? Get the support needed to drive your business forward with the GetSet growth grant, available to Solent based SMEs for capital and revenue investments, up to 25k. Our fully-funded service can also provide your team with the opportunity to advance and learn new skills through a range of interactive marketing, business planning and finance training

workshops. Businesses can also benefit from dedicated online and face-to-face sessions with our advisors to discuss and help implement growth strategies for success.

HAMP SHIRE CHA M B ER OF C O M M ERC E

Contact us today, and find out how the program can help you achieve sustainable business growth. solent@getsetforgrowth.com www.getsetforgrowth.com/solent.

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Member News

Celebrating five years of Clever Software Group Bespoke software development company Clever Software Group has recently celebrated their 5th birthday. Based in Ringwood, Clever Software Group was founded in December 2016 by Company Director and self-taught software developer Andrew Matthews. With extensive experience as a computer programmer and then at the helm of a Bournemouth software company, Andrew set out to create a new business that crafts cleverly simple business software. The company is now proud to employ a sixteen strong team of software specialists and has a valued client base in sectors from aviation and architecture to retail and public information services. Clever Software Group has experienced incredible growth year on year since its inception; in 2021 alone, the company doubled in size. Andrew comments: “I’m thrilled to have reached this milestone

and that in the short space of five years we’ve achieved so much. Our continued success is absolute testament to our team’s technical excellence and passion

for making exciting business software.” For further information please visit: https://cleversoftwaregroup.com.

Reap the beneﬁts of an individually crafted enterprise software system

Handcrafted Software for Hampshire businesses Building Software Partnerships Perfect Business Fit

Contact our expert software team for a free consultation

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BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Member News

Council gives green light to securing development partner for major city centre transformation Winchester City Council has approved plans to identify and secure a development partner to help deliver its vision for the Central Winchester Regeneration (CWR) area. The vision will see the transformation of a key part of the centre of Winchester, bringing significant benefits to people living and working in and around the district, including the delivery of high quality homes, new flexible workspaces, retail and leisure facilities and an attractive public realm. The council has committed to working with a private sector partner to realise the redevelopment of Winchester Bus Station, Kings Walk, the old Friarsgate Medical Centre and Coitbury House. The vision, as set out in the agreed CWR Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), is to deliver a vibrant, mixed-use destination which is highly sustainable, reducing reliance on cars in the city centre whilst adding to Winchester’s already rich and varied heritage and cultural offer. Cllr Kelsie Learney, Cabinet Member for Housing and Asset Management, said: “This landmark decision represents a fantastic opportunity for Winchester and sends out a strong message to the UK investor community that we mean business. After many years of detailed public consultation, the council and the public have demonstrated a shared vision and have jointly articulated our ambition to drive forward and achieve this transformational opportunity. “In common with many towns and cities across the UK with strong heritage offers, Winchester has the opportunity to ‘reinvent’ itself as a place that will be more attractive to investors and occupiers, adapting for the twenty-first century, while expanding its cultural offer. We have a town centre with the potential to accommodate a wider-ranging retail element that is not so heavily reliant on car-borne shoppers and we – together with those who live and work here – want to invigorate our city centre offer by encouraging fresh faces to choose Winchester. Building on the presence of our world-class universities, our chosen development partner will support us as we explore ways to make sure the city has a strong offer for younger people, encouraging them to stay in the city despite high house prices and a shortage of appropriate homes. “As part of our aspiration for the city, we will be seeking a partner with the right skills, resources, commitment, approach and a proven track record with similar projects, to deliver our vision and investment objectives for the development of central Winchester. Right now, it feels like there has never been a better time to live, work or invest in Winchester.” Cllr Lucille Thompson, Leader of Winchester City Council, said: “This is one of the best opportunities for decades for a development partner to work with the city council to transform the central area of Winchester. In the wake of the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, we now stand poised to create a new vibrancy in our city through a major regeneration project which puts sustainability at its heart. “The CWR proposals help to address head on the very real challenges of reinvigorating and stabilising a High Street economy – both commercially and through a wider cultural offer. HAMP SHIRE CHA M B ER OF C O M M ERC E

This will integrate city centre living with an improved retail offer, deliver sustainable transport options which actively reduce our carbon footprint and retain young people in Winchester though innovative employment options and a greater focus on creating a buoyant night-time economy. We are committed to working closely with an innovative and forward-looking development partner. “As the procurement process moves ahead, I believe we will be able to attract bidders of the highest calibre who recognise the advantages of delivering a scheme in one of the UK’s most attractive locations supported by a clear, readymade development framework.” The Cabinet previously approved the CWR business case on 22 December 2021. This sets out the viability of the proposals for the site and forms a key element in the documents which will be made available to potential development partners once the procurement process goes live. Following the decision, the council is inviting developers and investors with a provisional interest in the CWR proposal to contact John East/Veryan Lyons on 01962 848313 or at vlyons@winchester.gov.uk for an initial discussion on the nature of the development opportunity in advance of the publication of a formal invitation to tender.

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Member News

Focus on clients, not on admin Core PA Services are a Virtual Assistant company, providing remote business and PA support, handling the admin tasks that distract small businesses from their clients. Whether it’s a single task, or several, we’re flexible to match the ebb and flow of your business. Some clients know exactly what they want assistance with, while others feel they’re drowning in admin. If this is the case, we suggest listing out your routine activities and re-arrange them into three lists: 1. The tasks only you can do 2. Tasks you like to do (but could delegate later) 3. Everything else From your ‘everything else’ list, pick one or two tasks that take up the most time. Outsource these first and get comfortable with the process. If you have some tasks that are a constant distraction, but you want to focus on business growth, get in touch and let’s discuss how we can help. www.core-pa.co.uk rosemary@core-pa.co.uk.

How can you train your staff and customers when they are working from home? Throughout the pandemic, business continuity has become increasingly important and one of the things that needs to be considered is training staff and customers. Online training solutions have developed substantially and there are now more engaging options than ever. Basic e-learning can be little more than a PowerPoint with a voiceover. However, e-learning done well, includes simulated activity that engages the learner and allows them to complete tasks as if they were doing the real thing. Another recent addition is the Digital Adoption Platform (DAP). This uses software as a service to create task-based

training within your actual software. You complete step one and online guidance shows you how to do step two. Imagine the Microsoft paperclip on steroids ... but with relatable taskbased training and less intrusion. For assistance on a range of remote training options for end-users and engineers, contact Esperienza Learning. www.esperienzalearning.co.uk.

Oarsome Chance: a charity opening up opportunities in Hampshire Based in Gosport and Havant, Oarsome Chance brings about change for vulnerable young people who are disengaged from mainstream education. Oarsome provides vocational skills training like boat building, marine engineering and bike recycling, alongside outdoor activities like rowing, sailing and mountain biking. The skills learned and the intensive support received, help young people connect to a brighter future. Social enterprise is becoming an integral part of our pathways to skills and employment. For instance,

‘Canvas Works’ upcycles donated sailcloth into products for sale, and ‘Oarsome Bikes’ offers bike maintenance and bike recycling. These enterprises provide valuable training and work experience while providing an alternative income stream. Oarsome have a growing network of local businesses and organisations who share our desire to open opportunity to young people – if you’d like to find out more about what we do and how you could become involved, we’d love to hear from you. www.oarsomechance.org Tel: 02392 504492 Email: paul.napthine@oarsomechance.org. 0 1 32 9 2 42 42 0 | HA M P S HIR E C H A M BER. CO. UK

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

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Supporting PEN International with translation Since February 2019, a Surrey based translation company, Surrey Translation Bureau (STB), has been working with PEN International, providing translation to help to unite voices that defend freedom of expression. PEN International is a worldwide association of writers, founded in London in 1921. The organisation promotes and defends freedom of expression and human rights for writers, journalists, screenwriters, bloggers, and more who are persecuted because of their work. Working on a global platform means there is always a need for multilingual translations, whether for speeches, preplanned reviews, reports, newsletters, minutes, or Rapid Action Network (RAN) alerts, press releases, and even prose and poetry. Surrey Translation Bureau is instrumental in allowing us to communicate our message of promoting literature and protecting freedom of expression, both to our global membership and the wider public. Their important translation work enables us to be as inclusive as possible when raising awareness of our cause, advocating for writers at risk, and fostering collaboration across different geographies. The team are responsive, professional, and a pleasure to work with PEN International. Since the collaboration began, STB has been providing translation services to PEN, mainly in Spanish and French, but also in other languages such as Arabic and Russian. The type of projects has ranged from interviews with writers across the globe to reports highlighting the need for freedom of expression.

Voicing the need for freedom of expression through translation One such project was the translation of the ‘Day of the Imprisoned Writer’ newsletter, which featured compelling stories of writers, activists and poets that have been imprisoned because of their work. The newsletter appealed

to readers to take action in support of these writers, providing a detailed background of the climate for freedom of expression on a global scale. It was also the theme of the Oxfam Novib/PEN Award Night for 2020, which was held at the Writers Unlimited festival in The Hague. STB has also recently translated member profiles, speeches, poems and information about writers in prison or persecuted for their writing for the 87th PEN International Congress. Most of the documents were translated from English to French and Spanish to ensure that the content created for the event was accessible to all attendees. We have also translated the four resolutions adopted by PEN from English into French and Spanish, with the hope of giving a global voice to the critical situations in Belarus, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT), Myanmar, and Nicaragua. Furthermore, we are expanding the services we offer to PEN International to include subtitling and transcription to support the diversity of their activities. Here at STB, we are proud of the contribution we are making to this global cause and hope to continue our association with PEN International for many years to come.

