Latest News

5 ideas to unlock business potential

Tuesday, 31 August 2010 14:27

Innovation can mean so many things. On the one hand it can start with a small change that can give you that competitive edge. On the other, it could lead to developing new products or technologies that could really unlock the potential of your business.

Business Link Advisers have compiled a list of 5 top tips to help businesses in the South East introduce innovation. To view these top tips please click here

Latest opportunities to win business with London 2012

Tuesday, 31 August 2010 14:24

27 July 2010 marked two years to go until the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Here's how you can get involved.

Bid for contract opportunities

There are opportunities published daily on CompeteFor - the portal for contracts to supply the Games. Here is just one example of a current contract:

• Architectural services: Closing: 1 December 2010. Value: £251,000-£500,000.

You can view these and other contract opportunities in full by registering on the CompeteFor website - Opens in a new window. Once registered, you will have access to Opportunity Bulletins which provide full details for tenders.

To find out more please click here

Funding: Skills to help win new business

Tuesday, 31 August 2010 14:18

The business world is evolving. In order to attract new business and new markets, businesses need to keep up with current trends, comply with legislation, meet the demands of industry and win new contracts - and having "environmental skills" in place can help you. Read on to find out about subsidised training available to help you incorporate these skills into your business.

Growing

While the UK economy as a whole contracted in 2008-9, the environmental sector in the South East grew. At the height of the recession the combined turnover of the 6549 companies in the sector was £13.5bn up from £12.9bn on the previous year. (Source: Department of Energy and Climate Change)

In demand

Awareness and appreciation of sustainability issues are in demand - at all stages in the supply chain. Even if your company is not in the environmental sector, your next opportunity could be to sell to a business in this expanding industry.

Whatever you sell to a company in this sector, you will be required to demonstrate your own credentials and commitment to the environment. This could be in the form of:

• an Environmental Policy
• an Environmental Management System
• a formal accreditation such as ISO14001

These documents are now a standard ask for many companies in the private sector supply chain, and are already well-established in public sector procurement. The skills of planning, specifying and implementing these processes within a business are in high demand. These technical abilities can be called "environmental skills".

To find out more about environmental skills please click here

Financial inclusion for employers

Tuesday, 31 August 2010 10:30

Clarity and Confusion……

Wednesday, 18 August 2010 11:26

The next few weeks and months are going to be interesting to say the least –

• How deep will the Comprehensive Spending Review go?
• Where will the public sector cuts hit hardest?
• What will happen with Local Enterprise Partnerships?
• Recovery, double dip or Loch Ness recession?
• House prices – rise or fall?

Depending upon which day you read the press – or even which part of the day you look online –it will give you a completely different answer to those questions! One thing is for sure – we are in uncharted waters.

From recent consultation events held by HEP (details of which are within this edition of Action File), it became apparent that private and public sector organisations on the one hand were clear about the change in direction from Gov’t  but on the other we still very uncertain about just exactly how that direction would pan out.

One of my favourite quotes is that of McKloskey – famously used by Richard Nixon when he said –

“I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.”

One thing was clear – opportunities for new ways of working and delivering were possible in these new conditions. However, innovation, clear thinking and a willingness to do things differently were considered essential.

In this month’s Action File are clear examples of this willingness to work in different ways and areas – I hope you find something of interest.

Businesses give their views on the way forward

Friday, 13 August 2010 14:42

Hampshire Economic Partnership (HEP) recently held three business engagement events across Hampshire entitled The Way Forward, The New Government agenda – What it means for you.

With over 210 people attending across Southampton, Basingstoke and Winchester over 77% of delegates were from the Private sector and ranged from SME’s through to large corporate companies.

Paul Kinvig, Chief Executive of HEP, kicked of the business engagement event with an overview of the current economic situation including facts on current UK deficit, changes in public sector structure and funding and the formation of new Local Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP’s).

This then led into round table discussions, facilitated by key private sector business people. The base questions were:

1. What are the key issues facing business/organisations since the emergency budget? and
2. What are the key issues you are examining to ensure future growth for your business?

These provoked conversations around skills, funding, LEP’s, partnership working and positive working with the Public Sector.

Paul commented: “This was a highly encouraging event with a significant number of private businesses attending where topics ranged from LEP’s through to skills to funding issues, Public sector structure and cutbacks.

