Latest News
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 25th 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.
FRIP is a programme of support which has been developed to help farmers and horticultural businesses in South East England and London to improve competitiveness through resource efficiency and animal health and welfare practices. FRIP is a sub-programme within RDPE which aims to simplify the application process and provide grants up to £25,000 per farm business.
For more information on FRIP and to download the guidance and application form, please visit the SEEDA website using the link below:
Farm Resource Improvement Programme
Launch of the first EU Compendium for Freight Transport & Logistics Best Practices’
Monday, 22 February 2010 12:42
The Transport and Logistics task group lead, Grham Ellis, has been attending meetings across Europe to engage and influence the launch of the first EU Compendium for Freight Transport & Logistics Best Practices’. For more infomation please visit: www.eia-ngo.com/category/best-practices
Transport E-UPDATE: BRT PHASE 1 - injunction variation means preparatory works can go ahead
Monday, 22 February 2010 12:23
Hampshire County Council’s contractor BAM Nuttall has restarted work on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Phase 1 busway between Fareham and Gosport following a successful application to the Court of Appeal by the County Council to vary the court injunction that had been in place since before Christmas.
This means that vital preparatory works can be carried out pending the substantive hearing in the Court of Appeal which is now scheduled to take place at the beginning of March. For details of the works and to read the latest press release and FAQs, please go to: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/tfsh/bus-rapid-transit.htm
Built to Last? Delivering Sustainable Housing for Hampshire
Friday, 08 January 2010 08:52
Ashburton Hall Conference Room, Queen Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester was an appropriate venue for this conference, given that the recently completed refurbishment and construction of the site highlighted many innovative sustainable features. Around 120 representatives from Planning Departments, Architects, Builders, Designers, and Construction Companies on both large and small scale, together with many more industry sector representatives gathered for this e arly evening conference.
The aims of the conference were two-fold
- Move forward with the debate on Sustainability in the Built Environment, focusing on housing.
- Promote a shared understanding between the local public and private sectors of the challenges we face in this debate
Hampshire County Council Deputy Leader, Councillor Roy Perry welcomed Planning Committee members, and heads of planning departments from across the county to a pre conference reception, which provided opportunities for the planners to meet with members of the construction and built environment sector to facilitate discussion and understanding.
The conference boasted, in Mr Tim Bentall a director of BDO, a neutral Chair to keep the evening flowing smoothly. Speakers included
- Steve Clow, the Chief Architect at Hampshire County Council responsible for the refurbishment of Queen Elizabeth II Court, which utilises many sustainable features throughout.
- Rachel Mitchell, a Code for Sustainable Homes and Eco-homes assessor. Rachel specialises in construction energy advice and training to optimise building performance and meet higher standards. More recently she has been working on Passivhaus design and assessment and is also a registered NHER SAP assessor and OCDEA. Rachel worked for 15 years managing and maintaining social housing at a senior level before moving into sustainable building design.
- Clare Sutton, who developed an interest in the sustainability aspects of architecture during her degree and diploma at Bath and Portsmouth Universities respectively. Following the Diploma she studied part time for her masters in Architecture and the Environment whilst working for Kenn Scaddan Associates
- Paul Ciniglio, who is employed as Sustainability and Innovation Manager for the Radian Group. The primary focus of his role is to reduce the environmental impact of the housing associations activities.
- Dr. Luke Myer, who is a Research Fellow in the Sustainable Energy Research Group (SERG) at the University of Southampton.
- Dennis Seal, who has over 37 years experience in construction as developer, contractor, consultant and client, and has a commercial and project management background combined with business development skills.
Delegates received a free, sustainably sourced, memory stick, which included the presentations, a free copy of the Code Energy Matrix (worth £100) and a link to the Code for Sustainable Homes.
Conference organisers were delighted to be able to provide an opportunity to view the refurbishments at the Queen Elizabeth II Court building and review its sustainable features at the end of the conference.
Follow up event
As a further step towards fulfilling the aims of the event HEP and SCN have also been able to arrange a trip to the Innovation Park at the Building Research Establishment in Watford. The trip is scheduled for Friday 27th November. Coaches will depart from Intech at 09:30 and should arrive on site at around 11.30. Lunch will be provided and this will be followed by tours around the park to view sustainable housing including one building currently under construction. Booking for this event will be via the HEP website.