Ally brings royal experience to community bakery in Shirley A FORMER royal household staff member has officially joined the team at a community bakery in Southampton. Ally Molyneaux, who worked at Kensington Palace, has been appointed Front of House Assistant at CommuniBakes on St James Road, Shirley, which is the commercial arm of the charity Communicare. Ally says: “CommuniBakes is a really special place. It offers HAMP SHIRE CHA M B ER OF C O M M ERC E

residents a community hub while selling bread and cakes and is also raising money to help fund Communicare’s vital work to eradicate loneliness in our city. “It is an amazing thing to be able to support a fantastic charity just by purchasing your weekly bread, a hot sausage roll for lunch or some scrumptious sweet treats. Communicare has such an important role in our community, providing real support for those who need it most.” For further details please visit communibakes.co.uk or call 023 8070 1888.

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Member News

Wessex Translations supports urgent interpreter request Wessex Translations has been providing interpreting services for over 40 years in both public services and business settings. After so many years, it still brings us joy to know that we have made a non-English speaker in a vulnerable position feel heard. Recently we received an urgent request from the Council’s Children’s Services, who needed a lastminute interpreter for both Tigrinya, a language spoken by nearly 10 million people in Ethiopia and Eritrea, and Bilen, a rather rare language, spoken by only around 120,000 people in parts of Eritrea and East Sudan.

Within an hour of the client’s urgent request, we were able to confirm an interpreter who could speak both languages, and went on to provide the required interpreting that same morning. We were moved to hear later that there was a big smile on the child’s face when hearing their exact language being spoken. Call us: 01791 369 370 Email us: sales@wt-lm.com Visit: https://www.wt-lm.com/

Family owned Sentry Self Storage on unlimited access With Sentry Self Storage you have your own individual storage unit to which you have unlimited access, without extra charges. Everybody needs a little extra space from time-to-time. Businesses also need to store stock, equipment, files, etc. Our 20 south coast locations provide the perfect solution. Sentry Self Storage is a family owned business established in 1988 and over

the years we believe we have built up a strong reputation as a friendly and good value provider of self-storage space. We have 20 locations across the central south coast and much of our business comes from word-of-mouth recommendations and many of our customers have used us at various different times in their lives when extra storage space can suddenly become a priority. Once you’ve signed for your storage unit and received the keys, you are free to visit as little or often as you want.

Business recovery and cashflow solutions from licensed insolvency practitioners Portland are industry leading insolvency practitioners, trusted by UK business for over 30 years by providing tailored business recovery and cashflow solutions. We have helped countless businesses who are experiencing financial distress achieve financial stability with expert

understanding and meticulous, respectful handling of each case. Most of the businesses we work with continue to be successful, despite their challenges. As an independent insolvency service firm, Portland has the flexibility to offer impartial solutions for its business partners and their clients. Our team has real strength in depth, in everything from business law and government policy on finance,

to our understanding of how to run a successful business. Our approach is to truly understand the very heart and soul of a business, and work with its people to brighten up their futures.

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BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

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Shoppers donate thousands of pounds worth of vouchers to help the NHS Shoppers at local co-operative branches have donated thousands of pounds worth of vouchers rather than spend them in store. The funding has been donated to NHS Charities Together, an independent NHS charity which supports a network of 240 NHS charities. Together, they provide the extra help needed in hospitals, health boards, and ambulance, community, and mental health trusts across the UK. A total of £30,615 was donated from Southern Co-op’s 2020 Share of the Profits which were distributed to members earlier this year. The funding came from donated vouchers and members automatically donating their odd pence. As a regional, independent co-operative, Southern Co-op members are part owners and part of a business that puts purpose before profit. There are more than 260 Southern Co-op stores and funeral branches across the south of England which can be located via stores.thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/search.html or at www. funeralcare.co.uk/our-funeral-directors/location-map/. Ellie Orton OBE, Chief Executive at NHS Charities Together, said: “We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation from Southern Co-op. The NHS is facing its most difficult winter ever, and ongoing help is needed as it seeks to recover

from COVID-19. But thanks to our amazing supporters and fundraisers we can continue to be there for staff and patients, and help the NHS go further for everyone.” The donation has gone towards NHS Charities Together Be There for Them campaign to help those affected by COVID-19. To date, NHS Charities Together has allocated £140million in a range of projects supporting NHS charities, staff, patients and volunteers. These include counselling services, helplines, and intensive psychological support for NHS staff, plus patient focused initiatives like training for emergency responders, research into long COVID, and specialist equipment. Gemma Lacey, Director Sustainability and Communications at Southern Co-op, said: “We’re really proud that Southern Co-op’s members have provided much needed support for causes that positively benefit our local communities. “Our NHS workers have been there for us throughout the pandemic while also dealing with the backlog of patients desperately needing treatment - all of this is on top of trying to look after their own wellbeing. A massive thank you to every one of our NHS workers for continually being there for us.” To find out more about becoming a member, visit www.thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/membership/. Or for more information on NHS Charities Together, visit www.nhscharitiestogether.co.uk.

Chair of CPRE Hampshire receives national award as she steps down from role Dee Haas, former Chair of CPRE Hampshire, recently received a ‘Connected and Inspirational Award’ from the national countryside charity, CPRE. This was in recognition of the huge contribution Dee has made in her time in the role. Taking up the position for the past six years, recognition was given to Dee for being an inspirational Chair of CPRE Hampshire and for being positive, collaborative and effective. Her work during this time has influenced strategic policy for the countryside across Hampshire. The overall aim of CPRE, at both national level and in Hampshire, is to protect and ensure a sustainable future for the countryside at a time of great change and challenge. Nominations for these volunteer awards are invited every year for people that demonstrate and embody the organisational values of being open, trusted, connected inspiring. The awards are then announced at the annual CPRE conference. Dee joined as a Trustee in 2014 and was appointed Chair of CPRE Hampshire not long after. With her collaborative, inspirational and positive approach she immediately gained

HAMP SHIRE CHA M B ER OF C O M M ERC E

the respect and loyalty of the entire Hampshire team of trustees and volunteers. Caroline Dibden, Vice-President of CPRE Hampshire, explains: “Dee has been the driving force behind our Strategic Vision for Hampshire, which advocated a constructive spatial approach for Hampshire’s future. By promoting this, it contributed to Hampshire County Council initiating its own 2050 Vision for Hampshire. Dee was invited onto this influential commission and spearheaded much of its rural work. She has made lasting and influential relationships and is now recognised as a rural and countryside expert. This is in no small measure due to her professional background in landscape architecture and public service, but also to her passion and obvious love for the landscape.” Dee has also been instrumental in the CPRE Hampshire campaign for a new Green Belt for South Hampshire, which presses the local authorities in the urban Solent area to realise the many benefits, both for the environment and the public. Though Dee has now stepped down from the Chair role, she will continue to support CPRE Hampshire, a cause in which she believes deeply. The charity is currently on the look-out for a suitable replacement and applications are invited. Visit the ‘Jobs’ section on www.cprehampshire.org.uk for further information.

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Member News

Clear Vision Financial Management expands the team further Clear Vision Financial Management specialises in providing a fully outsourced finance department and is located in Romsey and Poole. Rhian Deasy has recently joined the team as Client Account Manager. Rhian completed her A Levels at Brockenhurst College before gaining accountancy experience at First Port Property Management Services. She then

moved on to a smaller Southampton based accountancy firm as a junior accountant. Rhian brings valuable experience in preparing annual accounts and tax returns, bookkeeping, statutory returns, VAT, PAYE and National Insurance calculations. Rhian Deasy, Client Account Manager said, “I am really looking forward to joining the Clear Vision Financial Management team where I can gain further experience.” Sean Daniel, Managing Director said, “It has been a busy two years for the Clear Vision Financial Management

business, so we are pleased to have Rhian on board. She will help us to provide an outsourced finance function to a number of our clients.”

Trethowans champions Family Mediation Week with £500 voucher Trethowans, a local law firm with offices in Winchester, championed Family Mediation Week (17-21 January 2022), an initiative organised by the Family Mediation Council to raise awareness of mediation and the benefits it can bring to separating families. Through the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, it is offering £500 towards mediation services to people living in the Winchester area who qualify. According to Trethowans, there are six different approaches to family mediation:

1. Traditional 2. Shuttle mediation 3. Co-mediation 4. Hybrid mediation 5. Child inclusive mediation 6. Third parties in mediation Laura Bell, a senior associate and qualified mediator in the Winchester family team at Trethowans, said: “January is a popular month for people to begin divorce proceedings for a variety of reasons, such as the desire for a fresh start and holidays pushing people to the limit of what they can handle with their spouse. “Sometimes, people may have made the decision to file for divorce well before January and just wanted to get Christmas with the children out of the way before

undertaking what is often a process fraught with conflict and emotional turmoil. “Family mediation can help unlock discussions and resolve this conflict, enabling separating couples to reach the decisions that are best for them in a safe environment.” For more information or to take advantage of the £500 voucher towards mediation services, please contact the family team on 01962 670677 or visit www.trethowans.com. Trethowans has been offering legal services to businesses and individuals in the south of England for over 150 years with offices in Southampton, Salisbury, Poole, Bournemouth and Winchester.

HP Contracts - The Workspace Specialists

HP Contracts have been committed to the delivery of quality installations meeting statutory and industry standards since 1996 and have now achieved 3rd party

accreditation to the BM Trada Q Mark Scheme for the installation of fire doors, fire door maintenance and fire stopping. Fire protection is a key performance element and legal requirement for all commercial properties. Regulations are well established for the specification of fire doors in manufacture, but focus has now moved to specify standards for

installation to ensure performance is not compromised. Achieving accreditation was a lengthy process of training and assessment but worthwhile to demonstrate HP Contracts’ commitment to fire safety, a standard that is assured by the ongoing audit and review process to maintain recognition. Our clients now benefit from proven expertise in material selection, specified standards of installation and the financial benefit of direct delivery and certification.

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C ALL US ON 023 8027 3737

www.hpcontracts.co.uk

The Workspace Specialists INTERIORS, REFURBISMENTS & FIRE DOOR INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE

FIRE DOORS & FIRE STOPPING Hotels, care homes, offices, factories, residential apartments & schools all require fire protection to limit the spread of smoke & fire. Fire doors must be maintained regularly to ensure compliance with your legal requirements.