Without doubt through the three events, the private sector has shown real desire to work with the public sector especially in the new frame work.”

Veterus Consulting MD Bradley Wright said of the event: “I’m incredibly grateful to Paul and the team for having the vision to put his event together.  It was very encouraging to so many leading organizations and their senior managers getting out to really understand the issues at grass roots level and working collaboratively to support and position Hampshire for growth in an unusually challenging market.

He continued: “Our area is perfectly positioned to thrive in the new knowledge-based economy with world-leading research and high-calibre individuals.”

HEP are currently collating all of the comments and views discussed at the events and a report will be available shortly.

UK ADCAP: highlighting capabilities of British industry

Friday, 13 August 2010 14:18

Hampshire Economic Partnership supports new sustainable website

Friday, 13 August 2010 13:46

Hampshire Economic Partnership (HEP) is playing a key role in supporting the Environment Centre (tEC) to develop a new dedicated website which will provide guidance and support to those involved in the design, planning and building process.

The Sustainable Planning and Purchasing Centre, which can be found at http://www.environmentcentre.com/SISCo, aims to promote greater understanding and collaboration between designers, architects, planners, builders and suppliers to enable sustainability to be incorporated into building projects from inception.

The site contains guidance, legislation and case studies on topics such as passive design, resource efficiency, renewable energy and innovative approaches from Europe.  It hosts a directory of companies that contribute to the green economy in Hampshire, the South East and in other areas of Europe.

The Sustainable Planning and Purchasing Centre Supplier Directory.

The site is part of the SISCo project, part-funded under the Interreg IVA 2 Seas programme and will grow throughout the life of the project.  The SISCo project also includes training and study tours on sustainability in construction and planning, details of which can be found on the site.

If you would like to submit your organisation to the directory, or know of case studies that should be featured, please visit the site for contact information.

Hampshire Economic Assessment

Thursday, 12 August 2010 11:09

Hampshire County Council has produced a draft Local Economic Assessment (LEA) as required under the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009. Our duty to assess the economic circumstances of our area came into effect on 1 April 2010 and the first Assessment must be completed by March 2011.

The aim of LEAs is to equip local authorities and partners with a common understanding of the local economic conditions, economic geography and the economic, social and environmental factors that impact on economic growth. This assessment should provide an evidence base to inform a range of local strategies, policies and interventions.

The core objectives of the assessment are:

• to provide a sound understanding of the economic conditions in the area and how they affect residents and businesses
• to identify the comparative strengths and weaknesses of the local economy and the nature and form of local economic challenges and opportunities
• to identify the local economic geography, including the economic linkages between the area being assessed and the wider economy
• to identify the local constraints to economic growth and employment and the risks to delivering sustainable economic growth

While a number of organisations have been part of a stakeholder group developing the approach, as this evidence base is so crucial to future policy-making, HCC would now like to invite your organisation to formally give your views on the draft Assessment for Hampshire.

Please click here

“Splash Down” into success

Monday, 09 August 2010 14:31

Hampshire Economic Partnership has been working with local county and councils across Hampshire to assist young people aged between 18-24 back in employment by offering 6 month jobs, training or work experience under the future jobs fund (FJF).

A fantastic opportunity for one FJF worker arose when Basingstoke Aquadrome joined the Future Jobs Fund scheme. Basingstoke Aquadrome who is happy to be involved in the scheme noticed the opportunity to help young workers in their community find work as well as develop skills and build confidence in a working environment.

Basingstoke Aquadrome took on Sonya Cripps aged 22 as a Community Development Assistant. The placement has given Sonya the chance to gain more experience with IT and working within a team environment and consequently discover her passion for the leisure industry. Sonya previously has had some work experience with Citizen Advice Bureau Basingstoke but Basingstoke Aquadrome offered a fresh new learning environment “I am pleased I was offered the position and it has enabled me to learn more about a different industry and apply skills I never thought I had.”

Basingstoke Aquadrome has received continuous support with the FJF from Hampshire County Council.

Both Sonya and Basingstoke Aquadrome have benefitted from each other, with Basingstoke Aquadrome looking at part time employment for Sonya “Sonya has been a tremendous employee and she has over exceeded our expectations in her role. We hope that Sonya will continue to stay with our company as I feel she will go far showing the determination and dedication she already has.”

