Business Voice Q2 2025

OPENING THE WAY TO OPPORTUNITY

THE MAGAZINE OF HAMPSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SHOWCASING THE UK’S GATEWAY TO THE WORLD

How the region is helping businesses to find new ways to trade globally, open up investment and develop skills

CHAMBER NEWS

A historic ‘Friendship and Solidarity Twinning Agreement’ is signed

CHAMBER POLICY

Analysis from members of our Professional Services Forum

NEWS

GREEN BUSINESS

EVENTS & TRAINING

Voice

THE MAGAZINE OF HAMPSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO SEND THEIR EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS TO: PRODUCTION EDITOR

David Allison

E: david.allison@hampshirechamber.co.uk

T: 01329 242420

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Helen Asling

E: helen.asling@hampshirechamber.co.uk

T: 01329 242420

HAMPSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Fareham College, Bishopsfield Road, Fareham PO14 1NH

T: 01329 242420

HAMPSHIRE CHAMBER CONTACTS

Chamber membership: Coral Benham

E: coral.benham@hampshirechamber.co.uk

Chamber events and training:

E: events.south@hampshirechamber.co.uk

HAMPSHIRE CHAMBER DIRECTORY

my.hampshirechamber.co.uk/directory.html

Welcome

BY ROSS MCNALLY HAMPSHIRE CHAMBER CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Accelerating growth as a global gateway for trade

Hampshire is accelerating its position as a global gateway for trade, investment and skills.

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ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE

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

DISCLAIMER

Business Voice is produced on behalf of the Chamber by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed to members and leading businesses without charge. The Chamber and the publisher are committed to achieving the highest quality standards. While every care has been taken to ensure that the information it contains is accurate, neither the Chamber nor the publisher can accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise. Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Chamber or the publisher. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format without prior written permission of Kemps Publishing Ltd.

In just recent months we have seen the launch of the exciting Southampton Renaissance city redevelopment ambitions. The Chamber also hosted year five of the Portsmouth and South Coast Business Week, during which a new partnership with Drogheda in Ireland was signed, and last but not least, the fast tracking of the region towards devolution has been announced.

SHOWCASING THE UK’S GATEWAY TO THE WORLD

oriented, sustainable future. Our coastal cities are rightly celebrated as global gateways, and our key clusters are leaders in innovation, science and technology.

This all adds up to placing our business community at the heart of a knowledge intensive globally competitive economy, within the Central South region, leading the charge to a productive, growth

In what has been a tough time for business we should come together in the understanding that the future looks good. The Chamber of Commerce recognises that we can contribute greatly through helping growth in international trade matched with regional investment. Working with fellow Chambers of Commerce across the Central South, Hampshire Chamber will be helping businesses to find new ways to trade globally, open new markets and develop the skills needed to meet this global ambition.

MODERN PARTNERSHIPS, 170 YEARS IN THE MAKING

Our prestigious 1851 partnerships provide opportunities for you to raise your profile throughout Hampshire and support your brand in a way that suits your business and budget.

An 1851 partnership reflects your place as a leading member of our Chamber. The impact of your work, support, or connections enables us to realise our strategic goals and add value for our network.

Interested in developing a partnership such as this? Contact the membership team on email: membership@hampshirechamber.co.uk

MEMBER NEWS

THE LATEST NEWS AND SUCCESS STORIES FROM CHAMBER MEMBERS

Hendy family reunited with pristine Ford Anglia

Apristine 1949 Ford Anglia EA94A with less than 5,000 miles on the clock has been acquired by the same family that sold it to its first owner 75 years ago.

The vintage Ford was originally sold by Hampshire-based car dealer Percy Hendy Ltd, in Chandler’s Ford. Three generations later, the family-run business has grown to become one of the UK’s largest car retail businesses and still has headquarters in the town.

The Anglia was purchased by Rebecca Hendy, Chairperson and Trustee of the Hendy Foundation (the charity arm of the Hendy Group), and her two sons Will and Ben, who both hold positions within the Group.

The Hendy family’s ‘new’ Ford Anglia EA94A was first registered in February 1949, sold to a Ms Lily Cull from Eastleigh, Southampton, for £319 16 shillings and eight pence. At the time of purchase, it was the lowest-priced four-wheeled car in Britain, and a total of 108,878 units were produced

between 1949 and 1953. This particular example went on to have two other owners but only accumulated 4,463 miles. It was purchased by the Hendy family late last month via an auction run by South Western Vehicle Auctions, complete with the original logbook, sales receipt, manufacturer warranty booklet and ‘Ford Eight and Anglia’ handbook.

“It’s been a joy to bring the car back into the family fold after so many years,” said Rebecca Hendy. “It’s fantastic to be able to honour a piece of Hendy history and celebrate

The

‘It’s fantastic to be able to honour a piece of Hendy history’

Stuart

Mallows, Transport and Warehouse Administrator at Meachers’ Derby depot

Qualification success for Meachers administrator

our long-standing partnership with the Ford Motor Company.

“We’d like to express our sincere appreciation to South Western Vehicle Auctions for bringing this vehicle to our attention, and to its previous owners for their dedicated care. We vow to give it the care and attention it deserves, while also allowing many members of the public to see it properly.”

It is anticipated that the car will be displayed at various Hendy Ford dealerships across the south of England over the coming months.

Meachers Global Logistics is proud to demonstrate its commitment to providing opportunities for professional growth to its employees, and is celebrating the recent success of Stuart Mallows in achieving his Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).

The course has given Stuart the knowledge and skills needed to manage road transport operations, a requirement for those overseeing commercial vehicles such as HGVs. This significant milestone marks a pivotal moment in Stuart’s career and underscores Meachers’ commitment to maintaining high standards and supporting employee development.

of the Transport and Warehouse Administration team, ensuring smooth operations and efficient collaboration with drivers and other team members.

SHOWCASING THE UK’S GATEWAY TO THE WORLD

‘The CPC course has been a major goal of mine since joining Meachers’

Stuart Mallows, Transport and Warehouse Administrator at Meachers’ Derby depot, successfully completed the intensive CPC course, marking a pivotal moment in his career. This achievement not only reflects Stuart’s dedication but also demonstrates Meachers’ investment in equipping its team with essential skills and knowledge.

Stuart joined Meachers Global Logistics two years ago, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his four-year tenure as a recruiter in the transport and logistics industry. Since stepping into his role at Meachers, Stuart has been an integral part

Reflecting on his achievement, Stuart said: “The CPC course has been a major goal of mine since joining Meachers. Completing it has deepened my understanding of the logistics industry and further developed my skills. It’s been an eye-opening experience that has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of transport laws, business responsibilities, and the expectations of a Transport Manager.”

Stuart’s achievement aligns with his aspirations to continue growing within the logistics industry. He aims to further enhance his knowledge and skills, ensuring he remains a valuable asset to the Meachers team. The CPC qualification will also enable him to better assist drivers and agency personnel, ensuring compliance with HGV operating standards and addressing any challenges that arise daily.

“Stuart’s accomplishment reflects the dedication and professionalism we value at Meachers Global Logistics,” said Gary Whittle, Operations Manager at Meachers Global Logistics. “His commitment to personal development not only strengthens our team but also enhances the quality of service we provide to our clients. We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone with him and look forward to seeing him continue to thrive in his role.”

Ford Anglia comes home to the Hendy Foundation

Record turnover for construction company

Chartered builders Greendale Construction Limited has announced its highest turnover in 34 years of trading, attributing a pivotal part of this achievement to the firm’s continued investment in its staff and training.

With a significant increase of 38%, 202324 saw the Poole-founded company mark a monumental milestone following the previous year’s return to profitability.

Rob Hooker, Director, Greendale Construction, said: “A combination of strategic changes, a risk-averse approach to business, and continuing to expand our operating area eastwards into Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey and the M3 corridor, has contributed to Greendale’s growth and record turnover.

‘We have long recognised the importance of cultivating a skilled, knowledgeable and fulfilled workforce, believing that investing in training and professional development is the foundation of our growth and success’

“Crucially however, it is through the hard work and dedication of our very adaptable staff, who help us successfully deliver a diverse range of first-class projects.

“We have long recognised the importance of cultivating a skilled, knowledgeable and fulfilled workforce, believing that investing in training and professional development is the foundation of our growth and success.

“Over the years, we have established strong apprenticeship and graduate schemes, offering opportunities for our employees to build their careers within the company. Additionally, we support our staff with a range of safety and mental health training courses, ensuring employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the ever-evolving construction industry.”

Greendale has also taken proactive steps to adapt to changing economic conditions. Despite the challenges presented by fluctuating political and economic climates, the company has implemented strategies to navigate industry challenges and maintain consistent profitability.

Rob added: “We are excited about the future. With an impressive portfolio covering all sectors, we’re particularly proud of our work within the growing heritage sector. Greendale has helped restore and maintain buildings of historic importance for future generations to enjoy, including most recently, Poole Museum, Scaplans Court, Uppark House and Dorchester’s Corn Exchange.

“Our commercial sector is exceptionally strong with recent projects for Bournemouth Airport and Lasham Gliding Club.

“The health and education sectors are buoyant, with Greendale working on numerous SCOLA recladding projects for Hampshire County Council, as well as large refurbishments for Bournemouth University. With busy offices in both Winchester and Poole, we’re looking forward to another year of sustained growth and profitability on the projects we deliver.”

Global engineering solutions provider Barnbrook Systems is targeting major international growth with the opening of its first office in the United States

The cutting-edge engineering UK company already holds Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) accreditation and it supplies such American blue chips as Gulfstream and Boeing.

Now Barnbrook – based in Fareham, Hampshire – has set up an American headquarters in McLean in the aerospace, defence and tech hub of Fairfax County in Virginia close to the Pentagon, the US federal government in Washington DC and leading international companies.

‘Fairfax is the perfect location with its proximity to the heart of the US defence and aerospace industry’

Four of the top five defence contractors have operations in Fairfax County where the US Department of Defence awarded contracts worth $17.3bn in 2023, according to the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (EDA).

Barnbrook has established its US base as President Trump makes his mark after entering the White House for the second time with potential for policy changes to defence spending and tariffs.

Andrew Barnett, Managing Director of Barnbrook Systems, said: “Fairfax is the perfect location with its proximity to the heart of the US defence and aerospace industry, global primes and an innovative and tech-based business eco-system.

“Although we have served the American market for many years, we now have enough velocity to lift off with our own

The Greendale Construction Directors L-R: Maria Seabright, Chris Kane, Rob Hooker, Andy Musselwhite and Chris Cave

Barnbrook Systems Managing Director Andrew Barnett

office following a highly successful 2024 and the launch of new solutions and services.

“With the inauguration of Donald Trump, it means we can hit the ground running in an ever changing world and have the opportunity to directly access primes and their supply chains.

“We are aiming for a year of unprecedented growth through our new technologies and the opening of our American office is a key pillar in our expansion strategy.”

Barnbrook, with nearly 50 staff, supplies innovative solutions such as an intelligent refuelling switch for helicopters and reverse-engineered ‘sunset and legacy’ products and systems for which operators could no longer find replacements or fix – such as engine controls and speed switches for older combat aircraft.

Many of its systems are enabled with Barnbrook’s own BlueCube© Intelligent Internet of Things (IIOT) remote sensing and tracking technology.

This includes its BlueDot systems for green hydrogen and its E:BAG lithium-ion battery fire suppression system created with fellow Fareham technology firm Flair.

Barnbrook, which is a founding member of the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC), is a prime contractor and subcontractor with multi-national firms, the UK MOD and overseas governments.

Fairfax County has a population of circa 1.2 million with 152,000 businesses and an economy worth $119bn, according to the EDA.

It says that US defence and aerospace industry revenue is worth $952bn, with $466bn Department of Defense obligations. The US export market is worth $139bn, while imports stand at $63bn.

Executives from Barnbrook met global players at the 2024 Farnborough International Air Show, including delegates from American aerospace companies.