Under the RRO, Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, landlords & building owners are now legally responsible for ﬁre protection.

In January 2001, BM TRADA launched the installers scheme to compliment the long established manufacturing scheme. HP Contracts passed the BM TRADA Q Mark training for Fire Door installation, Fire Door Maintenance & Fire Stopping schemes in 2019. We are now trained to survey, install & service ﬁre rated products with 3rd party accreditation. · · · ISO 9001 ISO 14001 ISO 45001

Cer�ﬁcate Number 8845

HAMP SHIRE CHA M B ER OF C O M M ERC E

· · ·

Hampshire Dorset New Forest DC Surrey West Sussex Wokingham

18 Monks Brook Park, School Close, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire, SO53 4RA T 023 8027 3737 E sales@hpcontracts.co.uk W www.hpcontracts.co.uk

SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE… LARGE ENOUGH TO COPE

HP Contracts can carry out a detailed survey for fire doors in accordance with BM Trada scheme for Q-Mark fire door maintenance. From the survey we can produce a quotation to supply and install products in accordance with the current regulations, providing you with a quality service and product. It is a legal responsibility to ensure fire rated doors are properly and regularly maintained by qualified technicians.

Signs

Closing

Is the door marked correctly with appropriate signage?

Does the door close correctly with no obstructions?

Gaps

Seals

Hinges

Is the gap around the frame 4mm?

Does the door have correct seals on top and sides; are the damaged?

Are all the hinges in good condition and are ﬁrmly ﬁxed with no missing screws?

Damage

Is the functionality of the door or frame impeded by any damage?

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BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Member News

Wightlink’s £1.5million investment to upgrade its Portsmouth Harbour FastCat terminal reaches its next stage The next stage of Wightlink’s £1.5million investment in the FastCat foot passenger route between Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde Pier Head started on Wednesday 5 January 2022. The timetable will stay the same but there will be changes to the way customers board the catamarans in Portsmouth for the next three months, because of major structural repairs and maintenance at the terminal. Customers will be led by members of Wightlink staff through the gates near Platform 5 of Portsmouth Harbour railway station to reach the berth by an alternative outdoor route. The current boarding ramp will be closed. Because there are stairs on the alternative outdoor route, no prams, wheelchairs or mobility scooters etc will

be able to use the FastCats during this phase of the works. These customers are advised to travel by Wightlink’s car ferries from Gunwharf Road instead. After this phase of the work, terminal access will return to normal for everyone in early spring. Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield says: “This £1.5million investment in the Portsmouth Harbour terminal demonstrates Wightlink’s commitment to our FastCat foot passenger service. “We are doing our best to minimise

inconvenience to our customers and apologise in advance to passengers affected by the changes in our boarding arrangements.” Although Wightlink’s Costa Coffee café at Portsmouth remains closed during the works, refreshments are available at the Wight Taste outlet on Ryde Pier. For more information about Wightlink, please contact: Duty Media Officer 07870 906 189 media@wightlink.co.uk www.wightlink.co.uk.

HB Tech’s outstanding service praised by clients Despite the challenges of 2021, HB Tech received significant praise from its clients for supporting them with their own challenges and requirements. HB Tech is an IT Support and Service provider who places the human touch at the heart of the business and is proud of its proactive and friendly team. Due to excellent working relationships with their clients, HB Tech has received numerous positive testimonials and Google reviews. One client commented: “HB Tech are

brilliant; they always go the extra mile to ensure our problems are fixed and I really appreciate their professional and timegenerous approach.’’ Another client comments: “Thank you for all the wonderful support we have received; the customer service has been superb.” Another recommends HB Tech commenting, “They are very responsive and see problems through to a professional conclusion.” Supporting over 80 clients across Hampshire and Dorset, HB Tech offers bespoke IT support and services giving organisations the support they need and a competitive edge. www.hbtech.co.uk.

Join us N W! HAMP SHIRE CHA M B ER OF C O M M ERC E

E: membership@hampshirechamber.co.uk T: 01329 242420 or 01256 338633

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

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Positivity paves the way to an electric future for fleets • Fifth Operational Fleet Insight Report launched by the AA and Rivus Fleet Solutions • 67% of fleet operators expect to be using EVs within the next 5 years, compared to 26% using currently • 32% of fleet operators report that COVID-19 has had a positive impact on their sustainability strategy Positivity towards electric vehicles (EVs) is at an all-time high among operational fleets, according to the latest Operational Fleet Insight Report from the AA and Rivus Fleet Solutions. The research involving more than 500 fleet managers found that 82% feel the quality of EVs on offer has improved since last year and 84% believe the range from manufacturers has improved. The positivity around EVs has also extended to the long-term cost benefits, with almost two thirds (65%) believing that EVs have better whole life costs than diesel or petrol. 66% of fleet managers recognise that EVs require less servicing, and 59% have identified that

EVs hold their resale value and have less downtime. Now there’s much greater awareness, 67% of fleet operators expect to be using EVs within the next five years, compared to over a quarter (26%) using currently. Although fleet managers are starting to look more positively at the broader range of benefits, there are still barriers when it comes to the practical elements of EV adoption. A third (32%) have identified the lack of charging points across the country and the workplace as the top barriers. The Operational Fleet Insight report also reviewed the impact of COVID-19 over the past 18 months. While the pandemic has had a mixed effect on businesses, 41% of fleet managers have reported a positive impact on their environmental and sustainability strategies. Gavin Franks, director of business services at the AA, commented: “The aim throughout our research has been to analyse the views of operational fleets, as well as the opportunities and challenges facing them and create a roadmap from which we can deliver sustainable industry growth and product evolution. This report, our fifth in the series, gives us an important snapshot of the impact of the pandemic on the industry, as well as tracking the evolution of the transition to EVs and other impacts on the sector.

“Interestingly, it’s positive to see that there is a much greater awareness among fleets about the benefits of EVs, despite the concern over lack of charging points across the country and at work being the main barriers to take-up. With charging infrastructure improving on an almost daily basis, as investment in charging points is paying off, we expect fleets will see a change quicker than they anticipate and the pace of adoption will pick up further.” The Operational Fleet Insight Report 2021, jointly commissioned by the AA and Rivus Fleet Solutions through research and strategy consultancy Yonder, can be downloaded here: https://www.theaa.com/ about-us/newsroom/aa-rollsout-ev-support-service-inresponse-to-increased-demand?utm_ source=awareness&utm_ medium=social&utm_campaign=b2b_ sig&utm_content=electric_vehicles_ and_future_fuels.

Run Soton’s marathon, half marathon or 10k to raise funds to help city’s lonely and isolated RUNNERS are invited to sign-up for this year’s Southampton ABP Marathon, half marathon or 10k to raise funds for a charity enriching the lives of the city’s lonely and isolated. Communicare hopes people who made a New Year’s resolution to get fit and take

up running will participate in the event on April 24 to assist with its fundraising efforts. Manager, Annie Clewlow explains: “If your New Year’s Resolution is to take up running and you’d also like to give back to your community in 2022, please consider fundraising for us. “We’re a good neighbours organisation, helping people citywide and every year our amazing volunteers,

called Communiteers, assist individuals and families with requests including befriending, transport to medical appointments and help with shopping.” To run for Communicare, please call 023 8250 0050 or email events@ communicareinsouthampton.org. uk to find out more or download a registration form here https://bit.ly/3FfJa8N.

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New President sets out his stall: let’s champion the best we can be

One of our region’s most prominent business figures has set out his vision for success after being appointed the new President of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce. Peter Taylor, a long-standing Chamber advocate and Senior Partner of law firm Paris Smith, says his main focus is to help members ‘grow and connect’ as we continue to navigate our way out of the pandemic impact. Describing his role as that of ‘leadership through service to others’, Peter says: “The Chamber is the voice of business in Hampshire, regionally and nationally. “Together we can make a significant difference in helping to build a sustainable recovery and ensure future generations can flourish. “The key priorities for my time in office are all about supporting members to become the very best versions of themselves they can possibly be. “That goes for members of all sizes and sectors right across our county including in our coastal communities, cities and rural economy. “The starting point for any good Chamber is understanding the opportunities and challenges its members face and the specific, practical help they need. “All the world’s biggest companies were start-ups at one time and I want to do everything I can to help our Hampshire start-ups and SMEs - our future job and wealth creators - to connect, grow and prosper. “We stand shoulder to shoulder with the manufacturer addressing the changes to import and export rules introduced after Brexit, the hospitality provider trying to plan amid shifting government guidance on Covid, and the supply chain partner striving to diversify and grow new markets.”

As President, Peter takes on both an ambassadorial remit and an internal role. He is tasked with representing the views of members to government and other outside organisations on critical policy issues affecting business. He works closely with other key stakeholders across the county to champion Hampshire’s strategic opportunities as well as the challenges which need to be addressed particularly in the levelling up agenda. Other key issues upon which the Chamber will provide thought leadership are the environment, and supply chain issues post Covid and Brexit, as well as ensuring that business can access the skills and talent it requires to grow. At the same time, his internal function is to support the Chamber board, holding fellow directors to account and providing corporate governance. Since qualifying in law, the father of two grown-up daughters has practised in Hampshire for all but 18 months of his career. He joined Paris Smith in 1991 and has been its Managing Partner for the past eight years. A Warsash resident, he is a trustee of the independent West Hill Park School in Fareham and away from professional and company life he is a lifelong rugby and cricket fan. Keen to get to grips with his new role as President, Peter says: “I will work as hard as I possibly can to ensure our organisation continues to run well and serves our members with the services, guidance and strong, cohesive representation to policymakers that they need and deserve. “Central to that aspiration is listening to

HAMP SHIRE CHA M B ER OF C O M M ERC E

and acting on the concerns of members. “That means being visible across the business community and showing that myself and Chamber colleagues understand what the challenges, synergies, opportunities and uncertainties are. “The pandemic has taught us that collaboration, sharing and looking after each other is essential at so many levels. If ever there is a time for working more closely together, it is right now. “We need to deliver that inclusive, collaborative approach on a countywide scale, embracing the best of what Hampshire offers so all communities can thrive and a young workforce coming through has the opportunity to grow skills. “We’ve always been ready, willing and able to get stuck in for as long as I’ve been active in the Chamber and I see it as our collective responsibility to pass on a healthy business scene to future generations in better shape than we took it on. “We will work with any organisation, public or private, to support business, enhance education and skills, encourage growth, foster job opportunities and provide prosperity for all. “I want Hampshire Chamber to radiate energy, innovation and a constant drive to improve. “We should be seen as an organisation where members know they will always get professional service and a warm and friendly welcome. “With the support of my fellow board members and our wider team, I’m confident we will continue to deliver on all our bold ambitions and make a real difference for our members.” The son of a Royal Navy engineer, Peter takes over the presidential helm from David Joel who has stepped down after three years in the voluntary role. Paying tribute to his predecessor, Peter says: “David will be a hard act to follow as President. He has served the Chamber with an amazing sense of values, respect, honesty and integrity. He has never shied away from difficult decisions. “David has been particularly instrumental in ensuring businesses have been able to access the support they have needed during the pandemic. We owe him a great deal of thanks.”