Hampshire Economic Partnership who have been working closely with FJF across the county are very happy with the results “We are delighted that Basingstoke Aquadrome and Sonya have found success with FJF, the FJF is a unique scheme and we are very happy to be part of helping young people back into work or training.” said Paul Kinvig CEO of Hampshire Economic Partnership.

Hampshire Farming Conference raises farming issues

Wednesday, 07 July 2010 11:57

Over 80 delegates from rural industries converged on Sparsholt College recently for the largest professional farming event in the county.

The Hampshire Farming Conference is the only event of its type in the county, offering those in the farming community and related fields the opportunity to come together and listen to keynote speakers tackle pertinent issues surrounding the rural economy, to discuss these matters and to network with others.

Organised by Hampshire County Council’s Economic Development Office with help from the Hampshire Economic Partnership and Hampshire Fare, this year’s conference was held on 17 June.

A detailed economic overview of the current state of farming from a commercial perspective, looking at how both local and global forces are affecting the industry was provided by Jeremy Moody, Secretary of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers.  This was followed by Mark Griffiths of Carter Jonas, who presented the findings of the Hampshire Farming Study which clearly showed the results of the pressures discussed by Jeremy Moody.

Harry Cotterell, Deputy President of the Country Land and Business Association, discussed the future of land management, looking at pressures on land use, the commercial opportunities available to landowners, and made some controversial predictions for the future.

Richard Longthorp, Chair of Lantra England discussed how professionalisation of the farming industry through access to training, recognised qualifications and clearly defined career pathways was the key to future success. Many of these points were echoed by Tim Jackson, Principal of Sparsholt College, who looked at practical solutions to providing skills training for land based industries.

Hampshire County Council’s Rural Services Manager, Robin Edwards, discussed the opportunities provided by the County Farm Estates to tenant farmers, with Tim Knapman of Meadow Farm in Kings Worthy sharing his journey into council farm tenancy.

Councillor Ray Ellis, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Rural Affairs and Human Resources, commented:  “The Hampshire Farming conference raised some important issues linked to skills provision and the future of the farming industry.  This was a rare opportunity for stakeholders from Hampshire and beyond to discuss the challenges affecting the industry, and how best to mitigate these in the current economic climate”.

The Only Constant is Change.....

Friday, 11 June 2010 14:57

Since the last Action File, the world as we know it has changed beyond all recognition. The concept of a coalition government in one of the world’s oldest and most adversarial based democracies now seems perfectly normal……..yet as of the morning of May 7^th we were in uncharted waters.

The essence of working in Partnership is one that is going to be hugely important in the weeks and months ahead, given that the cuts in public spending are likely to affect everyone. Finding new ways of doing things with significantly less resource is going to be a challenge facing all three sectors – public, private and voluntary.

This months’ Farming Conference is an excellent example of the public and private sectors working together in an area which itself has faced immense challenges and has embraced diversification as a means of moving forward.

Also this month sees HEP looking to update the Informing Our Future project as we examine how businesses have moved on in these ever changing times.

As the Chinese proverb states – “May you live in interesting times…….” Well the very least that can be said is that the future we face is “interesting!!!”

Future Jobs Fund has success in Test Valley

Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:10

Young people in Hampshire between the ages of 18 and 24 who have been looking for work for six months are now benefiting from an offer of a job, work experience, or training lasting at least 6 months, through the Future Jobs Fund (FJF).

The recession is hitting young people particularly hard and the scheme offers young people a chance to gain some experience and skills in order to help them in securing a permanent job. During the 6 month placements the young people will work for 25 hours a week on community-related activities.

Hampshire County Council, leading a consortium including the local authorities in the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and supported by Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire Economic Partnership, successfully bid for 900 places under the new scheme.

At Test Valley Borough Council, in North West Hampshire, four out of 22 Future Job Fund candidates have started work and one candidate has already been successful in finding permanent employment with an Andover company.They said: "So useful has the FJF person been that we will be interviewing for a replacement as soon as possible."

The first of the Council’s 22 Future Jobs Fund placements started in Finance in February 2010, with others joining soon after. The candidate working in the Council’s Finance Service has been helping with administration, general support work and assisting with data entry on to the new Financial Information System.