SHOWCASING THE UK’S GATEWAY TO THE WORLD

Barnbrook set to be flying high with new USA office

Why brand reputation matters

The

brightest firms walk out their core values every day

Seven in every 10 CEOs believe reputation will be the main driver of performance over the next few years, says Philip Tutt-Leppard, from reputation management specialist, 360 Integrated PR. In a complex and volatile world, firms who hold to their principles will earn the trust of all their stakeholders.

When Bud Light launched a marketing campaign with trans influencer

Dylan Mulvaney, it did not expect its beer sales to drop $1.4bn in one year. The wellintentioned campaign misjudged the mood of its consumers and illustrated one of the fundamental truths about corporate reputation.

Reputational risk occurs when performance does not meet expectations.

Those risks come from a myriad of sourcesan untoward event, poor staff or management behaviour, a poorly executed marketing idea, social media gaffe or simply not doing what you should do. Bad news can be real or perceived, committed by management, staff, suppliers, third parties or, of course, it can be caused by disinformation and misinformation.

Reputation matters. Echo Research data indicates that 30% of the value of FTSE 350 companies comes from their reputation.

‘Every business needs to start with a strong sense of why it exists and what are its core values’

This is borne out by consumer behaviour. US estimates suggest that for every one per cent rise in brand trust, consumer purchase intent increased by 33%. It’s visceral, hardwired into all of us – you don’t buy from someone you don’t trust, whether it’s that bloke on Facebook Marketplace or a giant corporation. Building trust in the heat of rapidly changing social, political and economic times is not an easy task for brands. When should

PhilipTutt-Leppard MCIPR, 360 Integrated PR

Bud Light’s controversial advertising campaign featuring trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney

they seek to step into a social issue and when is it better to stay away?

The most recent Edelman Trust Barometer suggests over 75% of people believe CEOs are justified in acting on societal issues when they can make an impact on the challenge and when it will improve business performance. And, as seen with Bud Light, that action must align with expectations about the brand. It’s why every business needs to start with a strong sense of why it exists and what are its core values.

In her book, The Reputation Playbook, author Jennifer Janson puts forward this formula for corporate reputation:

(Purpose + Values) x behaviour + communications = reputation

Communications is, therefore, only part of the recipe. Good communications, internal and

external, are vital, but they cannot replace what you believe and do as a shortcut to a good reputation.

Through training and consultancy, 360 Integrated PR enables firms to take the four steps required to protect and enhance their reputation:

• Know what they stand for and what they want to be known for

• Understand where their reputational risks come from and how to mitigate them

• Be proactive in demonstrating where they have reputation-building opportunities

• Engage every employee and supplier in that operation.

Social media is both an organisation’s greatest friend and greatest enemy in this regard. If

things go wrong, it can rip control away from the business faster than they can respond. On the plus side, people use social media to research brands before buying. That is why it is vital to take the opportunities for brand enhancement online. Shakespeare, inevitably, sums things up with power:

“Oh, I have lost my reputation! I have lost that immortal part of myself and what remains is bestial.”

Quote from Othello, Act 2, Scene 3 by William Shakespeare

A strong reputation takes a brand beyond the transactional into another realm of popularity and appeal. Risk it at your peril.

Building trust in your brand is essential

Return of the Winchester Business Excellence Awards

TWinchester’s business landscape are set to take centre stage once again as the highly anticipated Winchester Business Excellence Awards return.

Organised in collaboration between the Hampshire Chronicle, Winchester BID, and Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, this prestigious event shines a spotlight on businesses that have demonstrated exceptional achievements and contributions within the Winchester District.

‘These awards invite nominations from businesses that have left an indelible mark on the community’

Spearheaded by a remarkable lineup of sponsors, Paris Smith, Dutton Gregory, Winchester City Council, Winchester University, Winchester BID, Hazeley Enterprise Park and JM Finn., these awards also receive significant support from Winchester Cathedral Events, Natwest, the Little Kitchen Company, the Theatre Royal and Play To The Crowd. This united effort underscores the shared commitment to recognise and celebrate local business excellence.

These awards invite nominations from businesses that have left an indelible mark on the community. Whether it’s a pioneering

THE AWARDS CATEGORIES

The categories for the Winchester Business Excellence Awards encompass the diverse facets of business excellence, reflecting the rich tapestry of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem:

• Business Leader Award

• Charity and Social Enterprise Award

• Large Business Award

• Small Business Award

• New Business Award

• Sustainable Business Award

• Service Excellence Award

• Creative and Cultural Award

• City Centre Champion Award

startup, an established industry leader, or a socially conscious enterprise, all are welcome to participate. Nominations can be submitted by the businesses themselves or by other stakeholders who wish to spotlight their accomplishments.

Each nomination received will undergo meticulous evaluation by a discerning judging panel. As a testament to the rigorous assessment process, some nominations may even be visited by a ‘Mystery Shopper’ representing the respective category sponsor, adding an intriguing element to the proceedings.

A momentous milestone in the awards calendar is the announcement of the three

for Thursday, 8 May, when these names will be revealed. The Hampshire Chronicle and hampshirechronicle.co.uk will proudly display the honourees, setting the stage for a celebratory awards event slated for Thursday, 19 June.

The recognition doesn't end with the finalists; each category winner will receive £500 worth of advertising in the Hampshire Chronicle or on hampshirechronicle.co.uk

Moreover, their inspiring stories and achievements will be showcased in dedicated coverage, ensuring their contributions reach an even wider audience.

As a hallmark of these awards, the Millennium Egg will continue to honour an organisation or individual that has made a significant and lasting contribution to the Winchester area. Furthermore, the coveted Business of the Year Award will be selected from the esteemed pool of category winners, culminating in the ultimate recognition for exceptional business performance.

The nominations for this year’s Winchester Business Excellence Awards will be open until Thursday, 24 April 2025.

The multi-faceted awards package includes a remarkable £500 multi-media advertising prize for each category winner, valid for utilization until 31 December 2025.

Businesses eager to take part and vie for well-deserved recognition can submit their entries at www.winchesterbusinessawards.co.uk

Winners at the 2024 Winchester Business Excellence Awards

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Local to global: the vital role of freight logistics

Freight forwarding and logistics are essential elements of commerce here in Hampshire, across the rest of the UK and globally. The safe, efficient trading of goods and materials, including through import and export, underpins all kinds of sectors and complex supply chains from manufacturing and retail to commercial and leisure marine. One Hampshire company that has become a major player in the movement of components and finished goods around the globe is PSP Worldwide Logistics. Jo Dixie-Goodwin, HR and Marketing Director, charts the story of its success.

The ability to organise, pack and ship anything to anywhere, within reason, has been the mainstay of PSP’s growth since the firm’s founding by Managing Director Frank Dixie in 1998.

Its acronym, a rebrand of ‘premier shipping and packing’, has become synonymous with a vast swathe of Hampshire’s regional, national and international trading.

Businesses rely on the still family-run firm, headquartered in Segensworth, for timely transit and delivery of all manner of precious cargoes by sea, air, rail and road.

“We have a brilliant, highly experienced team focused on ensuring a personal, tailored service,” said Jo Dixie-Goodwin, HR and Marketing Director, and Frank’s daughter. “Whether it is moving something that fits in a shipping container or it’s ‘out of gauge’, we

work with a real ethos of customer service, going above and beyond. And no matter the scale or complexity, or the degree of planning involved, we love a challenge.”

In support of freight forwarding activities, PSP acquired the firm Hampshire Pallets in 2020, so enhancing its export packing credentials.

The warehouse team, part of an overall workforce of 50, make protective wooden cases for transport of all sizes and descriptions.

This supports a diverse range of activities from the manufacture of air conditioning units to the transit of delicate valves or glassware.

Jo Dixie-Goodwin, HR and Marketing Director at PSP Worldwide Logistics

‘While we’ve retained our roots as a family business, we are also incredibly ambitious’

Jo, a member of Hampshire Chamber’s Southampton leadership team, says a key milestone in the company’s growth was the decision, more than 20 years ago, to diversify from general freight to an additional focus on marine shipping.

“Since then we have become a leader in global boat transportation,” she explained. “We started off shipping commercial boats and now move everything from large ferries to catamarans and yachts.”

PSP is now the UK’s sole agent for Starclass European Yacht Transport, a water-to-water service for moving boats between ports as deck cargo. It goes from Gdansk and Bergen

in the north down to the Turkish ports of Istanbul and Marmaris in the south.

“We book the space and oversee the loading and customs clearance,” said Jo. “The client brings their boat alongside, and it is craned onto a cradle on the deck of one of two massive ships designed as yacht carriers that continually go around the European ports.”

From a marketing partnership point of view, two key sponsorship agreements have helped to raise PSP’s profile across the marine sector.

These involved the Southampton Boat Show and the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

“Both have been brilliant platforms for us, enabling us to grow market reach,” Jo said.

“And we’re also gearing up once again to exhibit at Seawork, the commercial marine

PSP Worldwide Logistics are a leader in global boat transportation

and workboat show, in Southampton, in June 2025.”

SHOWCASING THE UK’S GATEWAY TO THE WORLD

Other recent developments include a logistics partnership on maritime waste with fellow global player Wärtsilä Waste and Water and a new Hong Kong office to help clients keen for a gateway to grow Asian connections.

On the tech side, the firm has created PSP Connect, an exclusive tracking software system backed by both the ISO9001:2015 quality management and ISO14001 environmental management standards.

Before joining PSP, Jo spent six years in Thailand working in a scuba diving shop and as an underwater videographer. That was until the 2004 tsunami hit Thai coasts causing extensive devastation and prompting her to

return to the UK. Now, armed with an MBA in Strategic Leadership from the University of Portsmouth and a Level 5 HR qualification from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Jo balances the leadership demands of both HR and Marketing.

As HR Director, she helps shape the future workforce through a people strategy and professional development. In marketing, she manages all the core disciplines including campaign planning and execution, event management, web development, PR, digital and social media strategy and maximising the ROI on sponsorship.

“It’s an exciting and varied role,” she said. “But it’s one I think you can only take on if

you are in an SME of this size. I absolutely love it here because no two days are ever the same. We have a fantastic work ethic, and we’re constantly encouraged to thrive in a supportive and kind environment. Our team stays with us throughout their careers, from apprenticeships to retirement, building a wealth of knowledge in every aspect of what we do. While we’ve retained our roots as a family business, we are also incredibly ambitious, continually investing in our people, equipment, technology and services. We’re fortunate to be involved in incredible projects, from worldwide boat transportation to public art installations, and even shipping robots to the USA for a mobility tech company. No matter how niche the logistics need, our team and facilities are always up to the challenge.”

SHOWCASING THE UK’S GATEWAY TO THE WORLD

An industry afloat: why Hampshire is pivotal to leisure marine

Hampshire’s 290 mile-coastline has been the natural geography behind much of the UK’s leisure marine industry for centuries.

Mandy Boughton (pictured), President of Hampshire Chamber and Managing Director of Hamble-based Ancasta Yacht Services, shares her view of the sector’s importance.

The membership organisation

British Marine puts the contribution of leisure, superyacht and commercial marine business to the UK economy at a massive £17.38bn.

That is especially relevant in Hampshire with tens of thousands of local jobs reliant on the success of boat building firms, service companies and a complex supply chain.

The Solent accounts for a quarter of all the coastal marine berths in England, with 850 berths at Port Solent alone, and around 40% of British Marine members are based here in our county.

“I love the marine industry,” said leading sector figure Mandy Boughton, Hampshire Chamber President and Managing Director of Ancasta Yacht Services in Hamble. “Hampshire is a pivotal region due to the essential skills and industry strengths we offer and the Solent is the historical heart of sailing in the UK whether you are interested in high-octane pursuits and competitions on the water or gentle cruising.”

The name Ancasta refers to a local Celtic goddess worshipped in Roman Britain. Known from a single dedicatory inscription found in the settlement of Clausentum, now Bitterne, she is thought to be associated, appropriately enough given the marine theme, with the River Itchen. Fast forward to now and Mandy is similarly committed to putting female energy into the marine sector.

