Small business bulletin for Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Dorset

Local News 25 Jun 2024

Local small business news from Nicky Kildunne, your FSB Development Manager. Updates cover Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth, Basingstoke, Andover, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Eastleigh, Lyndhurst, Aldershot, Farnborough, Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth, Ferndown, Dorchester, Wimborne Minster, Bridport, Isle of Wight. Last updated 25 June 2024

In summary

We love to have the opportunity to meet and talk to members and warmly welcome you to come along to our in person or virtual events.  Virtual networking for Hampshire, Dorset and Isle of Wight takes place twice a month via Zoom and in person events take place monthly in Poole and Southampton.  All of our events are listed on our website and you can select local events by choosing 'South Central' region. 

Featured news and events

Driving economic growth in Hampshire

Hampshire’s new Prosperity Partnership is working towards boosting economic prosperity, innovation, and skills across the county, with the appointment of new Board members to the new business-led collaboration which aims to build on the legacy of the Local Enterprise Partnerships to drive economic growth for the benefit of people and businesses across the county.  FSB Development Manager for Hampshire, Dorset and Isle of Wight - Nicky Kildunne has been named as one of the business leaders appointed to the Board.

The functions of Local Enterprise Partnerships moved over to upper tier local authorities, such as county councils, earlier this year. A Government requirement of the transition has been for Hampshire County Council to create the Hampshire Prosperity Partnership Board – bringing together representatives from local government, business and education to help inform County Council decisions in relation to economic development and skills to ensure the best outcomes for local people.

County Council Leader, Councillor Nick Adams-King said: “I am confident that the new Hampshire Prosperity Partnership Board comprises members who will bring significant influence and experience from across their sectors to the crucial work of the Board and in doing so, provide a strong business voice, cross-sector partnership and clear democratic accountability”.

 

FSB Talks: Southampton

Join us at Barclays Eagle Lab for an info packed event featuring speakers plus the opportunity to network with other delegates. At this event, 3 short presentations will cover 3 different topics.

Book your free delegate place now>


In other news 

Digital Marketing Skills Bootcamp

Starting 25 July in Havant, and then continuing online

This fully funded Digital Bootcamp (subject to some criteria) holds an estimated value of £5,000 which is funded and CPD approved.

The Digital Skills Bootcamp is set to kick off on 25th July. The venue will be confirmed but will be in Havant, running from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.

This session promises an immersive experience, including an introduction to the course, distribution of workbooks and learning packs, an opportunity to meet the trainers, and the commencement of the first workshop. 

While the kick-off is in person, subsequent workshops will be conducted online and will provide personalised 1-1 sessions with the trainers and tailored discussions on your digital marketing strategy.

If you would like to discuss the programme further please contact Graham Thompson, Programme Director on 07540 139113 or by email

Find out more and book here> 

B2B Expo Winchester

Thursday 11 July at The Holiday Inn, Winchester

Join hundreds of local businesses at the Winchester Business Expo and enjoy the opportunity to network with attendees from across Hampshire at Winchester's largest business show.  Explore the exhibition packed with a variety of local exhibitors showcasing their services and promoting their latest products.

As well as a busy exhibition, there will also be free seminars and workshops from Hampshire's leading keynote and business speakers as well as a speed networking session. 

This event is completely free to attend - simply pre-register online today>


Still in the news

1-2-1 Business Information Clinics at the Business and IP Centre (BIPC) Southampton

Taking place on various dates in July at 2pm, at Business and IP Centre Southampton, Civic Centre Road, Southampton, SO14 7LW

The Business and IP Centre (BIPC) Southampton is excited to announce their upcoming 1-to-1 sessions with Business Information Advisors, Charles Wong and Maher Haddad.

Do you have a great idea for a business but not sure how to make it real? Register for a free one-hour 1-to-1 Information session with one of their Business Information Advisors – it might be exactly what you need.

BIPC Southampton offers support to anyone in Hampshire with a business idea or small-medium sized business. Their advisors will help you gain access to specialist databases, guiding you through the first steps of setting up your new business. You’ll also get access to market research and industry reports to better understand your target industry and competitors.

These 1-to-1 sessions can also address intellectual property challenges such as branding, trademark, and copyright, as their Business Information Advisors are trained in IP matters.

If you have any enquiries before booking a session, please contact them at [email protected].

Book your free session here>

South Hampshire College Group hosting free business masterclasses

South Hampshire College Group have been awarded funding by ‘Innovate UK’ to support local SME’s to innovate and grow within the Digital, Health and Social Care and Engineering sectors, from March 2024 till March 2025. Through this project they are able to offer free bespoke support and access to their outstanding facilities, resources and expertise.  Upcoming dates include:

Bid Writing Masterclasses

  • 9th July - Bid Writing Masterclass - Secure Funding To Help Your Business Grow
  • 17th July - Understanding Innovate UK Grants - Secure Funding To Grow Your Business
  • 25th July - Bid Writing Masterclass - Secure Funding To Help Your Business Grow

AI Masterclass

  • 11th July - AI Masterclass

Social Media Masterclass

  • 16th July - Social Media Masterclass (AM and PM)

Additional dates are available online.  All events are free, tickets can be booked via Eventbrite>


More news and activity near you 


Get in touch

Nicky Kildunne

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.