HELP FOR BUSINESS
Tuesday, 15 December 2009 18:17
Help for Businesses
In the current climate it can be even more difficult to understand and access public sector support for small and medium sized businesses. Here is a summary of skills and related initiatives and opportunities which employers may find useful:
APPRENTICESHIPS – key facts
• Support for new and existing employees
• Work based training designed to meet the needs of employers.
• Recognised BTEC qualifications
• Support from a training provider
• The right apprenticeship for your business
• A customised training plan is developed for you
• Advice on available funding
• Fully funded training for 16 – 18 year olds
• Grants of up to £4,000 under a new Apprenticeships Grant Scheme run by Hampshire County Council, for equipment, mentoring and training costs not covered by Government provision.
Contact www.apprenticeships.org.uk to find out more
TRAIN TO GAIN – key facts
• A tailored training package for employees
• Possible eligibility for funding to support training
• Advice on everything from basic skills to leadership and management training
• Funding support available
• An independent Business Link Adviser, college or training provider will source the right training package for you.
• Training will be scheduled to minimise disruption to your business
MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP GRANTS – key facts
• Specific funding for leadership and management skills.
• £500 is available to support training for managing directors, owner managers, and company directors.
• Up to £500 further grant available to a senior manager on a matched funding basis.
• free training needs analysis for companies with 5 – 250 employees.
Contact details :www.traintogain.gov.uk or Business Link 0845 600 9006
Other support and initiatives
The vehicle for delivery of action and setting the agenda for skills in Hampshire will be Employment and Skills Boards (ESBs)
Employer led ESBs are being set up in South Hampshire and North/mid Hampshire consisting of business representatives of all sectors of the local economy, and senior decision makers from Government agencies and local authorities.
These Boards will eventually be in a position to set the agenda and direct considerable resources for the enhancement of skills and improvement of employment conditions locally.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships allow companies to access the skills of local graduates to undertake commercial projects on behalf of the business. The scheme offers heavily subsidised support which covers an area of work which an employer would like to develop without the longer term commitment of resources. 1-3 year projects have included marketing plans and software development with companies reporting enhanced profitability and real savings to their bottom line.
Research and Development Tax Credits
Companies whose work includes an element or significant proportion of R & D in their business can apply for a refund against tax credits for these activities.
Significant refunds have been obtained and retrospective claims cna be made for the last two financial years.
Support is available to access this scheme and to examine the level of funding that can be received.
To find out more contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
CompeteFor is a free service that enables businesses to compete for contract opportunities linked to the London 2012 Games and other major public and private sector buying organisations.
With a particular focus on supply chain opportunities, CompeteFor acts as a brokerage service, matching buyers with potential suppliers. It also facilitates access to focused business support, through the national Business Link network, helping to boost the long–term competitiveness of your business.
Over a billion pounds worth of Olympic and Paralympics contracts are still up for grabs: With less than 1000 days to go to the London 2112 Olympic and Paralympic Games, there are still approximately £1.7 billion worth of contacts to be awarded by London Organising Committee (LOCOG) and Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) which will generate thousands of additional business opportunities through the supply chains.
For further information about the government support on offer for businesses interested in taking advantage of the opportunities of the 2112 Games, please visit www.competefor.com
Government Publishes Skills for Growth White Paper
In November, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills published its national skills strategy, recognizing that skills are a vital part of the Government’s growth plan for economic recovery.
Skills for Growth has 6 key priorities:
1. Promoting skills that matter for prosperity – continuing the focus on Level 2 NVQ and Basic Skills. Also the aspiration for 50% participation at University.
2. Expanding advanced Apprenticeships – to produce the level of skills that businesses will need.
3. Targetting support into growth sectors and ensuring the provision is demand led.
4. Encouragement to adults to continue learning through life and offering consumer choice on training provision.
5. Encouraging businesses to develop more of a training culture and providing the proposed new right of time to train.
6. A simpler system of access for individuals and employers to training provision including removing 30 publicly funded skills bodies over the next 3 years.
During 2010 – 2011 £4.4 billion will be invested in post 19 learners. This will support 3.4 million adult learners nationwide.
Full details can be found at www.bis.gov.uk/skillsforgrowth
Transport Conference great Success
Monday, 14 December 2009 12:56
This year’s Hampshire Economic Partnership (HEP) Transport Conference was a great success with over 100 people attending the event held at the ABP City Cruise Terminal in Southampton.
Key note speaker, Keith Wilcox from Hampshire County Council (HCC), discussed the strategic direction of transport and the economy including the Transport Policy Framework, DaSTS and the future strategy. Sarah Davis, Tourism South East and Jan Halliday, BAA Southampton discussed the benefits of good customer service and the improvement of transport links at the Southampton Airport.
