Business Voice Q1 2026

THE MAGAZINE OF HAMPSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

INFORMING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

INVESTING IN SKILLS AND EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY

The key to building a future-ready Hampshire

CHAMBER NEWS

Annual conference puts Hampshire’s ‘green potential’ in the spotlight

CHAMBER POLICY

Start the year right with expert advice from business professionals

CHAMBER NEWS

CHAMBER GLOBAL

POLICY

EVENTS & TRAINING

SECTOR FOCUS

Voice

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BY ROSS MCNALLY HAMPSHIRE CHAMBER CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Ensuring skills keep up with the demand

We are entering an exciting chapter where skills and technology are not just drivers of productivity, but the foundation of our future prosperity. Businesses across Hampshire and the Solent are innovating at pace, and the challenge before us is ensuring that our people have the right skills to thrive in this evolving landscape.

That is why I am proud to be leading the refresh of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), to be published in June 2026. This plan is a vital tool in aligning the technical skills needs of employers with the training and education provision across our region. It is about listening to businesses, understanding their priorities, and ensuring that our workforce is equipped to meet them.

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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.

Our strengths mirror the Government’s Industrial Strategy, from aerospace and life sciences to clean energy and advanced manufacturing, and are complemented by Hampshire’s world-class marine and maritime sectors. Together, these industries give us a powerful platform to drive economic growth and innovation.

But at the heart of this agenda are people: the entrepreneurs, employees, and learners who bring energy and creativity to our economy. By investing in their skills and embracing technology, we can build a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready Hampshire.

INFORMING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

MODERN PARTNERSHIPS, 175 YEARS IN THE MAKING

A Chamber of Commerce Alliance Membership reflects your place as a leading member in our Chamber. The impact of your work, support or connections enables us to realise our strategic goals and add value for our network.

This recognition is an evolved form of what was once called patronages. Businesses and business leaders with an ‘Ally’ affiliation will be invited to speak and present at certain events throughout the year and will be among the first to know about our signature events. On top of this, there will be invitations to work with the Chamber on engagement activity and our work shaping policy within the area.

The Chamber of Commerce Alliance Membership is an approach to partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and a call to help shape the business landscapes around you. Building on the pragmatic, creative and ambitious enterprise history of which you are soon to be a proud part of.

Interested in discussing a partnership like this? Contact the membership team on: membership@hampshirechamber.co.uk

THE LATEST NEWS AND SUCCESS STORIES FROM CHAMBER MEMBERS

College works to connect careers with classrooms

By Nicola Mullan, Executive Office Manager,

The Sixth Form College Farnborough

The landscape for students who complete their formal education at the age of 18 is changing.

Historically, around two third of leavers from the Sixth Form College Farnborough would progress into Higher Education courses at university with the rest choosing to go straight into the workplace.

More recently, there has been a significant increase in the interest and availability of apprenticeships as a progression route of choice at both higher and degree levels.

In order to support and develop our focus in this area, we recently hosted an event entitled Connecting Classrooms and Careers: Apprenticeships. The aim of this event was to identify and collaborate with businesses at various stages of their journey with regards to offering apprenticeship along with associated training providers. This gave college staff valuable insight into the skills, processes and opportunities for students seeking to move into these progression options. We were also

honoured to welcome some alumni who themselves have completed or are currently undertaking apprenticeships in various fields.

We were delighted to welcome over 20 local businesses along to the session as well as being joined by Councillor Julie Hall from Rushmoor BC and Jack Hodgkins, Skills Employer Coordinator from Hampshire CC.

Jack provided invaluable insight into the process and support available for companies of all sizes to offer apprenticeships along with the recruitment process for prospective students.

After the presentations there were collaborative round table discussions involving business representatives, college staff and students along with training providers on topics such as ‘What advantages do apprenticeships offer students compared to traditional academic pathways?’ and ‘What skills and qualities do businesses look for in apprenticeship candidates?’.

Feedback from delegates who attended has been really positive and already we are beginning to see new initiatives in action.

‘Speaking at Connecting Classrooms and Careers was a great chance to show how apprenticeships and skills programmes like Skills Bootcamps can benefit both students and employers’

New VAT partner strengthens team at Shaw Gibbs INFORMING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

Connecting Classrooms and Careers brought together industry and education

Emma Hobbs, Assistant Principal for Partnerships and Progression, said: “It was wonderful to bring together local businesses, employers, staff and students to support our work on apprenticeships. We are grateful for the invaluable conversations, input, and insight that will help us to continue to shape opportunities for our students and enrich our curriculum!”

Jack Hodgkins, Skills Employer Coordinator at Hampshire County Council, said: “Speaking at Connecting Classrooms and Careers was a great chance to show how apprenticeships and skills programmes like Skills Bootcamps can benefit both students and employers. We supported local businesses in understanding the options available and helped teachers explore ways to connect education with the workplace.”

Shaw Gibbs is delighted to announce the appointment of Emma Coughlan as VAT Partner, further strengthening the top 40 firm’s tax advisory offering. Emma joins the firm with over 17 years of experience in indirect tax, having held senior roles at Big 4 firms Deloitte and EY.

Her specialist knowledge spans professional practices, retail, and land/property, and she has built a reputation for delivering pragmatic, commercial advice to a broad portfolio of clients. Emma’s appointment reflects Shaw Gibbs’ continued investment in top-tier talent to support an ambitious growth strategy.

‘The culture here is refreshingly collaborative and forward-thinking’

Commenting on her appointment, Emma said: “What drew me to Shaw Gibbs was the firm’s entrepreneurial energy and its commitment to delivering clear, actionable advice. The culture here is refreshingly collaborative and forward-thinking, and I’m excited to be part of a team that genuinely puts people first, both clients and colleagues.”

Naomi Stewart, Head of Tax at Shaw Gibbs, added: “Emma’s arrival marks a milestone in the development of our VAT advisory services. Her depth of expertise and client-centric approach align perfectly with our values, and we’re thrilled to welcome her as we continue to expand our tax offering.”

Emma is already exploring opportunities to grow the VAT team and looks forward to contributing to the firm’s next chapter.

Former apprentice leads the charge in skills partnership

Creative, innovative and ambitious businesses all play their part in helping our region achieve long-term economic growth. But often they need practical support to access skills, finance, knowledge networks and market opportunities. At the frontline of delivering business support for many years is experienced management professional, Jodi Fair.

Born and bred in Portsmouth, Jodi has gone from being an apprentice administrator to becoming Growth Manager for the Solent Growth Partnership, a strategic alliance on business support between the upper-tier local authorities of Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight.

This winter will see the partnership merge into two-year-old partner body Solent Business & Skills Solutions, so bringing business support services under one brand.

‘Having started out as an apprentice myself I was able to bring and apply insight from my experience’

Those services include one-to-one input from expert advisers, access to workshops, tailored advice on funding and net zero grant opportunities, and signposting to an array of other sources of help.

Jodi said: “Having started out as an apprentice myself I was able to bring and apply insight from my experience to the launch of the Solent Apprenticeship Hub back in 2019. Its aim was to engage individuals and businesses in apprenticeship programmes through impartial advice and guidance.”

Having achieved success, the hub went on to widen its focus to, in Jodi’s words, ‘the whole skills landscape’. That meant more indepth analysis of organisational needs, or ‘skills scans’ as she calls them, and stronger, more focused engagement with employers.

“It was clear to most of those involved at the

time that more ‘infrastructure’ was needed to truly deliver skills support at scale,” said Jodi.

“At the end of 2023, the hub therefore became Solent Business & Skills Solutions. That has enabled us to focus even more directly on equipping businesses with the tools and knowledge necessary to overcome any skills barriers they are facing. That’s true for every stage of their growth and development.

Our clients range from the smallest of sole traders to the largest of companies including multinationals and wellknown brand names such as B&Q and Aviva.