In Test Valley, one of the successful FJF placements in the Estates & Economic Development Service commented: “As well as enabling me to apply skills in a different setting, and therefore develop them further, having this job has enabled me to commit to things outside of work which will also provide good experience for the future. I have worked in a council setting before, but having worked where I am more likely to consider it in the future.  I have been able to further develop skills such as time-management, as although I have had quite a lot of experience in managing a varied work load, working here I have added the dimension of working for a number of different people. I enjoy having a varied workload and the opportunity to see how different departments work.”

Nearly every Service in the Council is providing at least one placement.  It is another way in which the Council is working with the Test Valley Partnership to respond to the impact of the recession.

New appointment for Hampshire Economic Partnership

Wednesday, 09 June 2010 15:08

Southampton-based Hampshire Economic Partnership (HEP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Verner as their new  Partnership Manager for North Hampshire.

Previously at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council for five years, initially as Learning and Skills Manager and more recently as Economic Prosperity and Culture Manager, Elizabeth secured over 250k in additional funding and sponsorship for economic and cultural projects. She actively influenced the development of SEEDA’s Diamonds for Investment and Growth as well as identifying and championing the needs of business in order to influence local and regional policy.

Elizabeth said: “I believe strongly that North Hampshire can further establish its role as an essential driver of economic growth for Hampshire and the region. I relish the opportunity, and challenge, to build strong effective working relationships with partners, which are key to this role, the continued success of HEP and achieving great things for North Hampshire.”

Paul Kinvig, Chief Executive of HEP said: “I am delighted to welcome Elizabeth to the team. With her strong knowledge and background of the north of the county, she will be able to hit the ground running to advocate, inform and engage with the North Hampshire private and public organisations.”

Elizabeth has a two year old son and a dog who keep her on her toes, but when she does have time to herself she is a keen, if experimental, cook and enjoys nothing more than a spot of sailing, having gained her Day Skippers licence in Cape Town.

Postgraduate and part-time study Open Evening University of Portsmouth Business School

Thursday, 03 June 2010 08:24

On Thursday 8 July 2010 (5.00-7.30pm) the University of Portsmouth will be holding an Open Evening with an introduction by the Dean of the Business School and a presentation by Andrew Ball, Corporate Communications Manager of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd. (view map and directions).

For those particularly interested in the Foundation degrees, the Master of Business Administration (MBA), or the Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), the Business School will be running information sessions from 4.45-5.30pm, prior to the main presentation.

Over drinks and canapés, there will be an opportunity to meet lecturers, current and past students and others who are considering the benefits of studying at one of the South's best business schools.

To register please contact Becky Platt on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the Portsmouth Business School website

New RADAR (Research and Development Activity Report)

Monday, 24 May 2010 15:15

The 1st Edition of RADAR (Research and Development Activity Report)  for 2010 has been released and highlights recently published research, ongoing projects and planned research for 2010. Please click here for the May Edition, while past editions can be accessed from:

http://www3.hants.gov.uk/planning/factsandfigures/figures-economics/radar.htm

It’s A Small World……..

Monday, 26 April 2010 09:09

As I write this the heavens have cleared and the Icelandic Gods have calmed down, leaving all to ponder how it was that the ash cloud occurred at the same time as the clearest skies we’ve seen all year??

The one thing this whole episode illustrated was how important transport and infrastructure is to modern life and thus business.

The disruption caused by this euphemistically named “act of God” demonstrated just how critical air travel has become and that the phrase “it’s a small world” has been significantly challenged by those attempting to get home from just 21 miles away!!!

However, the other critical infrastructure partners – road, rail, sea etc all demonstrated how important they are in keeping things moving and allowing business to still function. In this month’s action file you will read stories from the Marine Task Group regarding their partnership working in the area of sustainability.

One of the key issues though was the role of the internet in this – both for the flow of information regarding the situation and for the amount of actual commerce taking place. Imagine how much greater the chaos would have been say 20 years ago without significant business dealings having moved to the web – the internet does validate “it’s a small world!”

Infrastructure remains massively important to Hampshire businesses – our roads, rail network, ports and airports all play a central role in contributing to continued economic success. However stable, accessible, high speed broadband across the county, is vital in ensuring that Hampshire businesses maximize the benefit of the global opportunities that the internet can bring. The new chair of HEP, Stewart Dunn (featured in this month’s action file) talked passionately about this need at the recent HEP Local Authority event.