“I am very much a champion for women to join our industry,” she said. “It’s such a fulfilling career and I would welcome any women who want to be involved.”

Born and bred in the New Forest, Mandy spent eight years travelling the world. She was a cook on yachts and worked for a boat broker in Spain before returning to the UK and going

on to complete a BSc in Yacht Manufacturing and Surveying at Solent University.

After graduating in 2002, Mandy spent eight years in sales and business development at the firm Ocean Safety and four years at Oyster Yachts, based in Southampton.

It was when she was running her own consultancy, Brisa Marine, that Ancasta International Boat Sales came knocking.

Moves were afoot to merge 45-year-old refit company Hamble Yacht Services Refit & Repairs into the Ancasta group and rebrand it as the subsidiary Ancasta Yacht Services.

‘We put a lot of effort into training and still run apprenticeships’

“Ancasta had been a customer of mine so I knew them very well,” Mandy explained. “I accepted their invite to join and came aboard seven years ago as Operations Director responsible for commissioning and after sales. We remain based in Hamble as one company within the larger Ancasta Group.”

Ancasta Yacht Services is the group’s main authorised UK centre for yachts up to 26m (75ft). One of the key selling points is the choice of three bays in a huge undercover workshop, plus wood mill, that together support all conceivable activities for the upgrade, repair and sale of motor and sailing boats.

Services include engineering, laminating, decking, custom moulding, engine servicing, refurbs and refits, with around 50 new boats and 400 to 500 brokerage boats sold each year.

As an example to illustrate its strong industry connections, a recent partnership has seen Ancasta Yacht Services announced as the south coast installer of sustainable synthetic

decking made by global marine brand manufacturer Flexiteek.

Mandy, a non-executive director on the Hampshire Chamber board since 2022, leads a 35-strong, highly-skilled team at Ancasta Yacht Services. They include shipwrights, engineers, laminators, project managers, technicians and ex-captains, all with a huge amount of technical knowledge.

“Many did their apprenticeships with us and are still part of the team, in some cases decades later,” said Mandy. “We put a lot of effort into training and still run apprenticeships through links with education providers such as City College Southampton, Brockenhurst College and other local colleges.”

Mandy’s message to those thinking of leisure marine as a career - women or men - is that it is a fantastic industry to be involved in and Hampshire is exactly the place to be.

“There are so many opportunities for people to join and you don’t have to go anywhere else.

Hampshire has a wealth of successful SME yacht businesses, plus larger corporations, all offering a wide variety of job roles. It’s essential that we keep attracting and retaining young talent, but with the Southampton International Boat Show on our doorstep and several smaller regional shows, it’s a lot of fun and very interconnected. You’ll build lifelong friendships in this industry. I enjoy it so much that most of the time it doesn’t feel like work.”

Organising your future celebrations and planning ahead

Is your business gearing up for a memorable conference, important meeting or event in the near future? At Sparsholt College Group’s Sparsholt Campus, we’re jubilantly celebrating our 125th academic year, and as such, we understand the importance of marking an occasion in the best way possible for your organisation.

Planning an event can feel daunting, from finding the perfect venue to securing the right food and drinks. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry, you’re not alone in this journey.

At Sparsholt Conferences and Events, we’re here to help you get everything in place ahead of time. Nestled in the heart of Hampshire, our venue offers stunning views and versatile spaces for all types of events, from intimate team meetings to large-scale conferences and functions.

Set in 183 hectares of beautiful countryside, our facilities include the purpose-built Hampshire Rural Business Centre, en-suite accommodation, meeting rooms, classrooms, a lecture theatre, and sports facilities. Let us take the stress out of your planning by providing everything you need to meet your conferencing and event requirements.

Conferences and meetings

Whether you’re searching for a space to host your team away day or weekly meeting, our unique venue with a view is a hidden gem. We offer a range of spaces to suit your event, with plenty of free parking and onsite accommodation.

Each meeting room is fully equipped with up-to-date technology, and we offer a variety of flexible catering options to meet your needs.

Functions and events

Our flexible and spacious venue is perfect for trade fairs, exhibitions, or large-scale public events. If you’re looking to host a public event such as a car show or bike race, work with us to make the most of our expansive campus and ensure your event is a success.

Accommodation

Our purpose-built conference centre, the Hampshire Rural Business Centre, includes onsite accommodation for you and your

guests. Our 25 en-suite bedrooms are equipped with fresh linen, towels, and all the usual facilities, including complimentary Wi-Fi. For larger events, take advantage of our onsite halls of residence, which can accommodate up to 681 people during the Easter and summer holidays.

Sports bookings

At Sparsholt, we can host a variety of sports bookings and events to suit your needs! From football to fencing, netball to marathons, basketball to badminton, we have the facilities to be the new home for your club. We have also hosted Easter and summer sports camps for many years.

Here at Sparsholt Conferences and Events, we believe every event is unique and we will work together with you to provide a customised service, tailored to your specific requirements.

Please get in touch with our team who will be happy to find the right package for your needs.

Visit: sparsholt.ac.uk/conferencesevents

Call: 01962 797259

Email: conferences@sparsholt.ac.uk

PR expert joins Carswell Gould team

Marcomms expert Jamie Moran has joined the Carswell Gould team as PR and Communications Director.

Award-winning integrated marketing agency Carswell Gould is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jamie Moran as its PR and Communications Director.

South Coast-based Jamie brings more than 20 years of expertise, spanning PR, strategic planning, marketing, advertising, and events, within sectors such as marine, maritime, manufacturing, automotive and FMCG retail.

From overseeing large-scale internal communications campaigns and conferences for brands such as Southern Cooperatives and Suzuki ATV, through to leading on panEuropean PR, product launches, content generation and media engagement for Suzuki Marine, Jamie brings a wealth of experience in building long-term relationships with clients and media alike.

His appointment is set to deliver fresh energy and strategic vision to help Carswell Gould and its clients achieve even greater success.

Jamie said: “I am passionate about helping clients tell their stories and engage with their target audiences through effective PR and communication.

‘We are delighted to welcome Jamie to the Carswell Gould team’

“I love turning marketing challenges into new opportunities and I am excited to drive impactful new PR campaigns for our clients and to augment Carswell Gould’s reputation for excellence in this space, both nationally and internationally.”

Gareth Miller, Managing Director of Carswell Gould, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jamie to the Carswell Gould team. His wealth of experience and dynamic approach to marketing

communications make him the ideal person to lead and enhance our PR offering. Jamie’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for us as we continue to deliver innovative and effective campaigns for our clients.”

Carswell Gould’s approach – a blend of marketing strategy, creative finesse, and digital savvy –

promises to elevate client profiles and forge connections with influencers, media and thought leaders across industries on a global scale. As Carswell Gould’s expertise in crafting influential campaigns continues to garner worldwide attention, the agency reaffirms its commitment to innovation and excellence.

Carswell Gould PR and Comms Director Jamie Moran

Stuck in neutral? How CTOs can overcome decision paralysis and drive growth

By Darryl Sherborne, (pictured) Director, Kaizenjoy Ltd

The whole world is in a state of change. There is high risk change in our world every day it seems. CTOs (Chief Technology Officers) are facing mounting pressure to drive innovation, and lower revenues make bold decisions risky, leading to paralysis. Now is the time to overcome this state of decision paralysis. Now is a perfect time to unlock sustainable growth to keep organisations ahead in competitive markets.

Recognising the paralysis

When faced with uncertainty many leaders delay decisions, fearing missteps or failure. This hesitation can slow progress, frustrate teams, and allow competitors to surge ahead. When was the last time your leadership team took analysis and did not take action?

More than a few days or weeks is a sign of paralysis.

Prioritise agile, low-risk experimentations

Instead of waiting for perfect conditions, CTOs should adopt a mindset of iterative

improvement and innovation. Smallscale pilot projects, five-day design sprints, and controlled rollouts allow your teams to validate ideas with your customers without overcommitting resources.

Align innovation with business needs

Successful CTOs that we have worked with ensure that every improvement initiative aligns with company goals. Now is a good time to prioritise ideas that solve real customer pain points or enhance operational efficiency. Ideas with a direct link between technology and business impact strengthens the case for investment.

Empower decision-making across teams

Over reliance on top-down decision making can stall progress. A small leadership team will generate fewer ideas than if you canvas ideas from across your entire company. Encourage cross-functional collaboration and delegate responsibility where possible. When teams

have the autonomy to act, ideas for improvement and innovation flows more naturally.

Shift the culture from fear to confidence

A fear-driven culture discourages innovation. One way this will show up is no questions in your team meetings. Foster an environment where calculated risks are encouraged and failures are viewed as learning opportunities. Clear communication, transparency, and executive support are key to driving this shift. Setting up an idea/improvement board that everyone can contribute to is a good start.

Do you need help over coming company paralysis and turning your strategy into action?

Visit: survey.kaizenjoy.com to unlock your company’s growth potential. Email: darryl@kaizenjoy.com or Telephone: 02382 578121

CHAMBER NEWS

ADVICE, NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THE CHAMBER

Celebrations as business week is a massive success!

Portsmouth & South Coast Business Week (PSCBW) – a week-long festival of free business activities – proved to be our best yet thanks to the support of our partners, sponsors and over 1,000 attendees who attended 22 events throughout the week.

The week began with a fantastic launch at the stunning Queens Hotel, where we were honoured to welcome the Lord Mayor, as well as inspiring words from our CEO/Chairman, Ross McNally, and Aaron Butson (HSDC). We were also privileged to hear from David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chamber of Commerce, whose keynote presentation received outstanding feedback.

Also incorporating business site visits aboard the Business Bus to the incredible networking event at the Mary Rose Museum, daily Facebook Live sessions, LinkedIn Local, and the Isle of Wight Networking Morning hosted by Wightlink Ferries – this week truly had something for everyone. With many events selling out well in advance, demand was exceptionally high.

‘Our business community is looking to build new relationships, understand future skills, shape strategies and drive sales’

Ross McNally, Chief Executive of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, said of the event: “It was great to see so many businesses and stakeholders coming together across nearly two dozen events during Portsmouth and South Coast Business Week.

“The growing success of this celebration of enterprise has proven beyond doubt that despite a tough economic climate our business community is looking to build new relationships, understand future skills, shape strategies and drive sales.

“We reached out across the region, addressed a range of sectors, and heard

brilliant insights from first rate speakers. Above all it was great fun. And we are already planning for 2026, so we want to hear about new ideas and initiatives.”

Aaron Butson, Assistant Principal for Work-Based Learning at Havant and South Downs College and one of the chief organisers of the week, said: “I truly believe that PSCBW 2025 was our best year yet! I always say that the week is based on our four ‘I’s’ – Invest, Inform, Inspire and Interact. This year, Interact was a big one.

“With more than 1,000 people attending events, it was great to see them all learning from each other, inspiring each other, and interacting with each other. This is what this week is all about.

Additionally, with our six business sponsors as well as our many civic sponsors, it shows how there is an appetite among organisations to invest in the Solent region.”

If your business would like to get involved with next year’s PSCBW, please keep an eye on the dedicated website: portsmouth.southcoastbusinessweek.co. uk and on our social media platforms.

Outstanding feedback was received about David Bharier from the British Chambers of Commerce who spoke about how the UK economy is effecting businesses across the UK

Trade and investment focus as Hampshire Chamber signs accord with Irish counterpart

Business leaders in Hampshire and the Irish port of Drogheda have signed an international accord designed to foster mutual trade and investment opportunities.

The ‘friendship and solidarity twinning agreement’ is between Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and the Drogheda and District Chamber.

It follows recent collaborations involving business, education and civic leaders in the two regions and was formally inked as part of Portsmouth & South Coast Business Week.

‘This

is all about two chambers of commerce working closer together for the benefit of our respective memberships’

Signing the four-year agreement on behalf of Hampshire Chamber, Chief Executive Ross McNally said: “We are setting the scene for closer trade links between us and Drogheda and the potential to generate jobs and inward investment in both regions.

“This is all about two chambers of commerce working closer together for the benefit of our respective memberships.