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Member News

BCC Quarterly Economic Survey Q4 2021: Recovery weakening as inflation worries soar • 5 8% of firms expect their prices to increase in the next three months, the highest on record. 66% of businesses cited inflation as a concern, also a record high • 1 in 4 (27%) firms were worried about rising interest rates, as concerns over rate hikes among manufacturers reach record high • Just under half of firms (45%) reported increased domestic sales in Q4, compared to 47% in Q3 The BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) – the UK’s largest independent survey of business sentiment and a leading indicator of UK GDP growth – has shown the recovery stalled in the fourth quarter, with firms facing unprecedented inflationary pressures. The survey of almost 5,500 firms showed that some indicators also revealed a continued stagnation in the proportion of firms reporting improved cashflow and increased investment. Inflation is the top issue for firms, while a rise in the interest rate was also a cause for concern for many.

Business activity 45% of respondents overall reported increased domestic sales in Q4, down from 47% in Q3. 16% reported a decrease, unchanged from Q3. In the services sector, the balance of firms reporting increased domestic sales dropped to +26% in Q4, from +31% in Q3. In the manufacturing sector, the balance of firms reporting increased domestic sales was +22% in Q4, down from +28 in Q3. Prior to the surge in Omicron infections, hotels and catering had been most likely to report increased domestic sales (55%). This represented the beginning of a potential recovery as the sector was also the most likely to report decreased sales throughout the rest of the pandemic. 94% reported decreased sales and cash flow at the start of the pandemic in Q2 2020. Worryingly, a similar decline is now possible in the face of the Omicron variant and the implementation of Plan B which led to new restrictions for some.

Unprecedented inflationary pressures 58% of firms expect their prices to increase in the next three months, the highest on record. Only 1% expected a decrease. The percentage expecting an increase rises dramatically to 77% for production and manufacturing firms, 74% for retailers and wholesalers, 72% for construction firms, and 69% for transport and distribution firms. These are the highest on record. When asked whether firms were facing pressures to raise prices from the following factors, 94% of manufacturers cited raw materials, 49% cited other overheads, 30% cited pay settlements, and 13% cited finance costs. When asked what was more of a concern to their business than three months ago, 66% of firms overall cited inflation (compared

Our latest survey suggests that UK’s economic recovery slowed in the final quarter of 2021 as mounting headwinds increasingly limited the key indicators of activity. “The persistent weakness in cash flow is troubling because it leaves businesses more exposed to the economic impact of Omicron, rising inflation and potential further restrictions. “The record rise in price pressures suggests that a substantial inflationary surge is likely in the coming months. Rising raw material costs, higher energy prices and the reversal of the VAT reduction for hospitality are likely to push inflation above 6% by April. “The notable uptick in concerns over higher interest rates underscores the need for the Bank of England to proceed with caution on further rate rises to avoid undermining confidence and an already fragile recovery. “The UK economy is starting 2022 facing some key challenges. The renewed reluctance among consumers to spend and staff shortages triggered by the Omicron variant and Plan B may mean that UK GDP falls in the near term, particularly if more restrictions are needed. “Rising inflation is likely to weaken the UK’s growth prospects this year by eroding consumers’ spending power and squeezing firms’ profit margins and ability to invest.” Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) to 52% in Q3 and 25% in Q4 2020), the highest on record. For production and manufacturing firms, this rises to 75%.

Concerns over higher interest rates rise sharply The percentage citing interest rates as a concern rose in the quarter. 1 in 4 firms (27%) reported interest rates as a concern, up from 19% in Q3. The percentage mentioning interest rates as worry among manufacturers stood at 28% in Q4, the highest seen since the metric was first collected in Q4 2009 and up from 21% in Q3. The percentage citing interest rates a concern among service sector firms stood at 29% in Q4, the highest seen since Q3 2014 and up from 22% in Q3.

Little recovery to cash flow For firms overall, 31% reported an increase to cash flow, while 46% reported no change and 23% reported a decrease. Given these figures were reported before the full impact of Omicron and the introduction of Plan B, this metric is a cause for concern, as some firms are still struggling to recover from large scale losses incurred since the start of the pandemic. 0 1 32 9 2 42 42 0 | HA M P S HIR E C H A M BER. CO. UK

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Commercial Services

Make the most of your Chamber HR and H&S services Members now have access to three complimentary One2One services. You can book a meeting with a Quest Business Support Manager to find out how you can make the most of these key member services. They are both included in your membership fee, and you have unlimited access to the advice and documents they provide… but do you really understand exactly how they can help you? Now you can find out! There are three different One2One meetings and you can

choose one or take all three. It’s up to you Discover – helps you understand the full scope of the service, how it can help you, the advice line service, the document library, how to access it etc. Review – if your business is changing this is an opportunity to discuss areas or risk, get to understand your responsibilities and ensure you are compliant and protected. Compare – find out how the Chamber services compare in terms of service and cover to any current outsourced provision. To find out more or book a complimentary meeting email Myles (Business Support Manager) at mday@questcover.com.

WOW!

FOUR SERVICES – IN A NUTSHELL Members have unlimited access to four services – HR, Legal, Health & Safety and Tax. Which include:  5 Advice Lines – HR, legal, health & safety, tax and VAT  3 Document Libraries – HR, Legal, Health & Safety  Containing almost 800 templated documents  Plus a free One2One meeting to understand how these services can support you All the above are included in your membership subscription. Members on essential banding and above can access Quest services.

For more information contact: membership@hampshirechamber.co.uk | 01329 242420 HAMP SHIRE CHA M B ER OF C O M M ERC E

CHAMBER HR

ONE2ONESERVICES DISCOVER

REVIEW

COMPARE

Book a complimentary meeting with a Quest Business Support Manager Three choices – what suits you best?

DISCOVER Find out how to make the most of the Chamber HR Service and see how it can help you and support your business. A Quest Business Support Manager will cover the scope of the Chamber HR service, how the HR advice line can help you, what is included in the Document Library, other featured services available via the website, how to access the service and hours of operation.

REVIEW An opportunity to talk to a Quest Business Support Manager about how your business may be changing, where you were and where you are going to. What HR issues does this raise? The meeting will cover areas of risk, your responsibilities and what you need to have in place to ensure you are compliant and protected. Effectively this gap analysis will identify what you need to do.

COMPARE If you have an existing outsourced HR service you may wish to do a comparison with Chamber HR to see if Chamber HR can fulfil your needs. A Quest Business Manager will look at your current provision and explain how Chamber HR differs from it. Chamber HR is included in your membership fee so it may be that you don’t need to pay anything extra to anyone else!

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT Contact Myles Day on mday@questcover.com or scan the QR code to book an appointment. Please quote “DISCOVER”, “REVIEW” or “COMPARE” in the notes.

28 Member News Relaunch of Business News in April BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is working towards the relaunch of our Business News Magazine, with the first issue scheduled for publication in early April 2022. We have recently appointed a new publisher for our magazine, a company called Kemps Publishing. They have a proven track record in working with other Chambers in producing high quality magazines and we are looking

forward to producing our first edition together. Production planning is now getting underway and Chamber members may be contacted by Kemps from 4 January 2022 regarding advertising opportunities. I would like to reassure you in advance that these are genuine calls from our new publishing partner. If you are interested in advertising within the relaunched edition, you can also contact Jon Jones, Sales Manager, at Kemps direct at Jon.Jones@ kempspublishing.co.uk. The new magazine will have a fresh,

new look and will be circulated on a quarterly basis. If you have any exciting news to share about your business next year, be it an expansion, an acquisition, a new contract or some new staff joining your team, then please send your editorial stories to Ben.Applin@ Hampshirechamber.co.uk via email and we will do our best to include them in a 2022 edition. Thank you for your continuing support of the Chamber and we hope you will look forward to receiving your new look membership magazine in April.