Now, bringing the Solent Growth Partnership and Solent Business & Skills Solutions together as one brand will further underscore the fact that our regional business community can access fully funded business support with local authority backing.”

One of the successful initiatives that has continued since the days of the apprenticeship hub is the Transfer to Transform scheme. Under this, large employers can pledge apprenticeship levy funding to support smaller ones. More than £7m has been raised in this way, supporting around 600 apprenticeships at SMEs.

Another key focus has been on sustainability with close to £1m worth of grants awarded to employers to support their firms’ green growth and potential.

“There are a whole range of ways we engage with employers,” said Jodi. “It could be a onehour interaction right through to much longer and far more in-depth help. It’s a highly diverse menu of offerings that includes skills boot camps, collaborative masterclasses, digital MOTs, sustainability programmes and start-up launch pads. Through it all, our ethos remains to provide excellent, impartial advice and support to enable business growth and success.”

On the agenda coming up for Jodi and her colleagues is a busy series of webinars, inperson business clinics, workshops, attendance at business shows and a host of other activities.

INFORMING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

Asked how we can measure the success of skills support, Jodi cites data from the past six months. It shows the team engaged with just under 2,000 businesses through a triage process, delivered dedicated support programmes to more than 300 businesses, and helped more than 200 clients with practical support to start a business.

“There are many different yardsticks,” Jodi said. “I believe we are making significant in-roads into the challenges that employers face. There is statistical evidence that the number of residents in our region with Level 4 qualifications has risen, and the number of apprenticeships is up compared to the national average.

“At the same time, we still have huge pockets of deprivation and generational unemployment that impact on educational attainment and the kinds of skills that employers need in the workplace.

Looking ahead, with AI becoming an ever more significant issue, we’re pursuing an AI skills partnership.”

Jodi’s message to employers is that the team are here to help. “If you are facing business skills challenges, come and speak to us. We know it can be tough and there are a lot of people who need our help. And if there is any chance to offer a young person a workplace experience such as an apprenticeship, please consider that.”

Check in for skills-rich career paths

By Martin Waters, Director of Sales, Portsmouth Marriott Hotel

Hospitality is often described as a people-first industry, and for good reason. Whether a guest is checking into a hotel, dining in a restaurant, or attending a conference, their experience is shaped by the skills and attitude of the team supporting them.

At the Portsmouth Marriott Hotel, this idea sits at the heart of everything they do, and it highlights a broader truth: the hospitality sector offers one of the most dynamic, skills-rich career paths available to young people today.

INFORMING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

From the outside, hospitality may appear to focus mainly on front-of-house roles, but the skill set is far broader and more transferable than many assume. Communication, teamwork, resilience, problem-solving, time management, cultural awareness, customer service, and leadership all feature heavily in day-to-day operations. These are skills that not only drive exceptional guest experiences but also equip young people for long-term success in any future career.

Within hotels like the Portsmouth Marriott, the diversity of roles means individuals can build both technical and professional competencies. Food and beverage staff develop precision, multitasking ability, and confidence under pressure. Front desk teams refine communication and conflict-resolution skills, ensuring every guest feels valued.

Banqueting roles provide hands-on experience in organising and executing largescale functions, while those in housekeeping master organisation and the discipline required to maintain high standards.

Behind the scenes, sales, kitchen, finance, HR, and our engineering team contribute to

the hotel’s success, proving that hospitality careers extend far beyond serving tables or checking in guests.

The Portsmouth Marriott Hotel plays a key role in nurturing this growing talent pool. Instead of waiting for young people to find hospitality, the hotel actively goes into the community, visiting local schools, attending careers fairs, and partnering with colleges to showcase the wide range of opportunities available.

‘Hospitality is not just a job - it is a pathway to growth’

The team speak directly with students about hotel life, from front-of-house service to culinary roles and event operations, helping them understand the pace and possibilities of the sector. They also promote the hotel’s work-experience placements and apprenticeship opportunities, which provide practical routes into the industry and the chance to build skills on the job. Through these outreach efforts, students gain early exposure to what hospitality can offer and the confidence to pursue it as a rewarding career path.

The Portsmouth Marriott Hotel is a notable partner in this ecosystem. Through apprenticeship programmes, school partnerships, and on-the-job training, the hotel creates structured routes for young people to enter the workforce.

One of the most powerful aspects of a hospitality career is its accessibility. Many roles do not require formal qualifications to begin; instead, enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and a positive attitude are the most valuable starting points. With the right support, as seen in Portsmouth Marriott strong training platforms, young people can rapidly acquire the hard and soft skills that turn early experience into long-term career opportunities.

As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, especially through digital innovation and increasing guest expectations, the demand for skilled, adaptable workers has never been higher.

Portsmouth is well-positioned to meet this challenge, providing young people with the tools, training, and inspiration to lead the industry forward.

In places like the Portsmouth Marriott Hotel, the message is clear: hospitality is not just a job – it is a pathway to growth, a foundation for lifelong skills, and a welcoming gateway to a vibrant and rewarding career.

Farnborough College of Technology is proud to announce a transformative donation from GE Aerospace marking one of the largest contributions in the college’s history.

College receives donation from aerospace giant INFORMING SKILLS

GE Aerospace, a global aerospace propulsion, services and systems leader, has provided the college with a generous investment which continues a century-old aeronautical legacy linking the college and the local community to the aviation industry.

The donation further strengthens the college’s ability to prepare learners for the future of the aerospace industry as well as their own futures, whether they progress on to university or launch

a career in the industry. The college is looking to invest in a jet engine, emulation tools and smart welding technologies, enabling learners to gain hands-on experience with industry technology while still studying and with hundreds of students applying each year, the impact of these investments is sure to be felt across the community.

commitment to excellence in education and a belief in the power of skills to shape the future.”

FOR THE FUTURE

Principal Virginia Barrett, Principal CEO, said: “This extraordinary donation from GE Aerospace is an incredible gift for both our students and staff. It reflects a shared

Dave Harris, London Heathrow On Wing Support Site Leader from GE Aerospace, added: “Today’s donation reflects GE Aerospace’s commitment to closing the skills gap and advancing aerospace education. By investing in Farnborough College’s programs, we are helping to equip future engineers with the tools and training needed to succeed in aerospace careers.”

Lakeside welcomes two new members of the team

Lakeside North Harbour (Lakeside), Portsmouth’s leading workspace, managed by Avison Young, has appointed two new members.

Asia Torr joins as a Customer Service Apprentice, working in the Workplace Experience team at Lakeside while undertaking a Level 3 apprenticeship with HTP Apprenticeship College. In her dayto-day role, Asia welcomes visitors and occupiers, manages meeting room bookings, and ensures that events and meetings run smoothly, including catering and technical setup.

Asia has recently attended a three-day induction in Birmingham, where she joined new starters from across the UK for training and networking.

INFORMING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

Also joining the team is Gemma Abraham, who transitioned from the Workplace Experience team into a new role as a Marketing Apprentice. After seven years at Lakeside, Gemma is now part of the marketing team, supporting campaigns, events, and occupier engagement across the business campus.

Motivated by personal growth and inspired by the career journeys of colleagues, Gemma started the 18-month apprenticeship programme. She has so far led Lakeside’s Recycle Week campaign, which included daily activities, digital content, talks with occupiers, and more.

Simon Bateman, Asset Manager at Lakeside North Harbour, said: “It’s fantastic to see both Gemma and Asia grow within Lakeside. Their energy, passion, and enthusiasm bring real value to our team, and their appointments are part of a wider investment in our people and in enhancing the occupier experience at Lakeside.

“Both Gemma and Asia have brought great energy, creativity, and enthusiasm to the team. It’s exciting to see talent growing within the business, and both appointments are part of a wider focus on nurturing careers, expanding our capabilities, and delivering even more value to our clients and occupiers.”