“It a great opportunity for Hampshire firms to extend their reach and contacts with an EU port and likewise for Drogheda businesses to leverage the scope for more trading here in the UK.”

Drogheda is in County Louth, around 40km (25 miles) north of Dublin, and is home to more than 40,000 inhabitants.

Its industries include brewing, distilling and port operations.

Close ties between Drogheda and Portsmouth are graphically illustrated by the two ports’ coats of arms, which both feature a star and crescent moon.

The emblems, also shared by Portsmouth and Drogheda football clubs, have historical significance rooted in both industrial and port communities.

Drogheda Chamber Chief Executive Hubert Murphy, who was on the Irish delegation to Portsmouth & South Coast Business Week and signed the agreement with Ross, said: “We want to put Drogheda and its incredible potential on the big stage and this was truly one of these moments.

SHOWCASING THE UK’S GATEWAY TO THE WORLD

“‘We intend to create solid working relationships with the team in Hampshire and open routes for our members to do business there via our contacts.

“At the same time, we’ll open channels for overseas parties to make Drogheda their European base. For instance, the opportunities

to be part of that journey for this region.”

Under the agreement, the two chambers pledge to promote trade and investment opportunities between their respective regions, exchange information and best practice on chamber operations and member services, and host joint events, business delegations and networking sessions.

brought

from business, local government, education and the third sector for a busy programme of presentations, networking and behind-thescenes visits.

As well as Portsmouth, events took place at venues in Havant, Gosport, Fareham and Southampton, with sessions streamed on Facebook Live.

around offshore wind are huge and I believe we can engage people

Portsmouth & South Coast Business Week

together Hampshire Chamber partners

Hampshire Chamber CEO Ross McNally and Drogheda Chamber CEO Hubert Murphy signing the agreement

Growth downgrade as firms battle ever-rising costs

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Forecast (QEF) has revised down growth expectations for 2025, as firms deal with a raft of rising cost pressures. Business investment and exports are likely to suffer this year because of the impact of the National Insurance rise and global uncertainties. Inflation and interest rates are also expected to stay higher for longer.

UK Economic Outlook

The QEF, winner of the 2024 FocusEconomics award for best GDP forecast, expects the UK economy to grow by 0.9% in 2025, revised down from the previous forecast (1.3%). This year’s limited growth will be driven largely by increased day-to-day government spending. GDP is expected to rise in 2026 to 1.4%, but that is also slightly down from the last forecast (1.5%).

With businesses facing increased cost pressures following last Autumn’s Budget, inflation is now expected to remain above the Bank of England’s target until the last quarter of 2027. CPI is forecast to be 2.8% in Q4 2025 (up from 2.2% in the last forecast), before falling to 2.1% by the end of 2026 and 2% in Q4 2027.

Unemployment is expected to rise to 4.6% by the end of 2025 (compared to 4.5% in the previous forecast). The rate is then predicted to remain at that level for the rest of the forecast period, as labour costs reduce business appetite for hiring.

Limited business investment as cost pressures bite

Firms will struggle to invest in 2025, as they grapple with rises in National Insurance and the minimum wage. Business investment has

KEY POINTS IN THE FORECAST

• GDP growth in 2025 downgraded from 1.3% to 0.9%. Growth in 2026 has also been revised down marginally from 1.5% to 1.4%.

• Business investment will struggle in 2025, reaching only 0.6%, as firms face increased costs including the rise in national insurance contributions, before recovering to 1.8% in 2026.

• Exports are expected to fall by 0.5% in 2025, rising to 1% in 2026. Imports are forecast not to grow this year and grow by 0.8% in 2026.

• The inflation rate will hit 2.8% in Q4 2025, before falling closer to the Bank of England target, hitting 2.1% by the end of 2026 and 2% in 2027.

• The forecast suggests interest rates will be 4.25% at the end of 2025 and fall to 4% in 2026.

been revised downwards for 2025 to 0.6%, compared with 0.9% in the previous forecast. The picture is then expected to quickly improve, reaching 1.8% in 2026 and 2.0% in 2027. This increase is due to a crowding-in effect from the public sector spending boost, alongside the more supportive business environment that these better services create.

The forecast picture on growth varies significantly across sectors. Manufacturing production is expected to contract -0.2% (down from 0.6% in the last forecast) rising to 0.8% in 2026 and 1.1% in 2027.

In comparison, the construction industry will grow by 1.3% this year and reach 1.5% in 2026. The services sector is forecast to increase at 1.1% in 2025 and 1.5% in 2026.

Trade continues to be challenging

With continuing difficulties trading with the EU and wider global uncertainties, exports are forecast to contract by 0.5% in 2025 (compared with a rise of 0.2% in the previous forecast.) Exports are predicted to recover slightly in 2026, growing by 1%, rising by 2.1% in 2027.

Imports are expected to be flat (0.0%) this year before reaching 0.8% in 2026. Net trade continues to contract, with figures of -1.2% in 2025 and 2026, falling to -1.4% in 2027.

Interest rates to stay higher for longer With stubborn inflationary pressures in the economy, the BCC is forecasting the Bank of England will continue to take a cautionary approach to interest rate cuts. The forecast expects the base rate to be 4.25% by the end of 2025 (compared to 4% in the previous forecast), before falling to 4% in 2026. No further cuts are then predicted through to the end of 2027.

Average earnings will remain high this year

Average earnings are expected to be higher this year than previously forecast, putting further cost pressures on businesses. Annual wage growth is expected to be 4.2% in 2025, an upward revision from 3.8% in the last forecast. Salary growth is predicted to fall to 4% in 2026 and remain there for 2027 but will still be above inflation.

For more information visit: www.britishchambers.org.uk

CHAMBER GLOBAL

TRAINING COURSES

A trade partner in Singapore

Singapore stands as one of the world’s most dynamic business hubs, offering unparalleled access to Southeast Asia’s thriving economies.

As a global trade and financial centre, Singapore is home to key industries such as technology, financial services, healthcare, logistics, and advanced manufacturing. Its strategic location and business-friendly environment make it an ideal launchpad for companies looking to expand into Asia.

With strong bilateral trade ties, the UK and Singapore continue to enjoy a flourishing business relationship. The UK-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (UKSFTA) and the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) further solidify these ties, opening up new trade and investment opportunities.

As a member of the CPTPP, UK businesses can benefit from reduced tariffs, improved market access, and stronger supply chain connectivity across the Trans-Pacific region.

If you’re considering setting up in Singapore or expanding into Southeast Asia, the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore (BritCham Singapore) is your trusted partner to help you navigate the region’s business landscape.

The British Chamber of Commerce Singapore

Established in 1954, BritCham Singapore is one of the region’s most influential business networks, bringing together over 3,700 professionals across more than 350 companies. We work closely with government bodies, industry leaders, and businesses to foster trade, investment, and commercial partnerships between the UK and Singapore. Our expertise, market insight, and extensive

network enable us to provide tailored support for businesses at every stage of their international expansion journey.

How we can support your business growth

Our Trade Services team offers a comprehensive range of solutions to help UK businesses establish and grow in Singapore and the wider region.

Market-focused packages

We offer bespoke business services, leveraging our extensive network and market expertise. Our team provides targeted introductions to key stakeholders to businesses forge meaningful connections that drive growth.

Special projects & events

From thought leadership forums to business networking receptions, our team successfully manages and delivers custom projects for both public and private sector clients. Whether you’re looking to host a launch event or industry roundtable, we can facilitate engagement to ensure high-impact.

Trade shows & exhibitions

Exhibiting at trade shows with BritCham Singapore enhances your brand visibility and opens doors to strategic partnerships. Our services include exclusive briefing sessions and curated meetings to maximise your participation and networking opportunities.

Trade Missions

Our trade missions offer unparalleled access to Singapore’s most innovative industries. These programs include executive briefings, business matching sessions, and site visits to leading facilities, providing first-hand insights into market opportunities.

Our ecosystem & partnerships

BritCham Singapore operates within a robust ecosystem, working closely with partners from the UK and Singapore governments, the wider British Chamber of Commerce in Southeast Asia network, and key industry players.

Why Singapore?

Singapore’s pro-business policies, strong legal framework, and highly skilled workforce make it a prime location for companies seeking regional expansion. With world-class infrastructure, a stable political environment, and an extensive network of trade agreements – including CPTPP and UKSFTA – Singapore provides a seamless entry point into Asia’s high-growth markets.

Let’s get started

If you are looking to establish or grow your business in Singapore and Southeast Asia, BritCham Singapore is here to support your journey. Our competitively priced solutions are open to businesses of all sizes.

Contact Head of Trade Services Louise Beazor to learn more at louise@britcham.org.sg

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce in partnership with our colleagues at the British Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, will be holding a one-to-one introductory trade clinic on 12 June.

For further information and to book your place please contact us on: Tel 01329 242420 or globaltrade@hampshirechamber.co.uk

CHAMBER POLICY

REPRESENTING OUR MEMBERS LOCALLY, REGIONALLY AND NATIONALLY

Professional advice from the experts

Keep your ear to the ground and get the word on the street with an exclusive briefing from members of the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce

Professional Services Forum

Tony Knight, of Knightsure Insurance Brokers, tells us that Palestine Action and Extinction Rebellion have ramped up their campaign against insurers with significant acts of vandalism and disruption. Their protests focus on the industry’s involvement in fossil fuels and other controversial areas, creating a challenging environment for insurers.

Crash for Cash schemes are making a comeback, with a gang in Birmingham recently jailed for fraudulent claims. These scams involve intentionally causing accidents to claim insurance money, costing the industry millions and putting innocent drivers at risk.

Aviva is set to acquire Direct Line, following RSA’s acquisition of NIG. The implications for capacity and premiums for businesses are still uncertain. Market rates are stabilising after the significant hikes of the previous year. Many businesses are seeing lower levels of increase or even reductions, providing some relief in a turbulent market.

In restructuring and insolvency news, Chris Tate, of AZETS, tells us the last Autumn budget introduced several changes that will increase costs for businesses. Notable among these are increases in National Insurance Contributions (NIC) and the National Minimum/Living Wage. Businesses should consider the following steps to mitigate the impact:

• Assess the effects of NIC changes and wage increases on your costs.

• Evaluate and adjust your business model and cost structure.

• Explore potential savings, including PSE and other salary sacrifice arrangements.

• Identify tax and efficiency savings and ensure compliance with tax obligations.

• Determine if price increases are necessary to offset increased costs.

From the world of Pensions, Jon Bird, of First Actuarial LLP, says the Pensions Review, launched in 2024, aims to boost investment in the UK economy and improve member outcomes.

The government plans to allow surplus funds in Defined Benefit pension schemes to be invested in the wider economy, potentially unlocking up to £160bn for investment.

The Pension Schemes Bill, expected in Parliament in spring/summer 2025, will introduce new Value for Money requirements, consolidate small pension pots, and provide enhanced retirement support for members.

Starting in spring 2025, all pension schemes are expected to connect to the Pensions Dashboards by 31 October 2026, allowing individuals to view all their pension information in one place.

The Autumn Budget announced changes to include pensions in estates for Inheritance Tax purposes from 6 April 2027.

This proposal is under consultation, with feedback suggesting it may not be beneficial.

New government top-up payments will support lower-income contributors starting from the 2024-2025 tax year.

Louis Howlett, of Blake Morgan, crunches the numbers for us in Employment Law news, reminding businesses that from 1 April 2025, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over will increase from £11.44 to £12.21.

Starting 6 April 2025, the rate of family leave payments (e.g. maternity) will increase from £184.03 to £187.18. The rate of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will also rise from £116.75 to £118.75.

Employers' NIC rates will increase from 13.8% to 15%, with the earnings threshold lowered to £5,000 from £9,100.

L-R: Tony Knight of Knightsure Insurance Brokers, Chris Tate of AZETS, Jon Bird of First Actuarial LLP, Louis Howlett of Blake Morgan, Author – Zoë Drew CMIOSH, HCS Safety Ltd and Mike Rule of HJS Accountants

In the Health and Safety sector, Zoë Drew, of HCS Safety, tells us a new challenge has arisen in the form of the requirement for employers to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

It is no longer sufficient to have a grievance procedure in place as we are shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted. Employers must be proactive by conducting risk assessments for sexual harassment and providing training to staff to prevent incidents. Recent high-profile cases have highlighted the severe impact sexual harassment can have on victims and employers alike.