Portland Leonard Curtis agree sale of struggling hampshire marketing agency Leading business recovery firm Portland Leonard Curtis has successfully negotiated the sale of Hampshire based marketing agency Idealogy Limited, after the business suffered cashflow issues and was placed into administration. Operating from sites in Southampton and Lymington, Idealogy offered marketing services, branding and creative solutions to a range of sectors and companies including Kenwood, Fitness First and Ordnance Survey. The company traded successfully for over 30 years however their fortunes changed when a number of employees left the company, which led to a skills shortage. As part of an administration process, Portland Leonard Curtis instructed agents to assist with the sale of the customer database and intangible assets. This exercise saw a number of interested parties come forward with an eventual sale being completed to Cherry White Design, a known competitor to Idealogy. There remains a long leasehold flat in London within the company which is currently under offer. Portland Leonard Curtis are also assisting with the ongoing book debt collection. Associate Director Stewart Goldsmith commented:

“We have to remember that this company had successfully traded for over three decades and overcame many recessions and, more recently, a COVID-19 hit economy which saw many businesses reduce marketing spend. It was not until March 2021 when it began to experience difficulties after a series of employee resignations which led to a unsuccessful recruitment drive where they struggled to hire like-forlike replacements. The skills shortage meant that, despite the company continuing to receive projects from its clients, it became increasingly difficult to resource and deliver this work.” The director of Idealogy attempted to raise finance to overcome the initial cashflow issues and then talk to competitors in the industry in an attempt to salvage the business. Both were unsuccessful so to alleviate the immediate cashflow problem within the business the director decided that an orderly winding down of the company was required whilst a marketing campaign for the business and assets was put in place. Due to the lack of available funds and the interest in the business assets only the director made the decision to appoint Portland Leonard Curtis as administrators to the company. Stewart continued: “We managed to secure a quick sale before the value of the company assets, in particular the customer

HAMP SHIRE CHA M B ER OF C O M M ERC E

database and pipeline of work, diminished. Whilst many businesses have struggled as a result of the national lockdowns, Idealogy was generally performing well at the beginning of restrictions. It was an unusual set of circumstances which saw a number of employees looking to consider alternative employment options after returning from a working from home environment. In this sector the skills and expertise of the staff are paramount to the success of the business.” Portland Leonard Curtis, formerly known as Portland Business Recovery, recently joined forces with national firm Leonard Curtis which employs 239 people across 19 UK offices. The deal, designed to strengthen presence on the south coast, will enable Portland Leonard Curtis to add more service lines to its existing recovery capabilities, especially around cashflow support and commercial finance, to support businesses facing financial difficulties and drive recovery growth post-Covid.

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Member News

New head of payroll at accountancy firm EXPANDING Hampshire accountancy firm HWB has appointed an accomplished new payroll manager. Raquel Silva, who has 20 years’ national and international payroll experience, heads a team of five looking after almost 300 clients at the Southampton-based accountants and business advisers. She joined from Gosport & Southampton-based education provider Lighthouse Learning Trust, where she spent four years. Raquel said: “I was looking for a new challenge, some career progression and the opportunity to join HWB was too good to miss. It is a lovely organisation with welcoming people. “My job entails managing the team and managing the payroll processing for our portfolio of clients, making sure their objectives and expectations are met.

“I have been involved in payroll project management, payroll integrations, and payroll processing end to end for two decades. “I have a strong work ethic and I am committed to ensuring excellent customer service, coupled with delivering quality service within the department. “My ethos is to work hard and work smart, utilising the latest technology to streamline and structure processes to enable more time to build client rapport. “It’s still a learning process for me to understand the clients and their needs, but my team is fantastic, they are really efficient and positive.” Raquel’s team includes Amanda Cooley (Payroll Technical Manager), Hannah Ogley (Senior Payroll Administrator), Kelly KearslakeShell and Ben Buckler (Payroll Administrators), with trainee Nathan Parr. HWB Director James Alesbury said: “Raquel is an innovative and wholly

professional operator who brings a great deal of experience across various sectors, both here and abroad, to HWB. “She is very much an all-rounder who has settled in seamlessly to become an appreciated member of the HWB family and we are expecting great things from her.” Chartered accountants HWB, headquartered at Chandler’s Ford, near Southampton, provides business and tax advice.

Zero waste shop, Scoop, launches the ‘Just one bottle’ campaign in Fleet Encouraging more people to try refill shops across the UK Fleet’s zero waste shop, Scoop, is taking part in the ‘Just one bottle’ campaign. The campaign was launched on January 1st 2022 to encourage people to just try refilling one bottle. Kate Cottrell, founder of Scoop, says, “The rates of climate anxiety are rising fast. Many members of the public feel powerless against the effects of climate change and that they are not able to contribute to the fight against it. This campaign is about empowering individuals and showing people that together, with one small change, we can ALL contribute to the fight against climate change. The network of refill shops across the UK are working together with the same goal, to help the fight against climate change and to support our communities in their sustainable goals. “We hope to encourage people who want to do their bit to

help reduce plastic waste to just start small. Just refill one bottle. If each household did this, imagine the impact it would make! Whether it is refilling an empty bottle of washing up liquid or shampoo bottle we are encouraging people to just give it a go.” With the planet in the throes of a climate emergency, the refill retail sector is growing. Refill shops offer a great way to shop more sustainability, save money and have a positive impact on the planet. Some people, however are reluctant to take the first steps into the refill way for reasons such as fears of making a mess and the cost. With the potential to save over a hundred bottles of mostly un-recyclable plastic per family annually, refill shops offer a viable alternative. With environmental issues being hot news right now, local residents and media companies are taking more interest in their local refill shop and what we are doing to champion this campaign as well as raising awareness and helping consumers to make a difference. 0 1 32 9 2 42 42 0 | HA M P S HIR E C H A M BER. CO. UK

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Member News

How to better access R&D grants More than 300 companies and organisations in the UK and EU have benefitted from the peerless expertise of Monika Dabrowska to date. The founder of Innovaction Global provides valuable insights on how to access grants to get your R&D projects off the ground. Tens of millions of pounds of grants are available to UK businesses for developing innovative technologies. Writing grant applications is a timeconsuming, laborious process for those unfamiliar with the requirements, format, content and nuances of language. Thanks to Monika’s deep-seated industry knowledge and experience, management teams can be guided

through the complex process. Accessing funding can realise that next big innovation - one which would not see the light of day without money to support the vital early stage. R&D investment in the UK reached nearly £27 billion in 2020 - with Monika at your side, your company’s ideas could become commercial realities. www.innovactionglobal.com.

O.T.R. Couriers Ltd is a family business with offices in Southampton and Birmingham established in 1996 O.T.R. Couriers as a family business, has been trading for over 25 years. In our industry, businesses come and go regularly. Those who do, don’t have a focused offer and try to grow big before their time. Here at O.T.R. Couriers Ltd, we focus on service by

giving our customer personal attention to detail such as timings, reporting progress and notification of the delivery as soon as it happens, giving them peace of mind.

Using a courier is a cost effective way of using your time productively at your place of work, rather than doing the delivery yourself. At O.T.R. Couriers Ltd, we try to emulate that philosophy, taking the pressure off. Call us for a quotation 07768512571 or email us: graham@southamptoncouriers.com.

Would your business survive a real-world cyber-attack? - Identify critical vulnerabilities in your defenses and provide key risk insights to stakeholders The growing digitalisation of business operations creates numerous entry points for cyber attackers to compromise critical systems and expose assets, data and customer information. SecQuest’s Penetration Testing Services is an effective way to test the investment in your prevention and detection capabilities, with real world cyber-attack scenarios. We are experienced CREST / CHECK practitioners that work with clients across all industry sectors.

SecQuest can provide vulnerability management and system testing to provide you with a ‘current state assessment’ for your risk management programmes, helping you effectively manage your cyber security challenges. Contact our friendly team today. https://www.secquest.co.uk/contact.

HAMP SHIRE CHA M B ER OF C O M M ERC E

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Member News

Forresters supports SMEs in The Innovation Challenge Forresters has partnered with TBAT Innovation to provide IP support to SMEs looking to innovate. TBAT Innovation has launched The Innovation Challenge, bringing together partners to provide expert guidance to growing companies in four key areas. The challenge will see partners deliver four free, informative workshops, which will be held throughout Spring 2022. In May applications will open for businesses to submit a full business plan and be eligible to win a £5,000 cash prize and tailored support packages from partners. In June a showcase for the top 10 finalists will be held where the winners will be announced. Finalists will have the opportunity to present

their business in a 10-minute pitch in front of key investors. Greg Smith and Dr Jagvir Purewal, senior associate patent attorneys at Forresters, will deliver the IP aspects of a workshop on Product Design and Protection. Jagvir said: “We’re proud to be partnering with TBAT Innovation for The Innovation Challenge. IP can be difficult for SMEs to navigate as they seek to innovate and grow and we have a wealth of experience at Forresters in helping companies establish a solid IP position. I’m looking forward to working with the innovative companies involved in the challenge.” Matt Symonds, managing director of TBAT Innovation Ltd, said: “We’re really excited to launch The Innovation Challenge and to be working with a great set of partners to support and stimulate businesses to innovate and develop.”

Apprenticeship Bus returns to Portsmouth in 2022 Shaping Portsmouth and its partners are delighted to confirm that the Apprenticeship Bus will once again return to touring the city in 2022. As part of National Apprenticeship Week from 7 to 13 February the bus will visit the senior schools of Portsmouth with current Portsmouth apprentices onboard. National Apprenticeship Week aims to highlight the exceptional work being done by employers and apprentices across the country. By introducing Year 9-11 students to current apprentices, we can give those attending a real insight into what life is like as a Portsmouth business apprentice. Each school visit lasts around one hour, and the students get the chance to hear what the overall apprenticeship programme can offer. The real value is when the students can engage with the apprentices and discover what life is really like for them. Lee Butler, Programme Lead, Shaping Portsmouth says “The Apprenticeship Bus can inspire the young people of Portsmouth to do the things that inspire them. First-hand

experience with apprentices is a wonderful opportunity to meet and learn from those who have followed this path to a successful career.” Louise Bateman, Careers Leader, Miltoncross Academy says “As part of our aim to ensure all students will aspire for a fulfilling career, the Apprenticeship Bus is an excellent chance for students to explore the option of becoming an apprentice. Being able to meet local apprentices allows them to directly explore real world career options.” 0 1 32 9 2 42 42 0 | HA M P S HIR E C H A M BER. CO. UK

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Member News

Morr & Co - a change of name for leading law firms Morrisons Solicitors, Wheelers Solicitors and Harrops & Hepburn Solicitors The evolution of the firm It’s not the first time Morr & Co have changed name. In 1812 when George Morrison joined the firm, “Morrison” appeared in the company name for the first time. Since then, there have been various name changes, before becoming Morrisons Solicitors in 1978. With the company’s 300th anniversary approaching, the firm has taken the opportunity to modernise once again, while retaining an unbreakable link to its origins and heritage. Over the past 20 years in particular, Morr & Co has seen enormous growth, both organically through the acquisition of talented lawyers and support staff, as well as more recently through mergers with other respected law firms.