Gemma Abraham, Marketing Executive at Lakeside North Harbour, added: “I was inspired by seeing others progress at Lakeside and knew I wanted to learn something new. Working in front of house gave me a great foundation in building relationships, and I’m excited to build on that in a more creative and strategic way.”

Asia Torr, Customer Service Apprentice at Lakeside North Harbour, said: “I already feel like part of the team. I’m learning so much through the apprenticeship and getting to understand all aspects of front of house service.”

Careers soaring with new aviation course

Farnborough Airport, the birthplace of British aviation and Europe’s leading airport for premium air travel connectivity, together with Farnborough College of Technology (FCoT), has announced the launch of an enhanced Certificate in Airport Operations course.

Farnborough has always been synonymous with aviation firsts. From its role in the earliest days of British flight to its position today as Europe’s leading business aviation airport, Farnborough Airport has a long and proud history as a pioneering force in aviation. The Certificate in Airport Operations continues this legacy, preparing the next generation of aviation professionals with the skills and practical experience needed to thrive in an evolving industry.

‘Even

more local people can benefit from the exciting career opportunities that aviation

has to offer’

Building on the success of the inaugural course that launched earlier in the year –which equipped students with valuable skills to progress in the aviation industry and helped some of the cohort to secure employment – the new Certificate offers an enhanced programme tailored to meet the growing demand for talent in aviation.

The enhanced six-week course combines college studying alongside handson learning at Farnborough Airport and is designed especially for learners aged 21 and over.

Students will benefit from two immersive “Airport Insight” days at Farnborough Airport, where they will shadow professionals and gain practical, hands-on learning within their chosen specialism, with an additional day available to experience the airport’s various office functions.

The Customer Services module, for those students who select it, provides the option of taking an assessment to gain a City & Guilds qualification. An optional Engineering Bootcamp will be offered by FCoT in the week following the course.

Simon Geere, CEO at Farnborough Airport, said: “The feedback from our initial course cohort was outstanding with some having already secured roles within the industry. Following this success, we are proud to launch the enhanced Farnborough Airport Certificate in Airport Operations, ensuring even more local people can benefit from the exciting career opportunities that aviation has to offer, which in turn supports and contributes to Rushmoor Borough Council’s Delivery Plan for Skills, Economy and Business.

INFORMING

SKILLS

“Farnborough Airport has always been at the forefront of British aviation, and through this course we are helping to build the future of the industry by equipping local people with the skills and knowledge to take their first steps into aviation. As an Employer of Choice and Responsibility in the region, we are proud to be supporting local talent and contributing to the skills, economy and prosperity of Rushmoor and the wider area.”

FOR THE FUTURE

With 20 spaces available, an increase to the 12 available earlier in the year, the course will take place at FCoT two evenings per week.

One of the evening sessions each week will be delivered by global leader in air traffic management and airport services, NATS.

Principal CEO at Farnborough College of Technology, Virginia Barrett (OBE), said: “We are very pleased to again be working closely with Farnborough Airport on this course. Aviation is such a diverse sector and this course will give local people the chance to develop knowledge, skills and connections that could shape the next step in their career journey.”

Grace Jones-Parker, author ‘The Dreamscape’

Well-versed HSDC alumni is published

Aformer student at HSDC has recently had a poem published in a prestigious anthology. Grace JonesParker studied A Levels in History, Philosophy, Religion & Ethics and Classical Civilisation at HSDC Havant from 2023-25, as well as undertaking an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Alongside her studies at Havant, Grace honed her poetry writing skills, culminating in the completion of her poem ‘The Dreamscape’.

This year, the YW competition was titled ‘Empowered’, and encouraged young people aged 11-18 to write about something they are passionate about.

Grace’s poem was selected for publication in the anthology, Empowered - Journey Through Ink, a great honour for any aspiring poet. Not only was ‘The Dreamscape’ published, but it was the overall runner-up of the competition out of thousands of nationwide submissions.

INFORMING

When asked about what inspired her love of writing and poetry, Grace said: “I’ve always loved writing, but it’s only in recent years that I’ve focused on producing poetry. I bought my first poetry book in 2021, but mostly just field notebooks with short pieces. When I joined the College’s Online Creative Writing Group and began entering competitions, I committed myself to poetry and developed my own style after discovering some of my favourite poets, like Mary Oliver and Charles Bukowski.”

SKILLS

FOR THE FUTURE

‘The Dreamscape’ follows the story of the speaker, who appears to be trapped in an unsettling dream. Speaking about the poem, Grace said: “In ‘The Dreamscape’, I wanted to capture that creepy and disorienting atmosphere that you get in nightmares. I focused on creating an atmosphere that felt tense and unnerving, with no explanation or resolution, only an increasing sense of unravelling and helplessness.”

While at Havant, Grace submitted ‘The Dreamscape’ for consideration in the Young Writer’s 2024/25 national poetry competition.

Pete Budd, Havant’s Assistant Principal for Curriculum, was incredibly proud of Grace’s achievement. He said:

“Grace’s poem is a powerful piece of writing; intense, moving and superbly well-written, it truly deserved the national recognition it received. We have a thriving enrichment programme of creative writing enrichment at HSDC, and Grace's poetry continues a strong tradition of writing success.”

Since leaving Havant, Grace has started an undergraduate degree in Philosophy at the University of Leeds, but has continued to explore her love of poetry within a creative writing module. When asked if she had any advice for the next generation of writers, Grace said: “Allow yourself both time and grace. Developing a poetic voice is a gradual effort, and you cannot expect your first poem to be a masterpiece. Start small and don’t overthink it, and once you have built confidence in yourself and gotten used to the flow of writing, everything will come much easier to you.”

Everybody at HSDC is very proud of Grace, and can’t wait to see what she gets up to in the future.

‘The Dreamscape’

He dreams. Dreams of forms–abstract, people that aren't people, clouds of black smoke twisting, hissing under skin, stretched and distorted.

Others drift along the darkened landscape, listless, apathetic, restless, seeking a feeling unnamed, something they can’t even know is gone.

He scrubs his eyes with a barely-there fist, stumbling towards some light, but finds only static, a blur, where the horizon should be.

There are no Legos here, no childish comforts, no doll houses or plastic telephones, just endless hallways, perpendicular paths, black and white tiles flickering faster than he can step.

A way-station–frigid terror, cold fury, compliant indifference. A purgatory, the in-between of in-betweens, the epitome of the middle ground. No shadows, for it is shadow. No light, for it is light.

A labyrinth of turpentine and bleach, no footsteps, just echoes of echoes, whispering words that cannot be understood.

He catches a glimpse in the wall’s sheen, sees only a muddled absence where his face is meant to be.

Maybe, he thinks, trapped between panic and cold, cold indifference, maybe this is his fate, his becoming.

Numbness settles on him like a wet blanket. He can barely turn away, eyes fixed on the void as if it were a TV screen.

And in some twisted nightmare sequence, the world splits at the seams, stitches tearing, scars opening, like gates into hell.

Swallowing all good, all bad, hollowed out, bleeding with excess, slipping down the slick tongue of oblivion, and into sleep’s gaping maw.

Be confident, adapt and evolve: How to master skills

At a time where every sector is experiencing change, how can professionals continue to develop and thrive? It’s a question many people ask themselves at work, and it’s something Southampton Solent University’s Dean of the School of Technology and Maritime Industries, Sarah Radif, has mastered.

Here, we explore how Sarah has used her rise through the ranks of academia as an opportunity to master a wide range of skills.

Adaptability is key Sarah Radif has worked at Solent University for almost three decades. Her journey in academia began as a lecturer, before she carved out a path to where she is today – Dean of the School of Technology and Maritime Industries. Along the way, Sarah has navigated a range of sea changes, staying open and adaptable at every turn.

Sarah’s journey has shown her how important it is not just for individual employees to have business insights, but the organisation itself irrespective of the sector it belongs to.