In tax news, Mike Rule, of HJS Accountants, tells us that for sole traders and partnerships, it’s tax return time, as all unincorporated businesses need to adopt a 5th April accounting period. Looking ahead to 2024/25, you’ll be switching to a cash basis as the default instead of the traditional accruals method.

For Research and Development (R&D) claims, HMRC now has a team of officers who might raise queries months after paying your claim. It’s wise to record costs properly and consider insurance to cover any unexpected costs.

National Insurance Contributions (NIC) will rise from 6th April 2025, with rates increasing and thresholds being reduced. Make sure to apply the new rates to your payroll and get advice from your accountant. And, from April 2025, the size thresholds for limited companies will change, which might affect your need for a statutory audit and the content of the directors’ report.

Accreditation for council’s learning and skills service

Portsmouth City Council’s Employment, Learning and Skills (ELS) service has been accredited to the matrix Standard, demonstrating the high quality of their employment programmes, careers service and Community Learning Service they provide to Portsmouth’s residents. Recent achievements that contributed to the matrix Standard include above 90% achievement record for the Community Learning Service, exceptional person-centred approach, and exceeding targets on the employment programmes.

‘It is with pleasure and gratitude that we acknowledge the achievement of our Employment, Learning and Skills service’

Carol, a learner at the Community Learning Service who has completed courses in health and wellbeing, digital skills and is currently studying maths level 2 through the Multiply programme, said: “The Community Learning staff are all amazing. They’re very professional and here to help. You’re not a stranger, even the first time you walk through the door. If you’re feeling low, they support you.”

Roger Chapman, Head of the matrix Service for The Growth Company, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Portsmouth City Council’s Employment Learning and Skills team, and I would like to congratulate the team on their success. We believe that at the heart of high-quality advice and support services are strong leadership, excellent service, and a focus on continuous improvement, all

underpinned by effective use of the resources available.

“The matrix Standard is designed to benchmark organisations against best practice in these areas. With their accreditation success, Portsmouth City Council is working to provide the best possible support to their residents.”

Cllr. Steve Pitt, Leader of the council with responsibilities for economic development, said: “It is with pleasure and gratitude that we acknowledge the achievement of our Employment, Learning and Skills service in being accredited to the matrix Standard. This prestigious recognition is a testament to the exceptional quality of our careers service, employment programmes and Community Learning Service, which continue to empower our residents and drive positive change within our community.

“This recognition is more than just a badge of honour; it reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening our local economy by improving education outcomes for our residents. Education and skills development are at the heart of a thriving economy, and by continuously striving to develop our services, we pave the way for a brighter future for all.”

The ELS service offers a range of information, advice and guidance services to residents which include tailored programmes to find work for those who face physical and mental health barriers, are economically inactive and for those with addiction issues. The team also work with the National Careers Service to support with career guidance and CV writing. The council’s Community Learning Service, based at The Learning Place in North End offers training in IT, learning English and maths, family learning plus courses to improve health and well-being.

ELS team at Portsmouth City Council L to Right Kathy Denham, Stephanie Parker and Jo Duckett

The benefits of offering inclusive work experience

Bfostering a thriving and inclusive business community. The Future Potential – Your Opportunity event series is a testament to that commitment.

This initiative, a collaboration between Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Inclusion EB8, Simpila Wellbeing, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Destination Basingstoke, Hampshire County Council and Basingstoke BizSpace, brings together businesses, employers, and students to explore the transformative power of inclusive work experience placements.

Following a successful first event in October, which explored the value and impact of neurodiversity in the workplace, the collaboration held its second event on 18 March. Businesses across the borough had the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from employers and students who have participated in inclusive work experience programmes.

Hosted at Inclusion EB8’s supportive work-hub at Belvedere House, in Basing View, the event provided a unique platform to share experiences, discuss best practices and identify the gaps in creating truly inclusive workplaces.

Speakers from The Anvil, Target Therapies, The Hygiene Bank and Scratchbuilt Productions offered valuable insights and employer and student perspectives, while a dedicated workshop session offered delegates the chance to delve into the challenges and opportunities of supporting diverse talent.

Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Cllr Paul Harvey said: “Businesses can benefit so much from having a diverse and inclusive workforce, with the

both as employers and for potential employees. These events are also an opportunity to celebrate how our individual diversity can also be a tangible benefit to business.”

Inclusion EB8 Director of Innovation Marie Greenhalgh said: “We are absolutely delighted to have welcomed so many businesses, both new and old to us, to Inclusion EB8. We were overwhelmed by the support the first session received and we are so grateful to all the businesses who have already taken on students for work experience, mentoring or learning sessions with our young people.”

Matthew Cleaver, Chief Executive of Anvil Arts, said: “Anvil Arts is delighted to be working with Inclusion EB8 and looks forward to helping students develop their skills and understanding to enter the world of work.”

The insights from the latest session will be instrumental in shaping the agenda for the next event in June. This will focus on providing targeted training and development opportunities to address the specific needs and challenges identified by businesses throughout the series.

By directly responding to the feedback and insights gathered from local employers and students, the Future Potential initiative aims to create a lasting impact on the inclusivity landscape of Basingstoke and Deane, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the borough’s economic success.

‘These events are also an opportunity to celebrate how our individual diversity can also be a tangible benefit to business’

Phenomenal success - The Future Potential: Your Opportunity events champion inclusivity in the workplace

GREEN BUSINESS

CELEBRATING HAMPSHIRE FIRMS TAKING THE STEPS TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY

Milestone for green initiative

The Big Sustainability Expo & Awards celebrates its 10-year anniversary this October. Run by The Southern Sustainability Partnership, with Co-Directors Anita Potten and Lynda Daniels at the helm, the event represents one of the country’s longest serving initiatives in support of sustainability and environmental strategies of organisations across the United Kingdom.

The impetus behind a decision that saw two professionals walk away from corporate positions to take the leap of faith to begin this cause? Anita Potten said: “The event itself was born out of sheer frustration as professionals were being dictated a new path for their businesses to operate under, but with no real guidance or signposting as to how they were to navigate that path. Certainly outside of London or Birmingham at the time. 2015 saw us sew a seed that would within nine months see us open the doors on our very first event in the city of Southampton.”

Lynda Daniels added: “Our aim was a clear one, to bring all the experts and solutions under one roof and invite everyone along for free education and to enable them to see and

touch the products and services that were going to make a difference to their businesses. Through the reduction in their environmental impact, yes, but also in the reduction of their running costs in many cases. Over time that extended to rewarding those achievements in the form of our awards initiative.”

Moving between impressive sporting grounds including Hampshire cricket and St. Mary’s Football Stadium, the event attracts some of the country’s leading organisations, as well as SMEs, charity and NHS Trust, universities, colleges, schools, police, MoD and government departments. And is responsible for an impressive amount of business being won which, in turn, has resulted in an even more impressive reduction in the nations environmental footprint.

Supported by Ambassador Barratt Redrow Homes and Main Sponsor Utilita Energy, the 10th anniversary event takes place on 9 October at the Hilton Southampton - Utilita Bowl and home of Hampshire Cricket. Free to attend, opening hours are between 10:00 and 15:30, with a bookable post event anniversary drinks reception from 16:30, followed by the 2025 sustainability awards.

Anita Potten

Lynda Daniels

Environmental Excellence Award win for Agilico

Agilico are delighted to announce that they won the 2024 Environmental Excellence Award at the Print IT Awards in December, the UK’s premier awards event for the managed print and document technology sector. This annual celebration recognises outstanding achievements and innovation, bringing together the industry’s top players for an unforgettable night.

In the highly competitive Environmental Excellence category, Agilico beat global heavyweights such as HP, Ricoh, and Epson to claim the title with their innovative Agilico Zero circular first multifunctional print devices.

‘Agilico is proud to lead the way in sustainability within their industry, with a commitment to both high performance and environmental responsibility’

As the UK’s largest independent managed print provider, Agilico is proud to lead the way in sustainability within their industry, with a commitment to both high performance and environmental responsibility.

Agilico’s Zero MFDs are the cornerstone of a modern sustainable print environment – lightly used, quality refurbished technology, offering a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution that performs like new.

In 2024 Agilico saved nearly 1,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions with their refurbished Agilico Zero devices and as more customers across the UK choose them, they're excited to see its positive impact grow each month.

Second from left: Simon Davey, Agilico CEO Far right: Warren Colby, Managing Director, Agile Print

FOCUS FEATURES

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

First aid in the workplace

– what you need to know

Employers are responsible for making sure their employees receive immediate and adequate attention if they are injured or fall ill at work. While accidents and illness can happen at any time, first aid can help prevent minor injuries from becoming major ones. Business Voice explores what a business can do to help protect its staff.

The basics

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 puts the duty on employers to assess the risks of the workplace and, where necessary, take action to eliminate or control those risks.

Additionally, the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or take ill at the workplace.

These regulations apply to all workplaces, including those with less than five employees and to the selfemployed. The UK Government Health and Safety Executive (HSE) can prosecute employers who fail to provide the appropriate first aid so it’s important to make the right provisions.

Assessing your first aid needs

When making your first aid arrangements, it’s best to start with an assessment of your workplace and its needs. Consider the health and safety risks that may already be present and, most importantly, how significant these risks are.

Low-risk workplaces, such as an office, might only need a basic first aid kit and an appointed person to take charge of it, including re-stocking items. This person can also be appointed as designated caller of the emergency services if and when the need should ever arise, but they do not require specific first aid training.

If your workplace has more significant health and safety risks then you will need to appoint a trained first aider.

Significant risks include:

• Active machinery

• Areas exposed to harsh weather conditions

• Chemicals and hazardous materials/waste

• Electrical hazards

• On-site traffic

• Sharp or heavy implements/equipment.

Your assessment should also consider the type of work done, the size of your workforce and employee experience levels. Do you need to consider factors outside of the immediate workplace, such as the safety of remote workers, or the first aid provision for site visitors or the general public?

What you need

As a minimum, you need a suitably stocked first aid kit, and you should provide at least one for each workplace (more than one may be needed on larger sites). All kits should be easily accessible and the contents of each checked and restocked regularly. Useful items include plasters and dressings, antiseptic wipes and disposable gloves. Larger or more hazardous workplaces will require a designated first aid room. This room should be clearly signposted, easily accessible and a designated person should be given the responsibility for supervising it.

‘Do you need to consider factors outside of the immediate workplace, such as the safety of remote workers, or the first aid provision for site visitors or the general public?’

It should be large enough to hold a medical couch, with adequate heating and ventilation, lighting and running water and be available for use at all time during working hours. All employers should implement a health and safety policy and make sure that all staff are aware of it. It is also advised that all workplaces have an accident report book in which all workplace incidents are reported. All employers/workplace managers have a duty under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) to report serious workplace accidents and dangerous occurrences and occupational diseases.

Your first aider

If you require a first aider, it is your responsibility as employer to appoint one and pay for the appropriate

level of first aid training. There are a wide range of courses and training providers to choose from, but before selecting a course check what will be taught and how the course is structured, what official qualifications, if any, the trainee will receive and what duties the trainee should be able to undertake as a result of the training.

This will help you select the right course for your workplace needs.

It is important to remember that your first aider will need to be trained specifically in first aid for the workplace – a generic or basic first aid course will not be extensive enough.

It is also prudent to send your trained first aiders on annual refresher courses, to help refresh their knowledge and skills and to keep them up-to-date with any changes to first aid at work protocol.

First aid can help prevent minor injuries from becoming major ones

Does size matter?