As someone once said to me, “small world, big opportunities!!”

Thank you to Leaders and Chief Executives of Hampshire’s

Friday, 23 April 2010 15:14

Hampshire Economic Partnership (HEP) hosted a reception for the Leaders and Chief Executives of Hampshire's Local Authorities at the Winchester Cathedral Refectory recently. It was an opportunity to meet with members of the Hampshire Economic Partnership Board, and leaders of the business sector task groups, together with the newly appointed Chairman, Stewart Dunn.

HEP has recently published its latest version of Adding Value, a summary of the key achievements of the partnership throughout 2009, along with the new informing our future 2010. The Partnership showcased the best of its achievements in order to demonstrate what the partnership does to encourage economic growth and prosperity throughout Hampshire.

Paul Kinvig, Chief Executive, welcomed everyone and gave an overview of the year, since joining HEP last March. With the UK being affected by the worst recession since the Second World War, HEP has continued to secure valuable relationships with stakeholders, has introduced the new strategy of advocate, inform and engage and rebranded to create a fresh new corporate image which has helped to increase its profile and overall awareness.

Stewart Dunn, Chairman, looked at the year ahead as even more crucial in shaping the plans for future prosperity.  Part of the challenge for HEP is focusing on the priorities and thinking and acting together cohesively as a single voice to achieve the goals and ambitions, not just for next year but in the years ahead.  Stewart closed his speech with offering the Leaders and Executives the opportunity to ask any questions and make suggestions for the way forward.

Paul Kinvig said: “HEP values its partnership with all Local Authorities and this is one small way in which we can say thank you. The event was very well attended and it really gave these stakeholders the opportunity to ask HEP any questions in a relaxed environment."

New Chairman for Hampshire Economic Partnership

Tuesday, 20 April 2010 15:42

Southampton-based Hampshire Economic Partnership (HEP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Stewart Dunn as their new Chairman.

After seven years in the position, Caroline Williams has chosen to step down from Chairman and the HEP board has chosen to review the way in which the board should support the emerging needs of the local economy, and the changes in the regional policy organisations.

Stewart brings with him many years of experience working in the newspaper publishing and printing sector, having started in the North of England with United Newspapers, but moved down to Hampshire and is Managing Director of Newsquest Hampshire based in Southampton.

Stewart is also very much involved in the community, being a director of Business Southampton, a member of the advisory board of Marwell Wildlife and a director and former president of the Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce.

Stewart commented: “Hampshire is one of the Great Counties with some fabulous history but, more importantly, is ideally placed to exploit a whole wealth of business opportunities in the future to put it firmly back on the road to recovery from the recession we have all suffered from.

Its geographical position together with superb communication links of motorways, airports, rail and docks support its many diverse industries and organisations.  Not forgetting of course Hampshire’s three universities that are recognised as some of the UK’s leading establishments that engage in vital research as well we promoting the education and skills agenda that raises the county’s achievements and profile.”

Stewart went on to say: “The opportunity given to me to chair the Partnership at such a time presents a superb challenge to build on all the good work that has previously taken place and to work together towards an exciting future of growing Hampshire’s economy on a truly global scale.”

“I would like to welcome Stewart to HEP and I very much look forward to working with him closely to lead Hampshire out of the economic downturn. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Caroline for all of her hard work over the last six years and through her knowledge and strong leadership we have achieved positive changes to Hampshires’ economy” said Paul Kinvig, Chief Executive of HEP.

HEP play an integral part in The Solent Waterfront Strategy

Tuesday, 20 April 2010 15:09

The Solent Waterfront Strategy has been led by SEEDA in partnership with Marine South East and the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH).

The Strategy was initiated following a call from the Hampshire Economic Partnership Marine Policy Group and industry leaders who expressed concerns about the shortage of coastal waterfront land space available for businesses in the Solent to grow and thrive.

This is the first ever in-depth research into the Solent marine sector and it has revealed that is contributes significant economic benefits to the local area (£5.5 billion). The sector provides 25,000 direct jobs and makes up around 25% of the Solent economy.