Peter Murnaghan, Transport for South Hampshire(TfSH), confirmed Keith’s early discussions and explained how the TfSH are developing and delivering sub-regional transport policies and projects, how they are providing strategic intelligence into PUSH and information on the Bus Rapid transit scheme.
During lunch, delegates were given the opportunity to network and visit the exhibition stands located around the City Cruise Terminal. Exhibitors included Capita Symonds, One Business Insurance, WSP, Smart CCTV and the High Ways Agency.
The afternoon session kicked off in full swing with Rob Cooper, Ikea, discussing the launch of the new store in Southampton and how this had an effect on the transport links around the city. Vijay Manro, Southampton City Council, discussed this further explaining the partnership working between SCC, Ikea and the local police.
Helen Murphy, WSP, went onto to present a very colourful presentation entitled: How can the journey to school influence congestion, behavior and economic activity. Impacts on the transport links when behaviors are changed are huge.
Greg Cejer, Skills for Logistics closed the conference with a very detailed view on up-skilling the logistics workforce.
Graham Ellis, Chairman of the Transport and Logistics Task Group, commented: “The event was a great success. We had so much support from sponsors, including ABP, Meachers, Ikea, Hampshire County Council, Southampton City Council, Business Southampton, Tourism South East, Capita Symonds, Skills for Logistics and Transport for South Hampshire. Everyone seemed to leave the conference with some new found knowledge and understanding about the issues around Hampshire at this current time.”
For the Transport Conference presentations please click below
Paul Kinvig: About Hampshire Economic Partnership
Keith Wilcox: The Strategic Direction of Transport and the economy
Jan Halliday: Southampton Airport Update
Sarah Davis: Why is customer service critical to business success
Peter Murnaghan: Meeting South Hampshire's transport demands
Graham Ellis: Transport Alliance
Rob Cooper: Ikea Southampton, Launching a new store
Vijay Manro: Crisis? ... What Crisis?
Helen Murphy: How can changing teh journey to school influence congestion, behaviour and economic activity?
Sustainable Business Awards Go Live
Tuesday, 03 November 2009 09:23
Does your business go the extra mile when it comes to environmental, social and economic performance? Have you been able to turn your waste into profit, to build a team which has taken your company to new heights, or to make a real difference in your local community? Then an application to the 2009-10 Sustainable Business Awards– launched this week – is your opportunity to gain the credit you deserve.
The prestigious awards – the biggest celebration of their kind in the area for sustainable business – are open to any business from any sector. A number of categories ensure that everyone has the chance to shout about their achievements. These include Micro, Small, Medium and Large Business, Environmental Innovation and Technology, Leadership and for these awards the newly created ‘Sustainable Built Environment’ feature.
Kinglsey Brown of last year’s overall winners Total Coverage, based in Southampton, said: “Since winning the Awards we haven’t looked back. The whole team was delighted that we were rewarded for the things we do which are so important to a business. It’s given us a really powerful message now to take back to our customers, and we proudly promote ourselves as winners of the Awards at every opportunity.”
Successful applicants will be those who are able to demonstrate how sustainability has been built into the heart of the business’ operation. This means more than being a good ‘green’ business – judges will be looking for evidence of how this good practice, coupled with action on economic and social impacts, has led to real business gain through competitive advantage, reduced costs, strong teams and more satisfied customers.
Copies of the application forms for every category can be downloaded from www.the-sbp.co.uk along with case studies, guidance notes and all the details a business needs to know. The winner will be announced at a gala ceremony and dinner in May 2010.
Record Number of Businesses Confirmed to Exhibit at Annual Skills Festival
Wednesday, 21 October 2009 10:34
Hampshire’s largest Skills Festival, organised by Solent EBP, is to be held at the Southampton City Cruise Terminal on Wednesday 4th November.
Businesses and organisations in the region are giving young people in Southampton and South West Hampshire the opportunity to think about their future and sample the vast array of careers and courses available to them. The popular event is ideal for young people who are in education or have recently left school.
This year over 100 exhibitors will attend the event, where they will offer young people a chance to explore interactive, hands-on displays, which aim to give a taste of careers in a wide range of industries and commercial sectors.
For the first time at this event, exhibitors from sport and active leisure will complement businesses from creative & media, hair and beauty, health, and hospitality & catering, as well as the returning industries from last year of marine, construction, engineering and manufacturing.