The differences between large and small freight forwarders

When looking for a freight forwarder, you might be immediately drawn to the big multinational firms. After all, they will have the best technology, the best connections and the best experience… but will they be able to meet your exact needs? Business Voice takes a look at the key differences between large and small freight forwarders to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Reputation

Large freight forwarders will mostly likely come with an established reputation and longstanding brand. They can let this brand speak for itself – it will help them win new customers, who find comfort in familiarity and know that they won’t have to do a lot of research to make sure the firm is reputable.

Smaller freight forwarders might not have as recognisable a brand and as such, have slowly built up a client base. They may rely on recommendations and word of mouth to gain new business.

Pricing and services

A larger freight forwarder will offer far more services than a smaller firm. If you have very specific needs – express shipping, for example, or the need for chilled transport – it is more likely that a larger firm will be able to offer exactly what you’re looking for. They can also handle much larger volumes. However, their services can also be more expensive.

A smaller firm might not be able to handle such large

volumes, but they can offer a more cost-effective and personalised service.

Escalation process

With large freight forwarders, the escalation process can be complicated. It’s likely that your customer rep won’t have the authority to change anything when there is an issue – they might not even have the technical know how to set things straight themselves.

Smaller freight forwarders might have fewer staff, but that comes with the additional benefit of more autonomy and control over their accounts. Employees will most likely have a wider range of knowledge and experience when it comes to issues that may arise, meaning that they will have the tools they need to make decisions for themselves, without waiting for upper management to step in or sign off.

Flexibility

Large freight forwarders will have defined processes and actions for any project. They also make use of the latest technology, such as

automation, which will make the process much smoother. The downside of this however is that when certain tasks are done in a certain way, there isn’t room for much flexibility – and not every customer will have the same needs. Smaller firms in particular might struggle to fit a ‘one size fits all’ model.

Smaller freight forwarders have the ability to customise their work flow to better accommodate their client’s needs. However, they might not have access to the same kind of technology.

Industry network

A large freight forwarder will be able to call on industry contacts all over the world. Their reach will be far and wide, meaning that they will be able to transport your freight wherever it needs to go. They will also have the knowledge of local customs rules and on the ground contacts who can step in if things go wrong. However, larger firms may prioritise doing business with other large firms, and if you’re an SME it may be that your business is not considered as urgent.

A smaller freight forwarder might not have the same industry contacts, and their global reach might not be as extensive. However, they may have more personal connections to draw upon, which have been strengthened based on reputation and reliability. Additionally, a smaller freight firm might have more niche industry knowledge, which is perfect if you have niche shipping needs!

Relationship

A good relationship with your freight forwarder will make the process go much smoother.

A large freight forwarder might not take the time to get to know you personally. You can rely on their expertise and reputation, but the personal connection might be lacking.Troubleshooting may be automated – this can save valuable time and money, but it can also be frustrating if you’d rather speak to a real person.

In contrast, a smaller freight forwarder may be able to offer more time to dedicate to each customer and take the time to build up personal relationships.

DEVELOPING YOUR BUSINESS

THE LATEST LIST OF CHAMBEREVENTS TO HELP YOU NETWORK AND GROW

Chamber Events

Meet the Chamber - Solent Hotel and Spa

Date: Monday 28 April

Time: 16:00 - 18:00

Venue: Solent Hotel and Spa, PO15 7AJ

This popular Meet the Chamber event offers you the chance to forge new business contacts meet up with Chamber members and non-member businesses and discover how your business can start making real savings with the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and the bonus… it’s free for members to attend and only £15 for non-members. We can offer exclusive table rates to members for this event:

Start Members: £85 + VAT

Grow Members: £75 + VAT

Aspire Members: £65 + VAT*

Lead Members: Free*

* Lead members benefit from two free tables per year. Aspire members get one free table per year.

Networking with NeighboursHampshire and Dorset Chambers

Date: Thursday 24 April

Time: 12:00 - 14:00

Venue: Minstead Lodge, SO43 7FT

We are delighted to invite you to join us at Minstead Lodge for the return of the unmissable cross-county networking sessionNetworking with the Neighbours.

Hosted in collaboration with Dorset Chamber of Commerce, this is a great opportunity of new contacts in a short time, expand your business, and most importantly, have a blast while doing so!

One of the UK’s most beloved networking events, it will bring together companies from all sectors and sizes to enable them to explore new business opportunities and provide many new contacts. This event will offer you the

opportunity to network with like-minded business people across the two counties over a session of speed networking, followed by an afternoon tea.

Chamber Connects! at Voco Fareham-Solent

Date: Wednesday 7 May

Time: 09:30 - 11:30

Venue: Voco Fareham-Solent Hotel, PO15 5RJ

Join businesses from all over the county as we visit Voco Fareham-Solent for a morning of facilitated networking!

Open to all, and inclusive for members, Chamber Connects! gives you the fantastic opportunity to meet a variety of like-minded business professionals who come together

regularly for two hours of facilitated networking. This collaborative approach is designed to ensure that the best connections are made and that all who attend can speak to the majority of those in the room.

BBQ Lunch at Lakeside

Date: Wednesday 14 May

Time: 12:00 - 14:00

Venue: 1000 Lakeside, North Harbour, PO6 3EN

Join us on 14 May for our Chamber BBQ at Lakeside, North Harbour! This is a perfect opportunity for everyone to enjoy an afternoon outside the confines of the office, networking in this delightful venue. What a way to welcome summer!

Solent Hotel and Spa

Lakeside, North Harbour

TRAINING

BOOST YOUR WORKFORCE WITH CHAMBERTRAINING PREPARED FOR GROWTH

Building on success

‘Topical, thematic, and accredited’ is our training mantra. Building on the success of our new expert led programmes launched in 2023, we will be developing each of these further offering greater variety in the year to come while continuing to deliver value for money for our members.

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

Chamber Training Courses

Mental Health in the Workplace

- QNUK Level 2 Award

Date: Tuesday 22 April

Time: 09:00 - 17:00

Venue: Belvedere House, RG21 4HG

With an increase in poor mental health, it is important that individuals understand their own mental health and how common mental health concerns can be identified in themselves and others, with strategies to reduce the risk. The QNUK Level 2 Award in Mental Health at Work is the ideal introduction to understanding mental health in the workplace. The qualification covers the most common mental health conditions, how to identify potential mental health concerns in colleagues and then how to discuss their needs and assist them to access suitable services and support.

One Day FAIB Accredited Course

- Emergency First Aid at Work

Date: Friday 30 May

Time: 09:00 - 16:00

Venue: Belvedere House, RG21 4HG

Everyone should know a little first aid to be able to assist in an emergency. The Emergency First Aid at Work Course gives people the knowledge that could one day save a life. Designed specifically with smaller low risk companies in mind, such as small offices, the Emergency First Aid at Work Course meets the legal obligations of these organisations to provide individuals to render first aid in an emergency.

Show your expertise

Leading training can be a great way to demonstrating excellence in a field. Do you have an idea for development programme, a session than could help fellow members respond to enterprise challenges, or would you like to sponsor or accredit part of the Chamber’s training programme? Get in touch!

train@hampshirechamber.co.uk

SECTOR FOCUS

NEWS AND ADVICE FROM THE SECTORS THAT MATTER TO BUSINESS

Southampton Airport: taking flight towards a brighter future

By Gavin Williams, Managing Director, Southampton Airport

Southampton Airport had a hugely busy and successful start to 2025 for several reasons, all of which have put us in an even stronger position as we work with our partners, including the Chamber of Commerce, to enhance our region’s connectivity.

A new chapter with AviAlliance

In January, and together with our sister airports at Aberdeen and Glasgow, AGS Airports was acquired by AviAlliance, one of the world's leading private airport investors and operators in a deal worth £1.53bn. This signifies an exciting new chapter for AGS and Southampton airports and we have joined AviAlliance’s global network which includes Athens, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, and San Juan airports.

AviAlliance is a wholly owned subsidiary of PSP Investments, one of Canada’s largest pension investors, which is a long-standing investor in UK infrastructure with majority stakes in the port operator Forth Ports, one of the UK’s largest port groups and Angel Trains. The acquisition underscores the growth potential of our airport, and we will benefit from our new owner’s strong track record in growing connectivity, expanding passenger numbers and delivering excellent customer service.

Enhancing passenger experience

Our commitment to enhancing the passenger experience is unwavering. In line with this, we have initiated a new phase of next-generation security screening. This investment aims to streamline security processes, reduce wait times, and enhance overall efficiency, ensuring that our passengers enjoy a seamless journey from arrival to departure.

The Spitfire Wellbeing Fund

Ensuring the communities we serve can share in our success is so important to everyone at the airport. The Spitfire Wellbeing Fund, which was launched last year, ensures we can deliver on this commitment.

SHOWCASING THE UK’S GATEWAY TO THE WORLD

Southampton which is key to the airport’s future success and I am pleased to see our plans are beginning to bear fruit.

Our route network has seen remarkable growth in the last two years, offering passengers an array of new destinations and enhanced connectivity:

and leisure. I’m delighted that this route will take to the skies at the end of March.

• easyJet expansion: Paris becomes the eighth route from the UK’s largest low cost airline having announced routes to Alicante, Amsterdam, Belfast, Faro, Geneva, Glasgow and Palma de Mallorca.

In February the fund awarded its first grants to local projects focused on environmental sustainability, mental health support, and educational initiatives. By investing in these areas, we aim to foster a healthier, more vibrant community, reflecting our dedication to social responsibility.

Expanding horizons: new routes and partnerships

In 2023 we completed our runway extension project to ensure the future viability of the airport with the aim of attracting more routes and services to

• Loganair’s new base: Loganair, the UK’s largest regional airline, has announced the establishment of its tenth UK base at Southampton Airport. Commencing operations in October 2025, this development will introduce a new route to Manchester with three daily services, starting from £59.99. This expansion is anticipated to add over 140,000 seats annually and create local employment opportunities for pilots, cabin crew, and engineers.

• Paris connection: In 2024, easyJet announced a bi-weekly service to Paris, strengthening our links to this iconic city and offering passengers convenient travel options for both business

• TUI Airways’ return: After a 15-year hiatus, TUI Airways will resume operations at Southampton with a weekly flight to Palma De Mallorca. The airlines welcome return in May not only broadens our holiday destination offerings but also signifies renewed confidence in our airport’s potential.

As we enter the busy summer period, Southampton Airport is in an extremely strong position. Under the new ownership of AviAlliance and together with the support of our partners across the region, we are committed to ensuring your airport continues to deliver a great passenger experience.

L-R: Matt Hazelwood (Chief Commercial Officer at AGS Airports), Luke Lovegrove (Chief Commercial Officer at Loganair Limited) and Gavin Williams (Managing Director at Southampton International Airport Limited)

SHOWCASING THE UK’S GATEWAY TO THE WORLD

An important growth engine

Tcontainers, sea ports, airports and heavy industry instinctively come to mind, not a rural conservation area tucked away in the heart of Hampshire. Yet, it is in just such a place that many of our export successes originate at the University of Southampton Science Park.

Nestled in leafy Chilworth, Southampton Science Park has long been a magnet for visionary, scientific and technical enterprises positioning themselves to optimise growth.

The park’s thriving ecosystem of around 100 companies employ over 1,000 people and contribute in excess of £500m Gross Value Added to the local economy. It is perhaps no wonder that the park was named one of the UK’s top four science parks, alongside similar environments in Oxford, Cambridge and Daresbury.

Innovation focused Southampton Science Park is a unique and important engine of growth for Hampshire. Its uniqueness lies in its ability to accommodate and nurture innovation and entrepreneurship for companies working in any science and technology field, and at any growth stage from start-up to market leader.

This deliberately sector-agnostic, agile approach complements the

Products and services imagined and developed at Southampton Science Park are exported globally.

• Audioscenic: immersive audio technology integrated into global computing hardware after ‘best in show’ plaudits at the international Consumer Electronics Show.

• Curve Therapeutics: novel therapeutics discovery platform to address the most challenging and complex diseases is set for use by pharmaceutical giants worldwide.

• Dynamon: fleet optimisation analytics solutions are being used in Japan to accelerate the electrification of commercial logistics fleets.

• Fibrecore: advanced specialty optical fibres are found everywhere from the ocean depths to the surface of Mars.

