In summary
Wishing all our members in Hampshire, Dorset and on the Isle of Wight a happy, healthy and successful 2025. If you’re feeling motivated after the Christmas break, and looking forward to raising your business’s profile, then do join us at one of our events across the area. We are delighted to be able to welcome you at events both virtually online via Zoom and in person in Southampton and Poole.
Featured news and events
Thriving Together 2 for Southampton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight based businesses
25 February 2025 | 10:00am - 3:30pm
Event Location: CETC, Fareham College, 3-5 Meteor Way, Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire, PO13 9FU
As a small business Solent Business and Skills Solutions understand that sometimes taking time out of the business is difficult, and although new products, services and training is important sometimes you just don't have the time.
They have come up with a solution. Thrive Together is a CPD Day designed especially for Small Businesses whether you are just starting or have been established for a while. The day will cover all of the hot topics for any small business including Marketing, Sales, AI and more and will also be accompanied by a small business exhibition so you can see what new products and services are out there.
All this in one day and free of charge. To reserve your space register now and choose the workshops that interest you. You can choose one workshop per session and there are limited spaces on each workshop so be sure to register early to get your first choice.
Book your free place here>
FSB Talks: Southampton
Wednesday 22 January 2025, 4-6pm, at Network Eagle Lab, Portland Terrace, SO14 7SJ
Join us at Barclays Eagle Lab for an info packed event featuring 3 different speakers plus the opportunity to network with other delegates.
Book your free delegate place now>
In other news
SG Global Pitch Battle
Wednesday 15 January 2025, 12 - 2pm
Business and IP Centre, Southampton Central Library, Civic Centre Road, Southampton, SO14 7LW
Southampton's vibrant tech scene takes centre stage at the SG Global Pitch Battle. This high-stakes competition showcases the city's top startups vying for a chance to advance to the global stage.
Join Startup Grind Southampton on Wednesday 15 January to witness these innovative companies pitch their ideas and compete for the coveted title.
New support for small business
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) launched a new interactive online tool and guidance for people working for themselves and individuals considering self-employment.
Aimed at supporting new and existing ‘sole traders’ to better understand their responsibilities, the new interactive tool explains the records they may need to keep, taxes that may apply to their business, and includes other useful information, for example how to pay a tax bill.
People working for themselves may need to set up as a sole trader, even if they have another job with an employer. Sole traders are classed as self-employed for tax purposes, have responsibility for any debts to their business and have some accounting responsibility.
HMRC’s new set up as a sole trader: step by step guide supports people working for themselves to understand when they may need to register as a sole trader and how to do so. This is presented in seven simple steps.
There are several HMRC interactive tools available, including one newly launched to help businesses estimate what VAT registration may mean for them.
The guidance and interactive tools are free to use and available on GOV.UK
Still in the news
Expos across the area to kick off your New Year networking
B2B expos provide unique opportunities to network, discover new products and learn about the latest industry trends with events across the South. By attending, you can connect directly with key decision makers, form strategic partnerships and build relationships that drive business growth.
Expos offer a platform to see innovative technologies, services and solutions that can enhance your business or give you a competitive edge.
Attending workshops and seminars helps you gain insights from industry leaders, offering valuable knowledge that can shape your business strategies.
Why not take a stand at a B2B Expo?
Taking a stand boosts your brand visibility, attracts potential customers and enables direct engagement with decision makers. It showcases your products or services in a focused environment, building credibility and opening doors to new sales opportunities.
Here are the free to attend B2B expos coming up locally in the New Year:
Business Accelerator Programme
Is your business prepared to elevate to the next level?
Change up a gear with Catalyst and accelerate your growth with this Business Acceleration Programme.
Catalyst is the University of Southampton Science Park’s business accelerator, designed specifically for early-stage innovation-led science and technology companies in the South Central region.
Find out more here.
More news and activity near you
- Surrey
- Thames Valley
- More from FSB South Central
- Cornwall
- Devon
- Gloucestershire, Bristol and Bath
- Somerset and Wiltshire
- More from FSB South West
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Hampshire, Dorset and Isle of Wight is Nicky Kildunne. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email us: [email protected], or [email protected] for Dorset
- follow us on X: @FSBHantsIoWDor
- follow us on Facebook: FSB Hampshire, Dorset and Isle of Wight
- connect with me on LinkedIn: Nicky Kildunne
- catch regular news updates and more on YouTube: FSB Hampshire, Dorset and Isle of Wight