Exhibitors already confirmed include: Exxonmobil, NDS, Skandia, BDO Stoy Hayward, Southampton Football Club, EADS Astrium, Jubilee Sailing Trust, Hampshire Football Association, and ABP, as well as a vast array of education organisations from across Southampton and South West Hampshire. Students attending the event will be able to take part in activities such as using outside broadcasting equipment, a ship simulator, as well as taking part in the Sail Boat Challenge and various commercial and professional competitions.
Angela Wright, Chief Executive of Solent EBP, said:
“We are really excited that this year’s event is being hosted by Associated British Ports at the City Cruise Terminal. Apart from the event being held in the Port, which is such a critical element of the economy of the city, the Terminal provides plenty of space for students to get a fully interactive experience of exhibiting businesses; this will help them to gain a broad perspective of professional, technical, and vocational career opportunities. We have capacity for 1500 students and are keen that schools, colleges and even universities encourage their students to attend this event.”
Schools and colleges from across Southampton and South West Hampshire are invited to visit the show, and pupils are encouraged take part in some of the activities on offer. They also have the chance to win an exciting range of prizes including the top prize of an I-pod Touch.
To find out more about attending the Festival, or if you would like to exhibit at the event, please contact Robin Smith on 023 8072 5725 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
New look flies in for Hampshire Economic Partnership
Wednesday, 21 October 2009 10:00
Hampshire Economic Partnership (HEP) held its annual Celebration event, at the Museum of Arming Flying, to recognise the efforts and commitment of all those involved in the organisation, but surprised all in attendance by revealing its new branding, website and strategic direction.
The event, which was sponsored by Blake Lapthorn solicitors, saw members of the HEP Board and Executive Committee join representatives from a wide spectrum across the Hampshire business community, from task group members, business development organisations, regional government bodies, local authorities and local partnership organisations to celebrate the achievements of HEP. All stood back in amazement though when HEP revealed an engraved ice sculpture of its new branding.
Paul Kinvig, Chief Executive of HEP, went on to explain the new mission statement and strategic direction of the company: “HEP delivers value by bringing together business, local government and regional agencies through influencing policy and supporting the economic prosperity of Hampshire and its cities. HEP has three core elements to its strategic direction and operation and its work with stakeholders, partners, task groups and other organisations falls under these elements, which are Advocate, Inform and Engage. We felt with a new strategic direction, it was only right for us to bring HEP’s branding up-to-date and launch a new website.”
Caroline Williams, Chairman of HEP said: “We were delighted to bring all our partners and stakeholders to recognise the impact that has been made by working effectively in partnership on the issues affecting the health of Hampshire’s economic performance. The excitement that filled the room when Paul revealed the ice sculpture was electric and it was so good to see that all our partners were in full support.”
“It was a great opportunity to become partners with HEP. It is a credible and independent organisation that plays a central and strategic economic development role within our sub-region. Whilst being surrounded by aeroplanes suspended from the ceiling and the huge announcement of the exciting new direction and brand, it was a perfect evening” said Mike Kendall, head of Local Government at Blake Lapthorn.
Artists win insight into business reality
Monday, 28 September 2009 10:20
Local artists, writers and musicians who won places on a creative business advice scheme to help them make a living from their ‘art’ have given the idea an enthusiastic thumbs up.
Businesses invited to North Hampshire event
Tuesday, 08 September 2009 13:35
Businesses across North Hampshire are being invited to a special questions and answers event, A Question of Business on Thursday 1 October.
Sun shines on Schools Marine Challenge
Tuesday, 11 August 2009 14:00
Around 100 school pupils and their teachers gathered in sunny Chertsey for the annual South East Schools Marine Challenge. The event was a triumph against the odds for organisers at the British Marine Federation, as the recession looked set to scupper the event in the shallows, when funding was drastically cut.
Make It Happen!
Tuesday, 11 August 2009 13:34
If you are a viewer of any of the current crop of talent shows (you know the ones – How Do You Solve A Problem With A Technicolour Dreamcoat, I’d Do Anything For The X Factor etc) one of the common elements in the contestants is the unshakeable belief that they are going to be successful – often in the face of a blinding lack of talent!! In the American versions of these programmes, this self-belief is even greater, where the hopefuls have the mantra “follow your dreams and make it happen” ringing in their ears but have the singing ability of a rhinoceros with colic!
Food For Thought At Hampshire Farming Conference
Tuesday, 11 August 2009 07:59
The important role of agriculture in the economic future of the country has taken centre stage at this year’s Hampshire Farming Conference, organised by Hampshire County Council.