Why Morr & Co?

On Monday 10th January 2022, the Morrisons Group, which includes Morrisons Solicitors, Wheelers Solicitors and Harrops & Hepburn Solicitors, rebranded to become Morr & Co. With eight offices across Surrey, Hampshire and South West London, Morr & Co is one of the South East’s leading law firms. From its origins in Surrey in 1729, the firm has been growing and adapting, expanding into new areas, developing its people and offering a wider range of services. In recent years Morr & Co has grown through natural development and through acquisition. At the end of 2018 the firm merged with Harrops & Hepburn Solicitors in Oxted and then in 2019 with Wheelers Solicitors, acquiring their offices in Fleet, Farnborough and Ash Vale. With both acquired firms having strong brands and great reputations in their respective regions, it was decided to keep their names, whilst integrating them into the Morrisons Group. However, the time has come to bring the brands together. And so, on 10th January 2022, the firm became Morr & Co the same team of expert solicitors, just under a new name. Paul Harvey, Morr & Co’s Managing Partner, said “Uniting the firm under a new and modern brand is very exciting for us. Morr & Co feels like a natural progression for the business. There’s a familiarity about it and a connection to our past and our rich heritage, but it’s also progressive and takes us into the future.” Morr & Co now represents a broad and loyal client base across the region, which remains at the forefront of the work ethic and values of the firm.

Join us N W! HAMP SHIRE CHA M B ER OF C O M M ERC E

Morrisons Solicitors has been known affectionately as Morr Law for many years. The firm’s new name represents that familiarity and respects their history. In addition, the “& Co” recognises the unification of their brands, and the company of talented individuals across the business. Managing Partner, Paul, continued, “I passionately believe that everybody in the firm has a very important part to play, and the “& Co” represents just that. We’re in this together. We are a team. We share our core values.”

The future of Morr & Co Morr & Co has long supported both individuals and businesses with their legal requirements – with the depth of knowledge, capabilities and resources of a large firm, and the approachability of a local practice. Paul went on to say, “Whilst the visual part of our business has changed, I want to assure everyone that there will be no changes to the services that clients receive nor to our commitment to supporting those in the surrounding areas. We hope that our clients and communities will come along on this journey with us, and see us as a modern, progressive law firm, who are moving forward, and responding and adapting to change, to provide the services they need from us today, and in the future.” The firm promises to continue playing an active part in the communities in which it operates, supporting local charities and causes, and will remain heavily involved with its regional business communities. “This is part of who we are and that won’t be changing,” Paul added. To find out more about Morr & Co and the legal services they provide, visit morrlaw.com.

E: membership@hampshirechamber.co.uk T: 01329 242420 or 01256 338633

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Member News

Competition celebrating butchers and pie-makers returns The good news is that 2022 sees the return of the Great Hampshire Sausage & Pie Competition. Established and run by Hampshire Fare, the country food group, the Competition was last held in 2020, shortly before the first lockdown. The interval, however, has provided an opportunity to refresh the Competition with the introduction of new categories in response to requests and consumers’ changing tastes. These include new Scotch Egg and Sausage Roll categories, while a new Alternative Sausage category can include vegetarian sausages. Tracy Nash, Commercial Manager, Hampshire Fare, comments: “At Hampshire Fare we are very excited about the refresh we have given the Competition as it is always our aim to encourage engagement with an even wider audience. We are also very proud of The Great Hampshire Sausage & Pie Competition – it has national prestige, although the Competition is only open to entrants within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, including members and non-members of Hampshire Fare.” This year judging is taking place at

Basingstoke College of Technology. Justin Mundy, Chef Lecturer, The Restaurant, Basingstoke College of Technology, says: “We are delighted to be working with Hampshire Fare in hosting this competition. It is a great chance for our students to gain valuable experience, seeing and working with some great local produce, preparing

them for their future careers in the industry.” The awards ceremony will be held at Southampton Football Ground, St Mary’s Stadium, on 9th March 2022, with the evening compered by Louisa Hannan, Presenter of the Afternoon Show on BBC Radio.

A small local agency with a global reach, helping businesses succeed since 2014 Fringe Media is a digital strategy and web development agency. The company was founded in Canada in 2014. After establishing a client base on both sides of the Atlantic, we opened an office in Winchester, the heart of Hampshire. Our focus is to establish ourselves as the agency of choice for companies seeking an accessible digital presence, with conversion centric UX design and assisting in the delivery of branded messaging. We pride ourselves on understanding the needs of every business, and we

make it our job to create high quality and unique experiences for your customers. We work with companies of all sizes and across a wide spectrum of sectors. Right now is an exciting time for Fringe Media, as our accelerated growth enables us to create more job opportunities. We are also looking at

collaborating with local colleges to provide hands-on experience to the next generation of developers and digital strategists Contact: fringemedia.io | info@fringemedia.io.

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BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Hampshire Chamber Events and Training

Training A New Year. A New Beginning. January blue’s are out of the way and businesses are continuing to identify the national skills shortage we are all facing. Through Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, we offer a variety of training courses through different providers giving local businesses the opportunity to upskill, retrain and retain the best talent. With our new partnership at skillslab, part of Fareham College, we have direct access to some of the best facilities, trainers and diverse views that can be facilitated. Throughout the coming months, we will be working

alongside International Trade Matters, to deliver our international trade focused courses. Passing six of the assessments for these courses, gives attendees a Foundation Award in International Trade. We also welcome back One2create, local digital marketing agency, who have delivered a series of marketing training courses, from beginners to social selling for LinkedIn preCOVID-19. If you are a trainer or business coach and would like to offer your courses through the Chamber, please reach out to train@hampshirechamber.co.uk.

Import Procedures (Virtual) 3rd Feb – Virtual

Export Documentation (Virtual) 8th March – Virtual

Preferential Rules of Origin (Virtual) 10th Feb – Virtual

Strategies to Grow your Business 9th March – Virtual

Social Media for Beginners 16th Feb Fareham College

Kickstart Employability Essentials – Progress to Success 15th March – Virtual

Customs Procedures & Documentation (Virtual) 24th Feb – Virtual

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BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Hampshire Chamber Events and Training

Events At the time of writing this article, the Government’s furlough scheme has recently ended. Over the past few months, we have visited many different venues, showcasing their facilities and offerings to new and local businesses. Many of these venues and members of the Chamber have furloughed staff, in some cases for over a year and will be looking to operate at a full capacity, in over 18 months. Over the last few months, we have held our annual Boat Show Lunch at the Leonardo Royal Grand Harbour, visited Danebury Vineyard, The Solent Hotel & Spa and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, to name a few. Our events provide a great opportunity for businesses to connect and grow in a informal and enjoyable way. Looking ahead to the end of the year and 2022, what does our event calendar show? Over the next few months, we will join forces with our neighbouring Chambers – Surrey, Sussex, Dorset and the Isle of Wight to deliver the second South East

Networking event. At this event we expect to have over 100 people joining us for this virtual networking. We will also return to Southampton Football Club for our Meet the Chamber & Business Exhibition. This exhibition show will feature over 30 exhibitors along with over 150 attendees coming together from around the county to exhibit at the event, to enjoy the event and to enhance their profile. As the county’s largest business support organisation, we understand that there are many people who will either not wish to travel to events or no longer wish to due to the change in working circumstances. Because of this, we continue to offer webinars and online events which give more people the opportunity to learn and grow their personal and professional network. We will be delivering online events such as: The Fundamentals of Marketing, Growing Your Online Reach and Supporting Your Employees’ Wellbeing, to name just a few.

P ure Networking at The Gurkha Museum 2nd Feb – The Gurkha Museum

reakfast Briefing – Update from the Bank of England B 3rd March – New Place Hotel

F uture Portsmouth – The Big Business Talk 11th Feb – Virtual

ave Your Cake & Eat It! H 16th March – Audley’s Wood Hotel

M eet the Chamber & Business Exhibition – Portsmouth Football Club 28th Feb – Portsmouth Football Club

etworking South East N 30th March – Virtual

H ow Fit & Motivated is your Business? 2nd March – Solent Hotel & Spa We are following government guidelines with any live events that we have planned. Please be aware that these events may be changed or cancelled based on guidelines that are set out at that time.

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BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Events Spotlight

Meet the Chamber & Business Exhibition Portsmouth Football Club 28th February 16:00 - 18:30

An Update from the Bank of England Thursday 3rd March 08:00 - 10:00

16th March 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm at Audley’s Wood Hotel

HAMP SHIRE CHA M B ER OF C O M M ERC E

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Member News

The time to embrace green leases is now Commercial landlords and their tenants should be embracing so-called ‘green leases’ now ahead of the introduction of proposed new energy regulations, according to property lawyer Laurence Lacey from national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP. He says the measures – outlined in a Government White Paper aimed at encouraging landlord and tenants to reduce their environmental impact – will prevent a landlord from letting out a commercial building if its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is below an E rating. “The time has come for both sides to adopt green leases to create better and more sustainable buildings for the benefit of their respective businesses and the employees who occupy them,” said Laurence, a partner and commercial property specialist. “While we are still some way from the inclusion of green lease provisions in all leases, the environmental and sustainability agenda is having an impact in terms of creating a drive to create better and more sustainable buildings for the future. “This trend will increase as time goes on, so understanding these provisions is important and may ultimately avoid buildings becoming obsolete in the future.”