Mark Merritt commented: “HEP is delighted for the recognition that The Solent Waterfront Strategy has achieved and the partnerships that made it possible. The HEP Marine Policy task group was instrumental in its conception and special thanks go to Graham Clarke (then Chairman of the Marine group, now HEP Deputy Chairman) and also to Kathy Slack, SEEDA Area Director for Hampshire and IOW”

"The HEP Marine Policy Group is a vital forum comprised of employers in the region which continues to meet and work in support of employers and education for the Marine Sector."

To find out more click here

Marine Policy Group's attends flood resilience seminar

Tuesday, 20 April 2010 14:52

Speakers 11 senior people from various backgrounds, all experienced in their fields gave first-hand accounts and advice from their particular perspective.

Attendance The seminar was attended by ca. 45 people, mostly from County Councils,

2 people from NHS and a further 2 from Fire Services.

This public policy seminar considered current thinking on:

• 900k properties at risk by 2035
• Financial and psychological impact
• National and local duties
• Responsibilities and strategies
• Spatial planning
• The 2009 Flood and Water Management bill

Key messages (for Employers)

• All employers should be aware and develop their own plans for flood risks.
• Agencies expect that self-reliance is the bottom line: insurances, the public services and local arrangements cannot deliver a totally guaranteed solution.
• How fast would we be ‘up and running’ after a flood? How resilient is our business?
• What precautions can we put in place, especially when we are modifying electrical, etc. services?
• Best solution? 1) Keep the water out or 2) let it get out quickly once it is in?
• Water companies need to know (Southern Water attends the Marine Policy Group).

Significant facts

• Average rainfall figures are forecasts.
• There is consensus among the experts: flooding will become a ‘normal way of life’ in the UK so we should be planning for it. The risks vary by region: the South Coast is the 2^nd riskiest after South East for coastal flooding. River flood risks vary by river catchment.
• Extreme events will increase in size and frequency (i.e. very hard to predict / flash flooding risk).
• The South East is delicately balanced: risk of severe water shortages in a summer Extreme Event.

The general risk sequence is:

• electricity infrastructure
• roads
• railways
• water pumping stations
• gas

although this may vary locally, e.g. if any hospitals are potentially affected.

These risks affect the whole supply chain; you, your suppliers, your customers and the distribution network.

Key players

The Environment Agency, Defra and local ‘lead’, e.g. County Council or Unitary Authority are  the key players identified in the Flood and Water Management Bill (due to receive Royal Assent shortly). However, it seems there is some confusion over who and where responsibility actually rests for the implementation.

In the end, the citizens pay but just now every agency reports that they do not have enough money to meet the needs and that budgets are being further reduced.

Helpful agencies (in addition to the statutory authorities)

• Local Government Flood Forum, http://www.lgiu.co.uk/lgff_32.html
• National flood forum, charity (see their Blue Pages directory) http://www.floodforum.org.uk

Issues

• People don’t recognise the risk until after the event.
• Planning issues: use of green infrastructure works if done on a river catchment basis.
• SUDS = sustainable drainage systems http://www.ciria.org.uk/suds.
• Public Health risks during/after the event.
• Solutions require multi-agency, multi-discipline and multi-jurisdiction approach.

Report by Mark Merritt

HEP Chair Marine Policy Group

March 2010

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Monday, 15 March 2010 15:49

KTP is a national scheme supported by the Technology Strategy Board. Further information at www.ktponline.org.uk The University of Portsmouth has helped over 40 companies to achieve their investment objectives through KTP. Normally a 2 year project, the focussed programme is undertaken by a high-quality graduate working full-time at the company with the regular support of both company and University Staff

Why should my company participate?
For a company thinking about graduate recruitment, this is an opportunity to work closely with potential employees who will be acquiring skills directly relevant to the business.
The company does not incur direct employee costs as the graduate is employed by the University and not by the company. The company obtains direct access to the technology base and resources of the University throughout the programme. The government part-finances the investment programme of the company The graduate receives additional training which leads to a Chartered Manager (CMgr) award from the Chartered Management Institute.

So what’s the bottom line?
That depends on the size of the Company
For a small company, the cost is about £18000 plus VAT per year with the government providing an additional ~£37000 per year.
For a large company, the cost is about £27500 plus VAT per year with the government providing an additional ~£27500 per year.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Would you like government financial support to help you achieve your investment plans? Do you need to develop a new product, improve an existing one, optimise your production, improve your marketing strategy, or optimise your business methods? Would your investment plans benefit from having the skills and new ideas of a high quality graduate backed by the knowledge and resources of a University?