• Inflowmatix: water pressure monitoring sensors and software adopted by water utilities across Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Australasia, and South Africa.

• Lifelight: vital signs monitoring preventative healthcare integrated into one of Europe’s largest health insurers’ platforms.

• Renovos: nanoclay gel set to revolutionise orthopaedic surgery after recognition as a breakthrough device by the US Food and Drug Administration.

• Symmetrica: radiation detection security systems used worldwide by border protection, law enforcement and military agencies.

• TrackBack: lead tracking systems for automotive dealers deployed in 25 countries.

• Utonomy: technology reducing gas network leakage adopted by North American utility company.

region’s commercial and academic diversity and leverages opportunities for knowledge exchange.

The University of Southampton’s Future Towns Innovation Hub co-exists alongside commercial organisations in the Park’s Engineering Centre, for example.

Offering specialised facilities such as laboratories and workshops as well as offices and collaboration spaces enables commercialisation of research emanating from our muchadmired academic institutions in Southampton, Winchester and Portsmouth, and contributes meaningfully to Hampshire’s

upcoming high growth tech cluster.

Inspirational development

Boosting accommodation options without expanding the park’s physical footprint to protect surrounding environments is top of mind for its leadership team led by CEO Dr Robin Chave.

An exciting new multi-million pound facility signals one way that this will be achieved, with work set to start soon on a landmark 3,400m sq research and development building. Its award winning architects have used passive design principles and sustainable building materials with low environmental impacts throughout.

Its position and scale will respect key views and provide an exciting outdoor environment expressing the connection between science and nature.

Inside, its visually stunning design also has technical advantages in optimising space for flexible layouts and in maximising natural light for a healthy, productive working environment. This eagerly anticipated development will help address the high demand for laboratory space; the expectation is that it will send a firm positive statement of business investment confidence in Hampshire, generating inward investment and untapping further international export potential.

A highly anticipated research and development facility at Southampton Science Park

Welcome to The 4 Services For your protection and peace of

As a member, you have unlimited access to:

• 4 Services (HR, H&S, Tax and Legal)

• 5 Advice Lines

• 3 Document Libraries

• 100’s of templated documents

• Free One2One Meetings

All included in your membership fee!

It sounds too good to be true… but it isn’t. Access to this premium quality service is included in the membership fee. We believe that our

members need supporting and protecting and we think our members are worth that investment!

How do I access the services?

To access the service make sure that you obtain your Quest Code and Login from our Hampshire Chamber Membership Team. You can email them on membership@hampshirechamber.co.uk or phone 01329 242420/01256 338482

Advice Line – Call 01455 852037. You will be asked for your name and company name.

Ensuring your business is sanctions compliant

By John Whitworth (pictured), Principal Consultant, MJ Trade Advisory Ltd

Sanctions are never far from the headlines these days. However, how well do you understand how they affect your business, and have you taken steps to create any process around that? In this article we look at the basics of sanctions programmes in the UK and some guidelines for creating suitable compliance programmes to address export controls and sanctions compliance.

Regulations and government

In the UK the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 is the primary legislation governing the introduction and application of sanctions measures by the government (HMG).

Non-compliance with the measures implemented through this legislation is a criminal offence and is punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Sanctions are broken into a number of categories, most notably financial, trade, immigration, and transport.

The first two are the ones that are most likely to impact exporting businesses. Financial sanctions are administered and policed by the Treasury, through the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI).

The Trade sanctions are administered out of the Department for Business & Trade (DBT) and policed through a combination of the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) and His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Note that OTSI was only set up last year and is specifically focused on addressing circumvention of sanctions, first and foremost in relation to Russia.

Types of sanctions

Financial and trade sanctions appear in various forms. On the one hand individual people and entities can be sanctioned. Sometimes in the form of asset freezes but also in the sense of those persons being identified as people not to do business with. Typically, these are people who have acted against the interests of the UK or its allies, or facilitated activities contrary to UK interests. An example being North Korean officials for supporting Russian military action in Ukraine, in the recent round of sanctions published on the third anniversary of the illegal invasion.

More general embargoes also exist, for example where military equipment is prohibited from being supplied to a particular country. Current examples include Belarus, Russia, Syria,

Sudan, Yemen, and Zimbabwe.

More targeted sanctions prohibit specific commodities, goods, and services from being supplied. This has been used for example in the Russia sanctions where goods beneficial to oil and gas development have been targeted. Finally, and particularly with the Russia related sanctions over the last three years, there have been restrictions on sourcing materials that have originated in Russia (or Belarus). This has included commodities such as iron and steel, aluminium, and diamonds.

Penalties are real

SHOWCASING THE UK’S GATEWAY TO THE WORLD

A thorough analysis

It is highly recommended to start with a Strategic Risk Assessment. This helps to analyse your business’ exposure to those seeking to circumvent sanctions, helping you to identify key threats and vulnerabilities:

1. Conduct a comprehensive analysis of your product makeup, where you conduct your business, who you transact with, and whether you know where your products end up and for what purpose.

In August last year one company paid a settlement to HMRC of £58,000 for exporting goods in breach of the Russia sanctions regulations. So far, since February 2022, HMRC have settled six cases with UK exporters totalling almost £1.4m in penalties!

Clearly these penalties, and the reputational risk that goes with it, are to be avoided. The trick with all of this is knowing what is relevant to your business operations.

There is a great deal of information on the government website but sometimes finding the most important information for you is the first challenge. The necessary fact finding can be addressed by having appropriate people assigned to address it.

Even in a small company it is important to assign some limited responsibility for assessing the relevance of the regulations to your business, as well as monitoring future developments.

Ideally you incorporate this into some form of Internal Compliance Programme (ICP). There are plenty of guidelines about what an ICP for good trade compliance should look like. Both the UK and the EU have published such information.

2. Establish controls, processes and procedures to address specific risks, including due diligence on prospective customers, verification of enduse and end-users, as well as feasibility analysis on possible diversion.

3. If you do have overseas operations or associate companies, evaluate whether they are any more likely to be targeted than the rest of your operations.

Establish your programme

With a better understanding of where your risks might lie you are able to take steps towards protecting yourself.

Key is to have a senior manager with overall responsibility in order to give the programme due authority.

Then it is important to insert process where it is most effective, typically in relation to how transactions are conducted (be they large or small contracts). Documentation and recordkeeping goes along with whatever procedures you introduce and then some form of monitoring, or auditing.

Russia’s military action in Ukraine has resulted in an unprecedented increase in sanctions and embargoes

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Prism eLogistics appoints new Managing Director

Prism eLogistics has appointed Ian Wright (pictured) as its new Managing Director, marking a significant milestone as the company continues to expand its fulfilment, print sleeving and co-packing services, particularly within the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.

Ian, previously Sales Director, brings over 23 years of experience and his deep understanding of customer needs and industry demands will be key in shaping the company’s future strategy.

His appointment follows major investments, including a new 30,000 sq ft facility in Basingstoke, a £450,000 upgrade in shrinksleeve technology, and the integration of leading provider Nulogy’s contract packing software.

Commenting on his appointment, Ian said: “I’m honoured to take on the role of Managing Director at such an exciting time for Prism eLogistics. Over the years, we’ve built strong partnerships with our customers by delivering agile, high-quality services.

“As we continue to invest in our infrastructure, technology, and people, my focus will be on strengthening those relationships, expanding our capabilities, and ensuring we remain at the forefront of the contract packing and logistics sector.”

Ian previously held Director positions at Blue Frog Contract Packing and MPF Group, providing him extensive experience in contract print and packing. His deep understanding of customer needs and industry demands will be instrumental in shaping the company’s future strategy as he takes on this leadership role.

With an expanded customer portfolio, enhanced facilities, and a strategic focus on innovation, Prism eLogistics is well-positioned for future growth. Under Ian’s leadership, the company will continue to invest in new technologies and operational efficiencies to better serve its customers.

Want a fulfilment partner that grows with you? Contact Prism eLogistics to see how it can support your business: www.prismelogistics.co.uk

Solent University: a leader in delivering apprenticeships

The South East of England is one of the biggest apprenticeemploying regions in England, and Southampton Solent University – a triple TEF Gold institution, recognised for its typically outstanding teaching and student outcomes – is taking the lead when it comes to delivering highlyskilled apprentices.

As the Skills Agenda calls for the development of bespoke expertise to boost all kinds of industries, it’s at universities like Solent where this call is being answered proactively.

A university which collaborates with employers across a variety of sectors to equip apprentices with the skills they need to thrive in their chosen field, students are invited to explore the many and varied opportunities on offer in higher education.

Responding to the emerging trends in apprenticeships – which include an emphasis on digital

skills in this time of rapid advances in technology – Solent University offers 17 apprenticeships (a number that is growing all the time) which meet the needs both of today and of the future.

In a changing world, which sees organisations asking for particular skillsets unique to emerging fields, Solent University is poised to deliver on this. Online delivery and bespoke start dates offer flexibility to both apprentices and businesses, including on courses such as Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, which is delivered remotely and features live lectures, as well as the business-focused Operations Manager Apprenticeship. With industry-standard equipment – including a current development to build the biggest

South Coast Institute of Technology facility on Solent’s campus – apprentices and employers can feel confident that the university is leading the way in the region when it comes to meeting future skills.

Combining work experience with traditional teaching practices, degree apprenticeships offer a flexible door into higher education for the regional workforce. This flexibility creates accessibility, and it’s this –opening doors to education – that Solent University prides itself on.

Not only do these courses benefit students, but businesses too. Tailoring the development of skills that aligned with industry needs, increasing productivity, and delivering a cost-effective talent pipeline are just three of the ways degree apprenticeships positively impact the region’s businesses.

‘Degree apprenticeships offer a flexible door into higher education for the regional workforce’

From construction and nursing to engineering and business, degree apprenticeships positively impact businesses by boosting workforces which, in turn, boost the region’s economy.

As employers struggle to find the people they need with the correct range of skills, universities like Solent are on hand to bridge that gap. Collaborating closely with industry partners to develop curriculums which directly meet those needs, ensuring apprentices have both technical and soft skills, highlights the unique position universities are in to lead the way when it comes to innovation across a variety of industries in today’s rapidly evolving world.

At the heart of Solent’s approach to higher education is collaboration, and the university invites organisations of all kinds to reach out to them to look into the opportunities that lay within their vast resources and expertise which can benefit employers of all kinds.

Solent University – equipping apprentices with the skills they need

University and constabulary mark partnership renewal

The re-signing of a commitment to the innovative Forensic Innovation Centre (FIC), a collaboration between the University of Portsmouth and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, has been marked.

The partnership, which is unique in its approach, co-locates operational policing forensic units in an academic setting, supporting education and training for aspiring and serving police officers, police staff and trainees.

The FIC enables students, academics and practitioners to connect through research and innovation activities, including collaborative projects driven by policing demand and strategic direction. Collaborators also work together to co-create research projects that provide evidence to support police policy and planning, while further supporting funding opportunities through national and international research councils.

‘This partnership has shown its value time and time again, and we will build on these strong foundations’

The re-signing ceremony, attended by Professor Graham Galbraith, University of Portsmouth Vice Chancellor and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary (HIOWC) Chief Constable Scott Chilton, is critical to keeping the university’s criminology, criminal justice and related programmes connected to a key employer while providing HIOWC access to a future workforce of high-performing students.

Professor Paul Smith, from the University of Portsmouth’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, said: “We are very proud of the achievements of the Forensic Innovation

Centre. For over 10 years we have worked in partnership with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, and have seen over 200 students go through the internship, placements and ridealong schemes. Many of these students have gone on to successful careers as police officers, police staff and associated careers.

“We have also collaborated on many research projects, each one supporting our academic and student researchers, working with key stakeholders within the constabulary to provide the evidence base to improve policing for the communities of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, our faculty and university are absolutely delighted that this will continue

through our commitment to another 10 years of working together.”

Chief Constable Scott Chilton said: “This partnership has shown its value time and time again, and we will build on these strong foundations.