Green leases are set to become far more common due to the measures outlined in the White Paper with the intention that rented non-domestic buildings will need an EPC B rating by 2030, with a planned stepping stone of a C rating by 2027. In August 2021 analysis by commercial property firm Colliers found 57 per cent of central London offices have D to G energy ratings, with only 20 cent with an EPC rating of A or B. “If this was replicated across the UK it would indicate that large scale work will be required to meet the new Government objectives,” added Laurence. “Commercial landlords and tenants need to work together to address the environmental and regulatory challenges. These changes can be negotiated at various stages either at the outset or during the term of an existing lease providing any changes are agreed by both parties. “Landlords may find themselves without an alternative if they are

to comply with Minimum Energy Standards Regulation and need to work out when to carry out the works to minimise the time the property is vacant. “However, on the positive side, a more energy-efficient building may be more appealing and be part of both landlords and tenants’ corporate social responsibility or net zero strategy, delivering added value benefits.” Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton, and Taunton. For more information visit www.clarkewillmott.com.

All Saints church is reopened December saw the end of a six-year project to secure the future of All Saints church in Lymington. Services in the church ceased in 2013, but Lymington PCC were determined that this lovely building should not stand idle but should continue to be used for the benefit of the community. The solution was for the PCC to retain the Chancel of the church for occasional Christian worship and to lease the Nave, Hall and grounds to a nursery and pre-school provider. In 2015, a tender exercise was carried out and Tops Day Nurseries were selected. There then followed a lengthy period of consultation and discussion with the Church Commissioners, the Diocese of Winchester and the NFDC Planning and Conservation departments about the changes needed to enable this historic building to be used in this way. In October 2020, planning permission was finally granted and this year has seen a

new underfloor heating system, together with low and high temperature radiators being installed, new toilets built for the children, the whole building redecorated and new LED lights fitted. Outside, an acoustic fence has been built around the play area and new hedges planted. It was therefore with a huge sense of achievement that the PCC and Tops Day Nurseries arranged for the Mayor of Lymington & Pennington, Cllr James Hoare to come and re-open the buildings. Seventy guests, including two former mayors, were present as he, the Vicar of Lymington the Reverend Canon Peter Salisbury, and the Managing

Director of Tops, Cheryl Hadland, proudly watched two pre-school children undo a ribbon at the door to declare the buildings open. Following the reopening the nursery is now ready for the next cohort of children to benefit from the opportunities Tops Lymington can offer and therefore, there is also the opportunity for new colleagues to join the team.

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BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Commercial Services

WE DON’T FACE CHALLENGES ALONE WE SUCCEED TOGETHER AS CHAMBER MEMBERS WE’RE WELL CONNECTED.

VISIT WWW.HAMPSHIRECHAMBER.CO.UK TO SEE HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOUR BUSINESS.

Did you know that our members on Advantage banding and above can have a corporate video created as part of their membership? Produced and edited by Chamber In-house Videographer 60 second, social media friendly Produced at your office location Book a recording: Videographer@hampshirechamber.co.uk To discuss eligibility or membership: membership@hampshirechamber.co.uk HAMP SHIRE CHA M B ER OF C O M M ERC E

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Member News

Fareham College secures funding for Solent business centre A COLLEGE business centre to serve the Solent is one step closer to becoming reality. Fareham College is working in partnership with nine other colleges in the region. It has been successful in obtaining the funding required from the Department for Education’s Strategic Development Fund for the design and development. The centre will be based at Fareham College’s Bishopsfield Road campus, and will bring colleges and employers together. Principal and chief executive Andrew Kaye said, “Working in collaboration with the other colleges to deliver this new College Business Centre is an integral element to improving access for businesses to further education and skills training across the Solent region. “Research demonstrates that there is a huge need for effective engagement between training providers and employers, and greater support for businesses to develop their own tailored learning and development programmes, in order to deliver the skills solutions that SMEs require to be successful. “The new College Business Centre will be intrinsic in supporting businesses with growing and developing future talent in the Solent region.” The colleges involved in this project include: Fareham College, Isle of Wight College, HSDC, Eastleigh College, Brockenhurst College, Southampton City College, City of Portsmouth College, Itchen College, Barton Peveril College and the Lighthouse Learning Trust. The aim is to create the Solent region’s first business centre, to improve employers’ access to the region’s future skills training. Ross McNally, CEO of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce,

said: “The business community will gain great benefit from this valuable initiative. “Hampshire Chamber recognises the skills gaps and uncertainty being experienced across many sectors, and this strong partnership of colleges, the Chamber and businesses at the heart of this new exciting project will support local SMEs throughout the Solent region.” Newly appointed business centre director, Beverley Poole, is an award-winning business person. She joins Fareham College bringing with her a wealth of experience in business leadership, creation and growth, education and most recently developing business skills clinics and an online digital learning technology platform. She said: “It is an absolute pleasure to bring my rounded experience to the new Business Centre and our colleges. There is much to do in developing this state-of-the-art environment, due for completion in March 2022. 0 1 32 9 2 42 42 0 | HA M P S HIR E C H A M BER. CO. UK

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Member News

Small business funding options simply explained In order to grow, your company is likely to face the need for additional capital, which can be obtained in one of three main ways: equity, debt, or grant. This blog aims to simply explain these options to enable you, as a small business owner in UK or Ireland, to make better decisions about your company’s financial future. Equity Finance for SMEs Equity financing involves the sale of your company’s shares and giving a portion of the ownership of the company to investors in exchange for funds. The proportion of your company that will be sold depends on how much has been invested in the company, and what that investment is worth at the time of the financing. In the very early stages of business, the most likely route to equity funding is through Angel investment and those investing through the government’s SEIS scheme, whereby the government provides generous tax relief to investors wishing to support new businesses. If your business is a little more established, generally over two years old and you can show some level of success, you may find interest in EIS investors, venture funds, family offices, and tier one investment. The team can talk you through the pros

and cons of all these options, and more if you call the Chamber Finance Finder hotline on +44 20 3966 7585. For more detailed information on equity finance see Swoop’s guide to equity finance.

Debt Finance for SMEs Debt finance is simply the term used for different ways of borrowing money or taking out loans. It is an arrangement between you and the lender to borrow a capital sum on the condition that it is paid back in full at a later date. Interest is accrued on the debt and paid independently of the capital repayment schedule. Unlike equity, debt does not involve relinquishing any share in ownership or control of your business. In the very early days, there are startup loans available, and you may consider leasing or hire purchase. Beyond this stage there are numerous financing

HAMP SHIRE CHA M B ER OF C O M M ERC E

options available – peer to peer, invoice finance, crowd funding, IP funding, asset finance, and merchant finance, to name a few - the most suitable for your business will depend on several factors. If you call our dedicated Chamber Finance Finder hotline on +44 20 3966 7585, the team can walk you through your options and ensure you are only put forward to the most appropriate providers.

Grants for SMEs Small business grants, although not easy to win, remain one of the best sources of funding available to new, developing and established small businesses. The majority of business grants are funded by national, local or European government to: support key growth regions, stimulate technological advance through research and development, support our aging society, promote sustainability and clean growth, improve the future of mobility, and to make the economy (local and national level) more competitive in a specific sector. Overall, these grant schemes generally seek to empower small and medium businesses to grow the economy and, in the process, create jobs.

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Member Offers

Members of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce offer discounts and deals to individuals and businesses.

£1,000 Off Their First Invoice

10% Discount for Hampshire Chamber Members

Free Energy Monitor When You Go Green With U4L

Starris Projects

Paris Smith

Unity 4 Less

Starris Projects is a multi-disciplinary construction consultancy, providing primarily project management and quantity surveying services across a variety of sectors such as commercial, education, industrial and residential. Social value is at the core of our business, and as such we strive to give back to the local communities in which we serve. We are pleased to offer fellow Hampshire Chamber members £1,000 off their first invoice with us. *Offer can only be claimed once per member. Visit our website at www.starris.co.uk or contact Stuart on 07387 171387. Discount code: HANTSOFFER1.

Paris Smith Line Manager & HR training – 10% discount for Hampshire Chamber members. Sessions are delivered by Employment law and workplace specialists and will cover topics such as: Managing mental health at work and supporting staff Performance management and remote & hybrid working Effective management of absences Visit the link to see the full programme and book your places. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/parissmith-llp-5796592086 / 02380 482113 Discount Code: HANTS10.

U4L offers business gas and electricity procurement, energy management, compliance and efficiency solutions. Members who switch to renewable energy with U4L get a free energy monitoring system for their business. The system shows how much energy you’re using throughout the day, helping you identify peak usage times and opportunities for savings. U4L will also plant 25 trees for every business which makes the switch. Contact U4L for a free, no-obligation quote on your energy: info@u4luk.com / www.u4luk.com / 01202 800200.

20% Discount off a New Website*

FREE Operational Health Checks

FREE Marketing Images and Headshot Photography John Rose Photography

Inca Design

Phew! What a year that was, but we made it through and it’s good to see that you did too. We’ve decided to start 2022 with a bang by offering you two exceptional deals - the first is a library of images for your business. The second is a headshot shoot at your premises. For information please email us at john@johnrosephotography. com with your details and we will call you for a quick chat.

Does your ONLINE presence reflect your current business? Have you had to DIVERSIFY for sales opportunities? Harness the POWER of a fully functional Website & active Social Media! Not only is a website your company’s shop window, it’ll make you easy to find, & is in your TOTAL CONTROL. *subject to full & final brief. www.incadesign.co.uk.

Lincolnwick Business Consultants According to market research firm IDC, companies lose 20% to 30% in revenue every year due to inefficiencies. At Lincolnwick we are offering FREE operational health checks to all Hampshire Chamber members to highlight where these savings can be made. Book a meeting now and start earning more tomorrow! https://www.lincolnwick.com/book-ameeting/ | 0800 861 1407.

Are you a Chamber member who would you like to appear on these pages? To make an offer contact us on 01329 242420, or email tom.colbeck@hampshirechamber.co.uk. We will need your offer and a logo or image in a jpeg format. The offers on the website are changing on a regular basis. Please remember to check the website for terms and conditions for each offer. For full information on the offers and others like them please visit our website http://www.hampshirechamber.co.uk/chamber_discounts_offers. FREE offers as part of your membership.