“Business skills are paramount for any university to remain sustainable and viable,” Sarah said. “Universities in the modern era don’t just operate as places of learning; they are complex organisations that need to be sustainable, competitive and offer value for money.”

INFORMING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

So, with this in mind, what does an eco-system like a university, and its people, need to know? For Sarah – who started in academia in an entry-level teaching position three decades ago and is now at the helm of one of four academic schools – it’s about finance, marketing and industry engagement. “These skills help academics align their teaching and research with wider institutional goals.

“I’ve seen the higher education landscape change dramatically due to a multiple of factors; digitally, socially and financially, to name but a few. The key skill that I believe is essential to navigate this constant change is adaptability – being open to new ideas and willing to evolve.”

Sarah’s approach to developing both as a professional and within academia highlights how important it is for professionals to equip themselves with a range of tools that will help them to thrive in rapidly evolving sectors. “Interpersonal skills such as strong communication, collaboration and being collegiate are essential for navigating the challenges that accompany any change,” she said.

Perhaps, most importantly, it’s resilience and the ability to problem-solve that Sarah identifies as being paramount to any professional’s tool belt. And, of course, remaining calm under pressure.

Know your business

Whatever the sector, knowing an organisation and how it works is key. Beyond this, having business acumen as a professional – whether it’s in higher education or not – is guaranteed to serve a multi-layered purpose.

“Business skills are not only essential to academics; universities have a duty to embed those skills into the learning journey of their students so they, too, can thrive in the real world.”

A culture of trust

Sarah highlights that it’s not just about an individual professional continuing to develop their skills in the workplace, but about an organisation nurturing that development.

“Creating a culture of trust and openness is fundamental,” she said.

“Staff should feel confident taking risks, trying new things, and learning from failure. Providing opportunities for training, mentoring and leadership development are important, but so too is informal support; creating safe spaces and recognising contributions.”

Most importantly? “People thrive when they feel valued and invested in, so workplaces need to provide both challenge and support.”

Sarah’s insight is undoubtedly a source of invaluable influence; a university dean at the helm of industries traditionally led by male counterparts. But today, things are changing –and it’s with thanks to professionals like Sarah, whose steadfast commitment to continuous development has helped her arrive at the position she has today. For any woman wanting to rise up the ranks as she has: “Believe in the value you bring and never underestimate your skills or experience,” Sarah said. “Surround yourself with mentors and networks that will support and champion you.

Perhaps above all else: “Find your authentic style, set principles, and stick to your values.”

Taking steps to offer safer access to St Catherine’s Hill

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has replaced the iconic visitor steps at St Catherine’s Hill Nature Reserve, Winchester, ensuring safe and sustainable access to the top of this muchloved Iron Age hillfort and wildlife haven.

The previous steps, installed nearly 30 years ago, had deteriorated significantly and required frequent safety checks and repairs. Their condition not only made access more difficult but also led some visitors to stray from the path, creating ‘off-piste’ routes that damage the site’s fragile chalk grassland and has put the historic monument at further risk of erosion.

Encouraging visitors to stay on a single, managed path will help protect the site’s wildlife and habitat, as Jayne Chapman, Senior Nature Recovery Manager (Central Rivers and Downs), explained: “When steps become difficult to use, people often take alternative routes, which can damage the fragile chalk

grassland and erode this important archaeological site. The reserve’s many chalk grassland plants and butterflies are less likely to be disturbed when visitors remain on the steps rather than creating new, unsanctioned paths.”

‘The new stronger, safer steps, will safeguard St Catherine’s Hill for decades’

The new steps will provide a safe, slipresistant route for visitors, with timber treated with a built-in anti-slip coating. This design ensures they remain durable and secure for decades, even in wet weather, reducing the risk of slips and trips on the steep hill.

They have also been designed for durability and will have an expected lifespan of at least 30 years. This will reduce the need for repeated repairs and ensure that this historic landscape, which includes the Iron Age hillfort

– which has been placed on Historic England’s at Risk Register due to reasons including erosion – can continue to be enjoyed safely by future generations.

Jayne added: “St Catherine’s Hill is one of Winchester’s most treasured wild places. It is home to a wide range of butterflies including the Chalkhill blue, Adonis blue and Silverspotted skipper, as well as Frog orchids, Bastard toadflax, along with a variety of chalk grassland invertebrates.

“It attracts families and walkers alike, as well as groups who enjoy its wide views and wildlife. We believe that annual visitor numbers may now far exceed the 60,000 –100,000 recorded in 2014, reflecting the city’s growth and its popularity as a green space.

“The new stronger, safer steps, will safeguard St Catherine’s Hill for decades, allowing people to enjoy its views and wildlife while protecting its fragile biodiversity and archaeology.”

Eight new trainees to begin careers with Moore South

South

Salisbury, and Southampton offices.

The new cohort, made up of AAT and ACA trainees, joined the firm after a successful online training day in November 2024, which included group tasks and interviews. Following completion of the training day and if successful

they were then invited to a face-to-face interview at their local office.

The arrival of these trainees reflects Moore South’s ongoing investment in developing future talent across its South Coast offices. The firm remains committed to building strong and diverse teams in accounting, audit, advisory and tax, and has recently expanded both its audit and tax teams with senior appointments to support further growth.

Group Managing Partner Danielle Griffin said: “We are delighted to welcome our latest intake of AAT and ACA trainees to Moore South. Attracting and developing ambitious new talent is central to our growth strategy and we are proud to be expanding our teams across the South Coast. The strength of our people underpins the high-quality service we provide to clients, and this new group of trainees will play an important role in our future success.”

Award-winning integrated marketing agency Carswell Gould proudly supported the University of Southampton’s Student Founder Showcase on Wednesday 15 October, which is an annual event celebrating the creativity, ambition, and entrepreneurial spirit of the university’s next generation of innovators.

As part of its ongoing commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering enterprise within the region, Carswell Gould presented its own Innovation Award to one outstanding student from the cohort of eight student ventures from the university’s Foundership programme.

The winner was Cherish Boxall, who has founded Engage Intelligently – a business that sets out to bridge the gap between scientifically backed engagement strategies and real-world research challenges.

Cherish impressed the judges with a well thought out and practical solution that addresses a real, but little-known challenge. In addition to the prestige of winning the award she will also receive a bespoke afternoon marketing workshop with the Carswell Gould team – offering hands-on guidance to help elevate the Engage Intelligently brand, sharpen its communications strategy, and accelerate business growth.

The Student Founder Showcase highlights the diverse and dynamic entrepreneurial community thriving within the University of Southampton. From freelancers and social changemakers to smallbusiness owners and high-growth tech startups, the event demonstrates that innovation is accessible to all disciplines and career paths.

INFORMING SKILLS FOR THE

FUTURE

The showcase marks the culmination of the Foundership Scheme, a 10-week programme providing students with expert mentoring, funding, and workspace in the heart of the city. This proximity to Southampton’s vibrant business community enables participants to test ideas, gain real-world feedback, and forge valuable industry connections.

Ed Gould, Creative Director at Carswell Gould, said: “We’re passionate about supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators, which is why we became the founding partner of Venturefest South. The energy and ambition coming out of the University of Southampton’s Foundership Scheme is inspiring, and it’s a privilege to play a part in helping these young founders take their next steps. Our workshop will give the winner practical insights into marketing strategy, branding, and storytelling which are skills that can make a real difference to their success.”

Student Founder Showcase backed by marketing firm

The event enables students, university staff, business partners, and the wider community to come together to connect, learn, and collaborate, celebrating the power of enterprise to drive positive change in the region.

Carswell Gould’s leadership and active involvement with events like the Student Founder Showcase builds on the agency’s recent award of ‘Growth Catalyst of The Year’

‘The energy and ambition coming out of the University of Southampton’s Foundership Scheme is inspiring’

and reflects its commitment to supporting transformational initiatives that deliver real benefits to the region’s economy and business ecosystem.