Try Knowledge Transfer Partnerships!
Funding
Support
Investment Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Download your PDF flier by clicking here

Hampshire Economic Partnership helps secure unemployed young people a start at Botanic Gardens

Friday, 12 March 2010 12:13

New jobs created at Ventnor Botanic Gardens have given six unemployed young people from the Isle of Wight a blooming career start thanks to the Government’s Future Jobs Fund and support from Hampshire Economic Partnership (HEP) and Hampshire County Council.

The jobs at the Isle of Wight Council-run garden have been created as part of £1bn fund that is part of the Government’s Backing Young Britain Campaign to support young people struggling to find work through the recession.

Work and Pensions Minister and Regional Minister for the South East, Jonathan Shaw said: “Ventnor Botanic Gardens is providing a unique opportunity for young people to develop their skills and gain experience of real work as horticulturalists. By learning a range of gardening tasks, the group are gaining a real taste of horticulture as a career and using their new skills to prepare the gardens for spring time.

“No-one can afford to overlook young people’s talent. The Future Jobs Fund is part of this Government’s commitment to young people to get a job, training place, skills and work.

“Congratulations to Hampshire Economic Partnership, Hampshire County Council, the Isle of Wight Council and Ventnor Botanic Gardens for ‘Backing Young Britain’ by creating jobs through the Future Jobs Fund.”

Some 900 jobs will be created throughout Hampshire under Hampshire County Council’s successful bid ‘New Jobs, New Futures’, which it worked on with other local partners including HEP. Roles include environmental and regeneration work, jobs in adult case and in leisure and tourism.

They are part of the 470,000 opportunities created through the Young Person’s Guarantee, announced earlier this month, which promises every 18-24 year old on the Island who have been unemployed for six months or more of a job, training or work experience.

Peter Grant, Skills Manager at HEP says: “The support of young people is so important during this difficult downturn in the economy. This is a way of supporting them with work experience and can really help to develop their skills and confidence.”

Steve Beynon, Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Council said: “As a council we are extremely committed to taking a proactive approach in helping young people gain employment on the Island. To date we have employed 14 people thanks to the Future Job Fund and we are in the process of filling another eleven positions.

“We are very impressed with the quality of those working for us and as demonstrated by the young people working at Ventnor Botanic Gardens, with our help they can improve their skills, gain valuable experience and increase their employability to the wider job market.

“The council is already ahead of its agreed delivery of jobs and due to this success we have been able to secure an additional ten positions on top of our original 25, providing even more opportunities to young people on the Island. With the growing success of this scheme within the council we are exploring ways of extending the existing contract to offer an additional 30 jobs by working with partner agencies such as the NHS Isle of Wight.”

A brighter future for South Hampshire?

Tuesday, 09 March 2010 18:11

A brighter future in South Hampshire?

Business briefing on the South Hampshire Economy

Thursday 25^th February 2010 at The Rose Bowl, Southampton

Nearly 100 business representatives gathered at the Rose Bowl recently to help the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH) re-examine its long term Economic Development Strategy to 2031.

Organised with the help of Hampshire Economic Partnership (HEP) and chaired by its CEO Paul Kinvig, the attendees gave important feedback on three questions

• What is the long term vision for South Hampshire?
• What are the main Barriers and Opportunities for growth?
• What are the key business sectors?

Key figures from PUSH’s local authority membership – Cllrs Seán Woodward and George Beckett - outlined the background to, the area served by and the achievements gained by PUSH.

Key to PUSH’s economic strategy is a hard evidence base and Stuart Hardisty, Associate Director of DTZ, with expertise in economic development and employment land issues, gave a short presentation on the results of his recent studies before delegates conducted round table discussions on the three key questions:

The hugely important feedback from the private sector will be incorporated into the final strategy document for review by PUSH and help in its vital work of underpinning economic recovery and growth

Support for Farming & Horticulture

Friday, 26 February 2010 15:33

SEEDA is pleased to announce the launch of the Farm Resource Improvement Programme (FRIP) in South East  England and London.