0 1 32 9 2 42 42 0 | HA M P S HIR E C H A M BER. CO. UK

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Commercial Services

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Exclusive Member Benefits

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Contact your local Accredited Chamber of Commerce to find out more.

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HAMP SHIRE CHA M B ER OF C O M M ERC E

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Patrons

GOLD PLUS PATRONS

Manufacturers

The UK’s innovation Agency

Print and Design

Exhibitions & Exhibitors

Newspaper

Digital Printing Specialists

Newspaper

SILVER PLUS PATRONS

Luxury Hotel & Conference Centre

BRONZE PLUS PATRONS

Marketing, Branding & Website Designers

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0 1 32 9 2 42 42 0 | HA M P S HIR E C H A M BER. CO. UK

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Welcome to our New Members

Welcome to our

New Members DEOS Group Peter Robertson DEOS House, Romsey Industrial Estate, Greatbridge Road, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 0HR

02380 711633 www.deosgroup.co.uk

DEOS Group have been trading since 1978 and we are rightly proud of our successful trading history. The company was founded by David and Eileen Smith and remains in the family’s ownership to this day. Since then we have become one of the south coast’s largest office solutions providers, with four divisions covering office stationery, bespoke office design, environmentally friendly office products (The Green Office) and Managed Print Solutions.

amamus Limited Tim Wookey Sundial House, 98 High Street, Horsell, Woking, Surrey, GU21 4SU 03301 330281 www.amamus.coffee We supply precision coffee equipment and delicious specialty grade coffee into ambitious companies seeking to improve their workspaces for teams and clients. Based in Lymington, we have a very different approach to other corporate coffee suppliers, as evidenced by our B Corp certification. In choosing amamus, we will enhance your CSR values in a way that’s credible and highly visible. I’d welcome the opportunity to advise how we can help improve your workspace with the joy of delicious and carefully sourced coffee. Take a look at our website: www.amamus.coffee.

Join us

N W!

E: membership@hampshirechamber.co.uk T: 01329 242420 or 01256 338633

HAMP SHIRE CHA M B ER OF C O M M ERC E

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Welcome to our New Members

Pacific Solutions Intl Limited Mark Wheadon Winchester, Hampshire 01252 846300 www.pacsol.co.uk Pacific Solutions International Ltd (PacSol) provide digital transformation services (document management, data capture, workflow and automated business process) tailored to and integrated with any type of business. Our customers regularly comment on our knowledgeable, friendly and responsive support / consultancy services that ensure minimal disruption to their business. PacSol started in Basingstoke back in 1995, initially specialising in IBM AS/400 ECM solutions, now also providing installation and support services for Kofax, DocuWare, Invu, IBM DataCap. Our many years’ experience enable us to recommend the right digital transformation solution that will maximise benefit (time, resource and costs) to your company’s business processes.

Summit International Ltd t/a Summit Digital Mike Crompton 25 City Business Centre, Hyde Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 7TA

01962 388 888 www.summit-digital.co.uk Summit is a multi disciplinary agency based in Winchester. We are dedicated Squarespace and Webflow specialists and Google Cloud Partners. We harness design and technology to develop websites and applications that deliver fabulous business results.

A.C.Culley & Co Limited Alexander Culley International House, George Curl Way, Southampton, Hampshire, SO18 2RZ 02380 302100 A.C.Culley & Co. is a boutique financial services compliance consultancy bringing c-suite level experience gained in the City to Hampshire and beyond. We offer advice, assistance with policies and procedures, training and help with regulatory applications at competitive rates.

Biscoes Legal Service Limited Adam Manning

Cat Pumps (UK) Limited Jack Yates

Boyces Cottage, The Square, Wickham, Hampshire, PO17 5JN

1 Fleet Business Park, Sandy Lane, Church Crookham, Fleet, Hampshire, GU52 8BR

01329 833249 www.biscoes-law.co.uk

01252 622031 www.catpumps.co.uk

Adam Manning of Biscoes Solicitors. Biscoes are a professional and friendly law firm offering a wide range of legal services for personal and business matters. We can help with conveyancing, Wills, commercial matters and more. Please contact us on 02392660261.

Cat Pumps manufactures high quality, industrial pumps renowned for their performance, dependability, and durability. These high-pressure pumps and pump packages are used in a variety of industries and applications including car washes, food processing, pressure cleaning, misting, desalination and chemical processing.

0 1 32 9 2 42 42 0 | HA M P S HIR E C H A M BER. CO. UK

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Welcome to our New Members

Fringe Media

GSF Sandylight

Alina Forbes

Jerome Solia

Oarsome Chance Paul Napthine

Unit 65, 1 Winnall Valley Rd, Winchester, SO23 0LD

Unit 3, Tower Industrial Estate, Tower Lane, Eastleigh Hampshire

The Boathouse, Mill Lane, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 4QA

07596 487773 https://fringemedia.io/

0844 854 1588 www.gsf-uk.com

02392 504492 www.oarsomechance.org

Fringe Media is a full-service web development and digital strategy agency, with a specialist interest in creating accessible websites. Since 2014, Fringe Media has provided expert services through a fresh and creative insight combined with the highest level of technical expertise.

The permanent mission of the GSF Group is to provide hygiene and cleaning services and associated services to thousands of businesses. We organise and operate teams in offices, healthcare, transport, education, retail and leisure environments.

Oarsome Chance is a charity bringing about change for disadvantaged young people in the Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant areas by using the powerful incentive of sport in combination with vocational training. Oarsome Chance develop programmes to benefit educational and employability outcomes.

Getmapping Plc Gavin Sullivan Fleet 27, Rye Close, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 2UH

01252 849444 www.getmapping.com Getmapping is a leading global provider of geospatial data and survey solutions with over 20 years’ experience in the capture and delivery of high-resolution aerial imagery, LiDAR and digital mapping across Europe and Africa. Our powerful GSaaS platform helps organisations unlock the full value of geospatial data.

Gold Edge Training Ltd

HR Dept Solent Deborah Weatherell 1st Floor, 37 High Street, Totton, Hampshire, SO40 9HL

0345 2000031 www.hrdept.co.uk/southamptonfareham/ HR Dept Solent are based in Southampton and Fareham our highly qualified and knowledgeable HR experts have a deep understanding of employment law. Whether you need HR services for support with employment contracts, managing disciplinaries or anything else, we can help.

Jumpstone International Ltd

Christine Baxter Ground Floor Unit 5, Fulcrum 2, Solent Way, Whiteley, Hampshire, PO15 7FN

02392 003559 www.goldedgetraining.co.uk/ Fareham-based Gold Edge Training Ltd is a specialist provider of more than 900 user-friendly distance learning courses, particularly in accountancy but now more broadly across a wide range from business management and entrepreneurship to education mentoring and information technology.

Matthew Guiver Soberton, Southampton 07956 001425 www.jumpstoneinternational.com Jumpstone International is headed up by Matt Guiver – a global adventurer and leadership pathfinder. We help senior leaders and executive teams identify, evaluate and confidently resolve complex business challenges through providing deep insights, perspective and learning from our innovative and transformational leadership coaching programs.

Join us N W! HAMP SHIRE CHA M B ER OF C O M M ERC E

SecQuest Information Sentry Self Storage LTD Simon Hickman Sentry House, Gavan Street, Southampton, Hampshire, SO19 7TE

02380 442600 www.Sentryselfstorage.co.uk Sentry Self Storage is a family business offering self-storage space to businesses and private users. Offering great value indoor and 24/7 drive up units across Hampshire, we can cater for all situations when extra storage space becomes a priority.

Systems Limited Paul Marsh First Floor, Unit 5 Viceroy Court, Mountbatten Business Centre, Millbrook Road East, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1HY

03451 931337 www.secquest.co.uk At SecQuest, our mission is to be a trusted Cyber Security partner for our customers, helping them evolve their cyber security and improve their levels of information protection. We look forward to building new relationships across the Chamber.

E: membership@hampshirechamber.co.uk T: 01329 242420 or 01256 338633

BUSINESS NEWS | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

Welcome to our New Members

Esperienza Learning Sharon Vennall 6 Down Farm Barns, Abbotts Ann Down, Andover, SP11 7AA 01264 710486 Technical Training Development and Delivery.

Hampshire Marketing Paul Clarke

Tim Ireland Photography Tim Ireland

Office 106, Gatcombe House, Copnor Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO3 5EJ

Basingstoke, Hampshire

02392 065339 www.hampshire.marketing

Photographer.

www.tiphoto.co.uk

Marketing and Advertising Services.

Focal Property Limited Lynn Ratcliffe Winchester, Hampshire 07740 423042 Property for Rental, Property Investment, Property Owners/Property Managers.

Sarums Limited Martin Phillips New Milton, Hampshire

01425 629106 www.sarums-marketing.co.uk Marketing and advertising agency.

Business Togetherness 0 1 32 9 2 42 42 0 | HA M P S HIR E C H A M BER. CO. UK

Saving your business money and time on foreign exchange and international payments At moneycorp, we have 40 years of market experience and understand the value of long-term relationships. We are proud to work with over 10,000 corporate clients tailoring foreign exchange hedging solutions whilst making overseas payments easier, faster and more cost-eﬀective by utilising our market-leading technology and extensive panel of liquidity providers. You can deal online or speak to one of our expert dealers who will be on hand to personally manage your relationship.

Providing solutions such as: Spot Contracts

Market Orders

International Payments

Hedging Solutions l

Great rates sourced through our panel of liquidity providers

Dedicated account manager

Low transfer fees

Free FX rates comparison service

Forward Contracts

Help managing currency volatility

Arrange deals online or via the phone

Relevant client funds safeguarded in segregated client bank accounts Solutions for multi-sized businesses

We work with 150+ corporate partners including:

To find out more about all our solutions, call +44 (0) 207 823 7800 or email business@moneycorp.com www.moneycorp.com/business

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