“The strength of the relationship is that it delivers against our core mission of bringing offenders to justice, while bringing mutual benefit to both organisations in terms of sharing learning, skills, innovation and another way for great people to experience and join policing.”

Over the past decade, the Forensic Innovation Centre has celebrated a number of key achievements which include how the creation of a 3D-printed skull helped convict a murderer.

The university’s team used data from CT scans to create a detailed digital model, which was then 3D printed to help visualise the victim's injuries. This cuttingedge evidence, presented in court, was crucial in securing the conviction of five men. This further emphasises the importance of partnerships that blend academic expertise with industry professionals.

The renewal of the partnership will continue the integration of practical forensic work with research and education, enabling students to effectively apply their learning to their careers in policing with the support of the University of Portsmouth’s Police Education Team (PET) who work collaboratively to design, develop and deliver education programmes.

The university and the constabulary have worked together for 10 years

Dates for your Microsoft diary

By George Slade, Marketing Communications Manager, FluidOne

Msoftware products and services, with the company continuing to innovate in an ever-evolving industry. To help businesses stay informed, here’s an overview of key Microsoft developments and updates for 2025.

1 April 2025 – NCE pricing changes

Since the New Commerce Experience (NCE) launched in 2022, businesses have been able to purchase on various contract terms: Annual-Annual, AnnualMonthly, and Monthly-Monthly. However, starting April 2025, Annual-Monthly will become five per cent more expensive than Annual-Annual, while MonthlyMonthly pricing will remain unchanged. These changes will take effect with the renewal of NCE contracts. FluidOne, a Microsoft Partner, can guide businesses through these licensing changes.

1 April 2025 – Microsoft 365 Copilot promotion ends Microsoft’s 15% discount on Microsoft 365 Copilot, available through Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) partners like FluidOne, was extended until 1 April 2025. This

Copilot and Copilot Studio. FluidOne offers expert guidance on selecting the right Copilot solutions for businesses.

14 October 2025 –Windows 10 end-of-life

Windows 10 support will end on 14 October 2025, meaning no more security updates, technical assistance, or software patches.

Devices running Windows 10 will still function but become more vulnerable to cyber threats, performance issues, and security breaches. This makes upgrading to Windows 11 a critical IT priority. After the end-of-life date, using Windows 10 could compromise your organisation’s productivity and expose it to unnecessary risks.

Windows 11 not only offers continued support but also introduces enhanced features such as a modern user interface, live captions, and integrated passkeys for improved security. It’s also free to upgrade if your device meets the requirements. While upgrading won’t erase your files, it’s essential to back them up to avoid potential data loss due to security issues or software failures.

Delaying the upgrade could leave your devices vulnerable. Act now to ensure your business

particularly important as Microsoft announces that Office 365 on Windows 10 will also become unsupported – making some of most widely used apps lose functionality and security.

Now – Copilot key added to keyboards

In response to the growing integration of AI, Microsoft has added a dedicated Copilot key to Windows 11 PCs, allowing users to easily access AI features. This change, one of the biggest in nearly three decades, marks AI’s increasing importance in daily computing, offering seamless support for tasks ranging from writing to adjusting settings. These changes started in 2024 and are now rolling out in new devices.

Now – migration to Microsoft Fabric

Launched in 2023, Microsoft Fabric integrates Power BI and Microsoft’s data storage capabilities into one platform, facilitating data movement, analytics, and AI tasks. From 1 January 2025, existing Power BI

customers without an Enterprise Agreement (EA) will no longer be able to renew Power BI Premium subscriptions, and must transition to Fabric. Customers with EA agreements can renew Power BI Premium until the end of their term but must eventually move to Fabric.

Upcoming – Microsoft SQL Server 2025 launch Microsoft SQL Server 2025, expected to launch in 2025, will focus on improved security, AI features for enhanced performance, and integration with Microsoft Fabric for better analytics. The preview version is already available, with the official release date yet to be announced.

Conclusion

Staying up-to-date with Microsoft’s ever-evolving offerings is crucial for businesses to maintain efficient operations. As a Microsoft CSP partner, FluidOne can help manage Microsoft licenses, provide technical support, and offer tailored advice to ensure your business maximises its Microsoft investment.

‘Staying up-to-date with Microsoft’s ever-evolving offerings is crucial for businesses’

NEW MEMBERS

HAMPSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME ITS NEW MEMBERS

Aspire Membership

Frank Butler Farms Limited trading as Barnsgrove

Christina Nordhagen

Old Hyde House, 75 Hyde Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 7DW www.barnsgrove.com 01256 533135

Barnsgrove is a bolthole for its members to flock to, have solo time or socialise, concentrate or daydream, exercise or take it easy, do business or escape corporate confines.

Brainchild of farmers Jo and James Butler and situated just outside the postcard-pretty Hampshire village of Greywell, Barnsgrove is housed in a building, custom-designed with the perfect balance of practicality, sustainability and aesthetics.

It’s a membership club for Hampshire locals, offering an appealing range of spaces and services. These include a vibrant clubhouse with terrace, café, bar and all-day menu of moreish seasonal food; a studio for fitness, toning and mindfulness classes; a bespoke multi-functional gym, complete with personal trainers for one-toone sessions; private offices, resident desks and hot-desking facilities; a number of adaptable meeting/event spaces; and three fully equipped rooms offering beauty and wellness treatments.

Open from 7am to 7pm (Sunday to Wednesday) and to 10pm (Thursday to Saturday), Barnsgrove is an all-encompassing clubhouse for members to physically thrive, enjoy quality downtime and get the creative juices working overtime, all in equal measure.

Grow Membership

Citizens Advice Rushmoor

Calum Stewart

Civic Offices, Farnborough Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 7JU

www.citizensadvicerushmoor.org.uk 01252 894289

We provide free, confidential and impartial advice and campaign on big issues affecting people’s lives. Our goal is to help everyone find a way forward, whatever problem they face. We’re an independent charity and part of the Citizens Advice network across England and Wales.

Southampton Freight Services Limited

Belinda Leadley

Units E, F & G, Griffin Industrial Park, Totton, Southampton, Hampshire, SO40 3SH www.sotonfreight.co.uk 02380 860999

Established in 1998, we are a family-owned freight forwarder and logistics provider, based in Southampton, with a specialist global network of partners dedicated to serving our marine business. Our experience enables us to adapt to any situation, no matter the urgency, product, or destination. We provide dedicated solutions

serving the marine industry such as consolidation of orders, full customs service at our HMRC controlled HQ and last mile within the UK. As IATA agents we service the industry internationally, working closely with our partners to ensure delivery on board, wherever in the world.

Delivering successfully to a moving target is complex and challenging and we feel this sets us apart from other freight companies. Our experienced team have a ‘can do’ attitude and throughout our business we understand the importance of our role as an extension of your operation.

Local Knowledge – Global Scale.

Start Membership

HW Conveyancing Searches

Andrew Prismall

418 Victory Business Centre, Somers Road North, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 1PJ www.hwconveyancingsearches.co.uk 02392 831777

HW Conveyancing Searches provides quality Local Searches to leading Conveyancing firms across Hampshire & Sussex. As well as all the ancillary reports required these days, from drains to climate change, we are launching a first in this area – The HW Residential LogBook. A digital record of the buyer’s new home.

IMIG UK

Charlene Frutier

Larch House, Parklands Business Park, Forest Road, Denmead, Hampshire, PO7 6XP www.imig.com 07482137629

IMIG is a business consultancy specialising in operational improvement within the manufacturing industry, with a strong focus on the automotive sector. We deliver innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and boost productivity across the UK. Our expertise supports businesses in achieving sustainable growth and maintaining a competitive edge.

Incendo Development Ltd

Justin Standfield

Avalon House, Waltham Business Park, Swanmore, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 2SA www.incendo-uk.com 01489 287267

Incendo provides bespoke leadership and management training that’s grounded in credible up-to-date theory, while being practical enough to let people experiment with new skills they’ll really want to apply at work. We’re proud to partner with clients across several sectors including financial, engineering, aviation, healthcare, higher education, legal and automotive.

James W Thomas LimitedChartered Surveyors

James Thomas 10 Ringbourne Copse, Barton Stacey, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 3FR

www.jameswthomas.co.uk

01264 980383

We are a small firm of Chartered Surveyors based in Hampshire and serving the county and surrounding areas. We help homebuyers with pre-purchase surveys and building owners with specific defects and repair and maintenance advice. We ensure that enough time is taken for a thorough inspection and to write up a comprehensive but easy to understand report.

Kaizenjoy Ltd

Darryl Sherborne

37 Southgate Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9EH www.www.kaizenjoy.com 02382 578121

Companies adopting the Kaizen mindset benefit from greater improvement and innovation in the workplace. Can we help you? Kaizenjoy was created to build teams to meet client needs from our extensive Associate Network. Our purpose is to help and support those around us to grow, thrive and work with joy.

Key To Joy

Michaela Owens

Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 3QE www.keytojoy.org 07511 114516

At Keytojoy, we are committed to the support and development of over 75 adults, ranging in age from 18 to 80+, with learning difficulties and neurodiversity within the Fareham and Gosport regions. Our mission is to foster personal growth, enabling our members to reach their full potential and achieve their goals.

M J Trade Advisory Ltd

John Whitworth

Alton, Hampshire, GU34 5DG mjta.co.uk 07850338457

MJ Trade Advisory Ltd advises clients on key issues relating to export and sanctions compliance when exporting and trading globally. We are well versed in a range of topics including export classification (UK, EU and US), licensing, sanctioned countries, third party screening, risk assessments and compliance programmes.

Morph PR and Marketing

Jamie O’Reilly

Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO4 8QT www.morphprandmarketing.co.uk 02394 007139

Morph is an award-winning, full-service marketing agency in Portsmouth delivering branding, website development and digital marketing across the UK. Morph can save you money providing the service of a complete marketing team - marketing management, PR, communications, graphic design and digital development for as many days per month as you need.

Runway Training

Oliver Trailor

190 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1BE www.runwaytraining.co.uk

01732 402402

Founded in 2008, Runway training was originally established as a unique provider of adult numeracy and literacy. Learner offer has since increased to incorporate Apprenticeships, Certified Short Courses, Study Programmes and Soft Skills. To date we have helped thousands of learners achieve nationally recognised qualifications, as well as supporting learners return to work/progression in their chosen field.

SML Supplies Limited

John Gray

Unit 10A Hopkinson Way, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 3ZE

www.smlsupplies.co.uk

01264 334475

SML Supplies is a wholesale distributor in Hampshire, specialising in commercial janitorial, catering & medical products. We supply to households, offices, schools, dentists, care homes, businesses big and small. SML is a one

stop shop for all your needs, if we don’t have it, we will source it for you.

Stannah Lift Services Ltd

Rebecca McEwen

Watt Close, East Portway, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 3SD

www.stannahlifts.co.uk

01264 364311

Stannah is an independent, family-run lift company with over 150 years of lift expertise. Our South England Service Branch, located in Ringwood, delivers planned lift maintenance and repair for businesses along the South Coast. The knowledgeable local team, reliably cover all makes, and any manufacturers’ model.

Sunnybank House Care Home

Jessica Woolridge

Sunnybank House, Botley, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 7AP

www.cinnamoncc.com/care-homes/sunnybank-house 02380 603120

Sunnybank House is part of the Cinnamon Care Collection group, recognised as one of the Top 20 Large Care Home Groups in the UK for the

seventh year running. Offering residents personcentred residential and dementia care within a luxurious, safe and homely environment tailored to meet individual needs.

YMCA Fairthorne Group

Sarah King

YMCA Fairthorne Manor, Botley Road, Curdridge, Southampton, Hampshire, SO30 2GH www.ymca-fg.org 01489 772173

YMCA Fairthorne Group is a charity supporting children, young people, and families across Hampshire/IOW. Providing supported accommodation for young adults at risk of homelessness, early years nurseries, community centres, and an outdoor activity centre. We also proudly host the annual Young Carers Festival, giving young carers a weekend of respite.

JOIN THE CHAMBER

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