This is also demonstrated by Carswell Gould spearheading the Venturefest South programme which culminated in the Festival of Innovation at the Utilita Bowl on the 12 November. This has become a key date in the calendar for ambitious, scaling businesses across the region. The festival brings together innovators, investors, entrepreneurs, and supporters to celebrate and accelerate growth.

Tyre business drives home with another win!

Afamily-run Hampshire tyre business has been named Medium Tyre Retailer of the Year for the sixth time in recent years at the UK’s leading tyre industry awards.

Merityre Specialists Ltd, which is headquartered in Andover and operates 24 branches across the Home Counties, received the accolade at the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) Tyre Industry Awards in October.

The award recognises retailers who demonstrate exceptional standards in customer service, operational excellence, staff development and business performance. Merityre previously won the Medium Tyre Retailer category in 2015, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and has won the Overall Tyre Retailer of the Year award three times (2019, 2021 and 2023).

Dene Arnold, Managing Director of Merityre, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive these awards. Winning Medium Tyre Retailer of the Year reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team across all 24 branches. These recognitions motivate us to continue raising the bar in everything we do.”

The company, which was founded in 1961

and opened its first branch in Sunbury-onThames in 1963, now employs 240 staff and has an annual turnover of approximately £36m. It remains a family-run business, combining traditional values with modern technology to deliver comprehensive tyre and automotive services.

‘Winning Medium Tyre Retailer of the Year reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team across all 24 branches’

Merityre’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its industry accreditations. The company operates 17 Pirelli Performance Centres, receiving two Platinum and 15 Gold awards in 2025. It was also named TyreSafe Tyre Retailer of the Year 2025 and has won the Autogem TPMS Expert of the Year award in 2022, 2024 and 2025.

The business has invested heavily in sustainability, installing 180 solar panels at its Andover head office to cover 50% of its energy needs, with plans to expand this to other branches.

Staff development is a core priority, with an in-house training manager approved by the NTDA ensuring all employees receive industry-leading training. The company runs the Merityre Champions leadership programme and a Stars of the Future talent development scheme. Many employees have been with the company for over 40 years, with an average tenure of 8.34 years.

On the same evening, Barrie Turner, Branch Manager at Merityre’s Hook branch, was named Tyre Centre Manager of the Year at the NTDA Awards. Barrie has managed the Hook branch for 18 years and has over 30 years of experience in the tyre industry.

Merityre’s 24 branches are strategically located across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Greater London, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey.

CHAMBER NEWS

ADVICE, NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THE CHAMBER

Conference puts ‘green potential’ in the spotlight

Practical advice on sustainable procurement was on the agenda as more than 150 decision makers converged on Basingstoke for the south’s biggest business conference and expo devoted entirely to green growth.

The third annual Unlocking Hampshire's Green Potential (UHGP) attracted representatives of companies and organisations from a range of sectors.

Held at the Apollo Hotel in Basingstoke, UHGP 2025 was staged by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce in partnership with headline sponsors Basingstoke and Dean Borough Council and business support network Barclays Eagle Labs and speaker sponsor Farnborough Airport.

Conference presentations featured expert advice on how to access green finance under ESG (environmental, social and governance) goals coupled with practical insight from innovators who have already built green investments into their operations and supply chains.

Ross McNally, Hampshire Chamber’s Chief Executive and Executive Chair, said: “We had a conference full of keen and enthusiastic businesses who have taken a dedicated approach to sustainability and ESG values.

‘In today’s market, your brand’s integrity is defined by the full lifecycle of your products’

“They came to share and explore how to build green strategies throughout their operations and encourage and champion others to do the same including supply chain partners.”

The keynote speaker was Dr Wendy Buckley, Client Director at Basingstoke-based climate change solution business Carbon Footprint Ltd and Chair of the North Hampshire Sustainability Business Network. Wendy told the audience that procurement was a key area for action on sustainability, and urged delegates to understand and manage their supply chain emissions.

She said suppliers’ performance can be assessed through metrics such as CFP, or

Supplier Carbon Footprint, which shows the total ‘cradle to grave’ emissions associated with the materials, products and services they provide.

She also highlighted Sustrax Lite, a free carbon calculator designed specifically for micro-businesses, saying it “provides the robust, credible starting point you need to understand your impact and begin your sustainability journey”.

Wendy added: “In today’s market, your brand’s integrity is defined by the full lifecycle of your products. Your biggest risks and your greatest opportunities lie outside your direct control, in your supply chain. We need to demolish the myth that sustainability must cost more. By integrating sustainability as a vital ESG principle, you can achieve a ‘win-win-winwin’ that enhances your brand, strengthens your supplier ecosystem, and prepares you for the inevitable future of reporting.”

Fellow presenters included: Councillor Paul Harvey, Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council; Event Co-ordinator Barry Smith, Chair Basingstoke for Hampshire Chamber; Robert Morgan, Head of Climate Tech at Barclays Eagle Labs; and Mark Sanderson, Group Corporate Responsibility Manager for speaker sponsor Farnborough Airport, the first business aviation airport in the UK to achieve carbon neutrality.

The conference culminated in an expert panel discussion on sustainable supply chains chaired by Ross McNally.

Let’s Connect: Hampshire Chamber and B2B Expos

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce

is proud to support the upcoming B2B Expos taking place throughout 2026 – designed to bring together local professionals, spark new connections and fuel growth across the county.

As part of our continued commitment to supporting businesses across Hampshire, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is delighted to once again partner with B2B Expos for a series of high-impact, face-toface networking events taking place in Portsmouth, Winchester, Farnborough, Basingstoke and Southampton.

These events are designed with local businesses in mind – offering a platform to showcase products and services, meet potential customers, explore partnerships, and stay connected to the wider business community.

Whether you’re a sole trader, an SME or part of a larger organisation, these free to visit events are an invaluable opportunity to broaden your network, keep your finger on the pulse and connect with the Hampshire business community.

Hampshire Chamber are also pleased to be hosting the speed networking sessions at each event. It’s the perfect way to break the ice, practice your pitch and leave with a pocket full of business cards and new connections.

The expos themselves are completely free to attend and feature a mix of local exhibitors, expert speakers and networking opportunities. You’re welcome to drop in at any time between 10am–2pm.

For those looking to take things a step further and showcase their services at the events, we’re pleased to share that Chamber

UPCOMING BUSINESS EXPOS ACROSS HAMPSHIRE:

• Portsmouth Business Expo 5 February 2026

The Village Hotel

• Winchester Business Expo 12 February 2026

The voco Hotel

• Farnborough Business Expo 15 April 2026

The Village Hotel

• Southampton Business Expo 7 May 2026

Southampton Football Club

• Basingstoke Business Expo 20 May 2026

The Apollo Hotel

members receive an exclusive £100 discount off the cost of a stand, simply contact Gemma Brett via gemma@b2bexpos.co.uk to find out more.

Exhibiting is a brilliant way to showcase your business to hundreds of decisionmakers and position yourself as a go-to provider in your industry.

So, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in business for years, we’d encourage you to join us. Come along, say hello, meet some new faces and let’s grow Hampshire’s business community together.

You can find out more, register to attend for free, or book a stand at: www.b2bexpos.co.uk/hampshire

Quality training at affordable prices

By Larry Martin, Head of Operations for Isle of Wight and Hampshire

As we enter our 10th year of trading, Good Skills Training (Hampshire and Isle of Wight) is a local company delivering health, safety and compliance training and consultancy services across the region.

Founded by Larry Martin and Barry Grant in late 2006, this milestone may be time to look back and see where we are today compared to when we started in Barry’s kitchen! Barry has recently moved into our new premises at Branstone Farm following many years at Winchester House after a short stint at Mill Court in Newport where we were neighbours of the Isle of Wight Chamber. Larry is based in Southampton/Winchester, and we have been working alongside the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce for four years.

As a local business we believe there is a purpose beyond profit, we want to give something back to the communities in which we live and work. Working closely with the Hampshire Chamber enables us to do that, offering reduced cost training and consultancy to Chamber members to promote and ensure safer and healthier working environments across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We work with all industry sectors, including education, construction, health, hospitality, etc and we offer First Aid (including Paediatric) Fire Marshall, Mental Health and Safeguarding training to name a few, and a comprehensive health and safety consultancy service.

INFORMING

With some of our team having a background in education we work very closely with over 85% of schools on the Isle of Wight and Hampshire, training staff and offering free first aid training to school children. To date we have provided first aid training and 999 workshops to over 6,000 children in the region. We will work closely with government to make sure our level meets and exceeds the level required when this is introduced into the curriculum. We also offer regular free CPR and Defibrillator Workshops to communities, charities and voluntary organisations across the region.

To ensure the wellbeing of staff and service users, businesses often must adapt and consider any new legislation or guidelines issued by the government. At Good Skills Training we keep up to date with these. We ensure our clients are aware of any regulatory changes that need to be made to remain compliant, and we work closely with them to ensure these are done. We are not a normal Monday to Friday, 9-5 training company. We happily work weekends and evenings if necessary to meet the needs of our clients.

Details of our upcoming courses and workshops can be found on the Chamber website www.hampshirechamber.co.uk /events and in the latest Chamber Events Newsletter.

Unlock the secrets to business growth - with Hampshire Chamber’s new Business Insights Workshop Series

By David Joel CDir FIoD, Lanson Consultants Limited

Are you seeking tried-andtested strategic approaches to boost your business performance? Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is delighted to unveil Business Insights a brand-new workshop series tailored exclusively for its members.

Designed to empower business leaders at all stages of their journey, this initiative offers a practical, results-focused approach to personal and organisational development.

What to expect from Business Insights Business Insights is a dynamic, interactive series of one-hour online workshops. Each session is compact yet impactful, enabling busy professionals to gain valuable insights without taking significant time away from their business.

The series is led by David Joel, a seasoned business executive with over three decades of experience in directorial and leadership roles. David brings a pragmatic, experience-driven perspective to the table ensuring that each session delivers not only theory but also realworld application.

What sets these workshops apart is their focus on the why and the how, rather than simply telling participants what to do. Each topic is designed to inspire fresh thinking, challenge conventional wisdom, and provide actionable takeaways that you can implement immediately.

Why these workshops are different These sessions are more than just learning opportunities they are spaces for reflection, exchange, and growth. Here’s what makes them indispensable:

• Expert-led session: Gain insights from someone who’s successfully navigated the realities of running and growing businesses.

• Interactive engagement: Participate in live activities and discussions with the facilitator and your peers.

Keeping You Out of Jail

A practical guide to your legal duties and obligations as a business owner.

Why Do Businesses Find Strategy Difficult?

A clear guide to strategic planning and decision-making.

INFORMING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

• Peer perspectives: Hear candid experiences from fellow business owners and professionals. Shared challenges often lead to shared solutions.

• Ongoing support: Access exclusive online Q&A forums where experienced members of the business community continue the conversation beyond the sessions.

Current planned workshop titles

The Business Insights series currently features an exciting range of workshop topics, with new ones being developed regularly. Current sessions include:

Driving the Business Forward

An insightful session on how to lead your company effectively.

Why Do Businesses Need a Defined Purpose?

An introduction to purposeand intent-based leadership.

Finance Is Too Important to Be Left to the Accountants! Learn how to interpret and use key financial statements with confidence.

If there are specific topics you would like to see covered, please contact Gemma Geide at the Chamber. The programme is constantly evolving, and Hampshire Chamber is committed to meeting members’ needs wherever possible.

Who should attend?

Whether you’re launching a start-up, scaling up an SME, or managing a long-established enterprise, Business Insights provides the ideal opportunity to step back from day-to-day pressures. These workshops offer you the space to reflect on your business strategy, gain new perspectives, and take away tools that support meaningful progress.

Let’s grow together

Don't miss this unique opportunity to enhance your business acumen, connect with fellow professionals, and gain the clarity and confidence you need to take your business to the next level. Let’s shape the future of your business together.

To register your interest or find out more, visit the Hampshire Chamber website www.hampshirechamber.co.uk or contact the team directly on 01329 242420

CHAMBER GLOBAL

SUPPORT AND ADVICE TO BUSINESS IN ALL AREAS OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Take your business global with expert international trade training

Ready to take your business beyond borders? Whether you’re just starting your international trade journey or already trading worldwide, our training workshops give you the skills and confidence to succeed on the global stage. New to international trade? This is your perfect starting point to build confidence and lay the foundations for future success. Already trading? Our sessions are the ideal way to refresh and strengthen your skills.

Why Join Our Training?

• Trade with confidence – make informed decisions about your global business strategy.

• Stay fully compliant – be certain you’re following the right procedures every step of the way.

• Master documentation – understand what’s needed and how to get it right, ensuring smooth international transactions.

• Stay ahead of change – keep up to date with the latest global trade developments and regulations.

• Earn recognised certification – work towards the British Chambers of Commerce Foundation Award to showcase your achievement.

Empower your business to trade smarter, safer, and more successfully on the world stage. With the right training, there’s no limit to how far you can go.

DATES FOR 2026 - JANUARY THROUGH TO DECEMBER

Rules of Origin

29 January, 17 March, 28 April, 9 June, 21 July, 7 October & 18 November

Aimed at those involved in the administration of international trade to ensure an understanding of rules of origin, product classification and item valuation to meet the demands of international trade in both exporting and importing

Inward/Outward Processing

10 February, 18 March, 29 April, 10 June, 22 July, 8 October & 19 November

The course helps you understand the advantages of claiming IP and OP, how commodity codes help, the documentation required, and whether AEO may also be helpful for your organisation.

Incoterms 2020

11 February, 19 March, 20 April, 11 June, 23 July, 20 October & 1 December

An introduction to Incoterms® and their importance to international trade. Understand the history and purpose of Incoterms®, how they are used, the practical issues to be considered, and sources of additional help and information.

Customs Procedures & Documentation

12 February, 31 March, 12 May, 23 June, 8 September, 21 October & 2 December

The course will cover the role of HMRC and practicalities such as origin, classification and valuation of your goods, use of documentation including the UK/EUR1, free circulation, AEO, VAT responsibilities, and the impact of Incoterms®. The course also provides an introduction to customs entries.

Export Documentation

13 January, 24 February, 1 April, 13 May, 24 June, 9 September, 22 October & 3 December

During the introduction course candidates will study the principles and current industry practices required to ensure that they can process documents to ensure they operate both legally and cost effectively. Delegates will understand the documents required for international shipments and transportation and where to go for further help and advice.

Understanding Commodity Codes

14 January, 25 February, 2 April, 14 May, 25 June, 22 September, 3 November & 15 December

Candidates will, after attending this course, be aware of what commodity codes are and what

they are used for. They will have a basic understanding of how to classify goods and will have successfully classified a range of goods to gain experience in using the UK Global Tariff.

Understanding Exporting

15 January, 26 February, 14 April, 26 May, 7 July, 23 September, 4 November & 16 December

The course covers the requirements of sales and purchase orders, an introduction to Incoterms®, packaging considerations, general compliance issues and commodity codes. The importance of export documentation is explained, along with sources of help and guidance.

Methods of Payment

10 March & 10 September

This introductory covers the five main types of payment for International Trade including cash in advance, letters of credit, documentary collections, open account and consignment and the risks associated with each.

Understanding Import Procedures

27 January, 11 March, 15 April, 27 May, 8 July, 24 September, 5 November & 17 December

The course will cover import documentation and procedures, commercial considerations, the importance of your purchase order, calculating VAT and duty, the three main import duty drivers and how to reduce import customs clearance delays. Incoterms® and their impact on importing will be shown, along with an introduction to duty regimes to help importers.

Documentary Letters of Credit

28 January, 12 March, 16 April, 28 May, 9 July, 6 October & 17 November

This introduction covers the 10 main types of letters of credit used in international trade from advance payment, including sight documentary collection and documentary letters of credit.

Agents & Distributors

Please contact the team if you would like to book.

The course covers the differences between Agents and Distributors, advantages and disadvantages of each, what to consider when appointing them, and an introduction to the legal implications.

To book and to find out more please visit our website www.hampshirechamber.co.uk/training

UNLOCK YOUR TEAM’S POTENTIAL

Is your organisation ready to take team performance to the next level? Our expert-led workshops are designed to equip your teams with the tools they need to thrive.

We work with companies of all sizes to create engaging, results-driven learning experiences that make a lasting impact. Let’s talk! If you're looking to invest in your people and cultivate stronger teams, reach out today. We’d love to explore how we can support your success.

TRAINING COURSES (VIRTUAL)

CHAMBER POLICY

REPRESENTING OUR MEMBERS LOCALLY, REGIONALLY AND NATIONALLY

POINTS FROM THE PROFESSIONALS

Start the year right, with an exclusive briefing from members of the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce Professional Services Forum. In this issue, we cover the following areas of expertise: Health and Safety, Restructuring & Insolvency, Property Law, Employment Law, Tax & Accounting and Cyber Security

HEALTH & SAFETY

Zoe Drew, HCS Safety

New Year – New British Standard for Fire Risk Assessors!

As is sometimes the case with new and evolving legal requirements, the clarification that we need sometimes arrives later than we would like. But we do need this – people need the right level of competence to tackle the varied levels of risk and complexity when fire risk assessing buildings. So, if you are a landlord, building manager or responsible in any way for the fire safety of your premises, then you need to know this…

A new British standard, BS 8674:2025, (ok, it was actually introduced in August) sets out what to look for in a fire risk assessor. The standard is the latest in a series that have been introduced in response to the devastating Grenfell fire of 2017.

What Is BS 8674:2025?

Simply put, BS 8674 is a competency standard. It does not change how risk assessments are carried out, but introduces a competency standard for the people doing them. This is done by introducing clear, measurable criteria for fire risk assessor’s skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours. It now sits alongside similar standards which have been introduced for Principal Designers, Principal Contractors, building managers and other roles involved in ensuring the safety of buildings for occupiers.

Three tiers of competence

The standard introduces three levels of competence, allowing assessors to be matched to the complexity of the building:

1. Foundation level: For new entrants assessing simple, low-risk premises (e.g. small offices or shops).

2. Intermediate level: For assessors with more experience, handling medium complexity buildings (e.g. multi-occupied workplaces, mid-rise flats).

3. Advanced level: For highly experienced professionals dealing with complex, high-risk environments (e.g. large residential towers, hospitals, or care homes).

What this means for you:

For duty holders and building owners: When appointing a fire risk assessor, you must ensure their competence level (Foundation, Intermediate, or Advanced) is appropriate for your building’s risk level. Failing to appoint a suitably competent person means you could still be held accountable for any failings in the assessment.

For fire risk assessors: The standard provides a structured career path and a framework for demonstrating professional commitment. It formalises the need for ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and adherence to a professional code of conduct.

RESTRUCTURING & INSOLVENCY

Chris Tate, AZETS

Good Cashflow Management

Strong cashflow is essential for business stability and growth. Without it, even profitable businesses can run into financial distress. Let’s start 2026 well with five practical tips to help maintain good control and avoid unwelcome surprises:

1. Forecast and review regularly

Cashflow forecasting should never be a once a year task. Regularly review upcoming income and costs so any shortfall can be spotted early and managed before it becomes a crisis.

2. Invoice promptly and follow up

Delays in billing lead directly to delays in payment. Issue invoices as soon as work is completed and follow up overdue accounts with clear and consistent credit control processes.

3. Manage supplier terms wisely

Negotiate terms that support your working capital. Align payment dates with expected income and avoid committing to more than the business can comfortably service.

4. Keep a close eye on stock and spending

Excess stock ties up valuable cash. Likewise, unnecessary or uncontrolled expenditure can erode liquidity. Implement regular review of purchasing decisions and stock levels.

5. Seek early professional advice

If pressure starts to build, advice from a qualified restructuring and insolvency professional can provide clarity, options and often a route back to a stronger financial footing.

PROPERTY LAW

Emma Ship, Paris Smith

Warning to landlords and tenants – check your leases! Insurance rent is a common provision in commercial leases, typically requiring the tenant to reimburse the landlord for the cost of insuring the building. The landlord usually arranges the building insurance policy

and the premium (and sometimes related costs) are recovered from tenants as “insurance rent”. This ensures the landlord can maintain adequate insurance for the building and protects both landlord and tenant against risks such as fire, flood, and structural damage.

The High Court in London Trocadero (2015) LLP v Picturehouse Cinemas Limited [2025] EWHC 1247 (Ch) clarified whether landlords can recover insurance commissions from tenants, within the insurance rent provisions. The dispute arose when Picturehouse challenged insurance rent charges, alleging the landlord included undisclosed broker commissions rebated back to itself. The court ruled these commissions are not recoverable under standard lease wording, which permits recovery of sums “payable by way of premium.”

Implications for landlords:

Lease review: Standard clauses covering “premiums” do not allow recovery of commissions; explicit drafting is needed.

Transparency: Clear disclosure of insurance costs and commission structures is essential.

Repayment risk: Tenants may claim historic overcharges within a sixyear limitation period.

Revenue impact: Landlords relying on commissions must reassess this practice.

Broker agreements: Ensure commissions reflect genuine services, not profit mechanisms.

Implications for tenants:

Scrutiny rights: Tenants can challenge charges including undisclosed commissions.

Recovery potential: Claims for unjust enrichment may cover six years of payments.

Negotiation leverage: Push for transparent insurance clauses in leases. Ongoing diligence: Monitor insurance charges throughout tenancy. The ruling reinforces transparency and clear drafting in commercial leases.

EMPLOYMENT LAW

Howard Robson, Warner Goodman

The truth will come out: Employment Tribunal and contempt of court. In a recent High Court case a former employee was found to be in serious contempt of court for giving false evidence during an employment tribunal case. Such a finding carries very serious personal consequences, including a

term of imprisonment and or a fine. Contempt of court proceedings can arise when a person makes a false statement in documents verified by a ‘statement of truth’, or when they give false evidence under oath.

Mr A was a employee until his dismissal in November 2019. He brought multiple claims in the Tribunal, including allegations of sexual and racial harassment, wrongful dismissal and bullying.

Mr A claimed that a colleague, Mrs Q, had sexually harassed and assaulted him but he had not reported the incident due to concerns for Mrs Q’s welfare following her mother’s death. He also claimed physical contact by another colleague, Ms O.

The Employment Tribunal dismissed all the claims and ordered Mr A to contribute £20,000 to the bank’s legal costs; unusual of itself.

The former employer later pursued contempt proceedings in the High Court against Mr A for knowingly making false and fabricated claims as well as providing dishonest evidence to the Tribunal.

In the contempt hearing the Judge found discrepancies in Mr A’s testimony, contradictions in his evidence, and documentary evidence that cast doubt on his version of events. The judge also found the claims were an assault on the integrity of those involved, particularly Mrs Q. The lies were serious, intentional and were designed to exploit the emotional vulnerability of others.

This case highlights the serious consequences of providing false evidence the Employment Tribunal, often considered a ‘less formal’ arena. Contempt of court is a serious offence due to the detrimental impact it has on the administration of justice.

This decision serves as a stark reminder to those involved in Tribunal, both employee and employer, about the risks of falsifying evidence. Doing so not only undermines the integrity of the judicial process but can also result in significant penalties such as fines, imprisonment or asset confiscation.

The case remains notable for the High Court’s willingness to impose contempt proceedings in an employment tribunal context. As the court prepares to hear arguments on the appropriate sanction, the outcome will likely set an important bench-mark for future cases.

TAX & ACCOUNTING

Mike Rule, HJS Accountants

As we enter a New Year it’s time to ensure that personal tax returns have been filed by 31 January 2026. The tax liability is due on the same date.

Those who file late will have penalties imposed which can reach £1,200. If your income for 2025/26 is likely to be lower than the previous year, consider making an application to reduce the payments on account. Bear in mind that if you reduce them then subsequently find that your income hasn’t dropped you are likely to incur an interest charge.

April 2026 heralds the introduction of Making Tax Digital (MTD), a can which has been kicked down the road for over 10 years! Self employed people and landlords with income, before expenses, of £50,000 or more will be required to make quarterly online returns to HMRC. There is no provision for paper returns, however those who retain manual books or spreadsheets will be able to engage their accountants to file using bridging software.

The income threshold is reduced to £30,000 from April 2027.

It’s important to choose a suitable software package. Some banks offer free packages, if in doubt please take advice. Your first quarter is for due for submission by 7 August 2026.

Continued on page 34...

Directors ID is another new introduction that has been occupying our minds of late. Anyone filing documents at Companies House after 18th November 2025 will have to have verified their ID at Companies House. Directors can do this themselves or use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) both are on line procedures. Each director will be issued with a unique code which will used for all future submissions. If a director does not have a code a company will be unable to file a document bearing their name. The object is to update the data held at Companies House so that the record doesn’t have multiple entries for the same person with different addresses, middle names omitted and names misspelled. No additional data will be placed in the public domain and the measure will assist in stopping identify theft.

Plenty to think about in the New Year!

CYBER SECURITY

Chris Cooper, Rougemont Security

You cannot help but notice that cybersecurity has been in the news lately. The National Cyber Security Centre has reported that, for the first time, there have been four nationally significant cyber events within a year, but also that companies of all sizes are being impacted. In a recent open letter, the CEO of the Co-op said to business leaders: “Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue; it’s a board-level responsibility. Senior leaders must take ownership of cyber resilience, rather than delegating it entirely to technical teams. Cyber threats are growing in scale and sophistication, and no organisation is immune. Leadership must ensure that cyber risk is embedded into the overall business strategy. Investment in prevention,

detection, and recovery capabilities is essential. Transparency and timely communication during incidents help maintain trust with customers and stakeholders.”

So, what should your cybersecurity resolutions be for 2026: Software updates: Yes, it’s boring, but it is one of the most important things you can do.

Multi Factor Authentication (MFA): Turn it on everywhere you can, and especially on cloud-based services. Where possible, avoid text message-based authentication.

External Scans: Regular scans of your Internet-facing systems help find the issues before the criminals do.

Password managers: Use unique, complex passwords for each different system/application and store them in a suitable password manager.

Risks: Ensure that as leaders and board members, you understand the cybersecurity risks relevant to your business and how you are managing those risks.

AI: Brings a lot of potential for businesses, but ensure you understand how a specific AI tool works before allowing any corporate data to be uploaded. For example, many of the public large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, Claude, etc. will use your data to train them and answer other people's questions.

The forum meets quarterly to share information and keep members up to date with the latest news from the professional world. If there are subjects on which you’d like an update but don’t see here, please contact the Chair of the forum, Zoe Drew at zoe@hcssafety.co.uk

Go green, grow green

By Cllr Paul Harvey (pictured), Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council

Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s a must-have. And for businesses it’s fast becoming a competitive edge. Times are tough, and they haven’t got any easier over the last 12 months. Energy costs are high. New environmental regulations have come in that we all must follow. Tragic global conflicts are disrupting supply chains and shaking markets. Added to that are the reality of tariffs and the increase in national insurance. All of these are burdens businesses bear, but there is confidence and hope. Going green can make a huge difference to your business.

There’s a clear opportunity. Customers are changing – and they’re choosing sustainability.

According to YouGov, nearly one in four consumers now prefer to buy from environmentally conscious companies. That number is only going to grow – and businesses that act now will surely grow with it.

Going greener isn’t just the right thing to do for our environment. Increasingly, going greener is the right way to attract new customers too.

Actions we take can help us to save money –particularly on energy bills – and avoid fines under new environmental rules. Steps like sourcing from responsible, local suppliers also help keep Hampshire’s countryside beautiful and economy thriving.

But it can be difficult to know where to start – especially if you’re running a smaller company with limited time, money and staff.

So here are five quick ways to help you grow green:

1. Get free solar panels installed by one of our local not-for-profit community energy companies – try Calleva Community Energy.

2. Champion energy-saving hacks with staff, including shutting down computers at the end of the day, switching off lights and checking external doors are fully closed.

3. Talk to your suppliers about using less packaging and sourcing more sustainable products. Under law, if a business makes or imports over 25 tonnes of packaging and turns over more than £1m a year, it must provide details to government. Businesses can work towards providing positive information.

4. Install heavily subsidised electric vehicle chargers using the government’s Workplace Charging Scheme that covers up to 75% of costs.

5. Recycle right by separating waste and recycling. Under law, all businesses must do this now, unless they have fewer than 10 full-time employees in which case they have until 31 March 2027 to comply.

And importantly, don’t forget to shout about your efforts to grow greener. Put your achievements front and centre – including on packaging, on social media, on posters in your buildings and on your website.

The tips above are a good place to begin. But there’s so much more support and free guidance available – and businesses should contact their local council for support.

In Basingstoke and Deane, the council offers small local companies a green business review. They only take an hour – and they are entirely free. See www.basingstoke.gov.uk/greenbusiness-review

Because no two businesses are the same, the council’s team works with organisations to understand them. The company then gets a tailored action plan to cut carbon, shrink bills, stay ahead of environmental rules, avoid reputational issues and attract more customers.

GREEN BUSINESS

CELEBRATING HAMPSHIRE FIRMS TAKING THE STEPS TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY

About (not) falling through the cracks

By Michael Cross and Fraser Harper, members of Hampshire Chamber’s Green Innovation Steering Group

There’s a certain relief in encountering writing that doesn’t just rehearse the same old arguments about skills, jobs, and climate policy, but instead sees the bigger picture and shows its cracks.

Our Top Read this month is one such piece: Hae Kyeung Chun’s essay ‘Falling Through the Cracks? Skilling, Reskilling and Upskilling for Job Transitions, a chapter in Rethinking Economic Transformation for Sustainable and Inclusive Development’ (Elgar, 2024). It is both global in scope and direct in its implications.

The numbers alone are jolting. Chun builds on ILO and OECD modelling which projects that the net zero transition could create 103 million jobs globally by 2030, while simultaneously destroying 78 million. That arithmetic leaves a gap – 24 million people whose jobs will vanish without clear pathways to re-employment. The essay argues persuasively that unless countries invest deliberately in reskilling and lifelong learning systems, those workers will simply “fall through the cracks.”

entrants, or creating career pathways for women and underrepresented groups.

Third, it frames the entire issue in just transition terms. For Chun, skilling is not simply about economic growth, it is about fairness. Without targeted policies, the benefits of the green economy will be uneven, deepening existing inequalities. Coal miners in South Africa, informal workers in India, older industrial workers in France, and women in technical fields across the globe all face the risk of exclusion unless reskilling systems are inclusive by design.

INFORMING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

One of the strengths of the essay is its reliance on evidence and case studies. It does not merely speculate but reviews where reskilling efforts have worked – and where they have failed. The lessons are depressingly familiar: training programmes underfunded, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) systems fragmented, and labour market intelligence too weak to anticipate emerging needs.

depends not just on technology and policy, but on equipping workers and business leaders with the right skills and mindsets.

2. Identifies urgent skills gaps – it highlights where the largest shortages exist (e.g., renewable energy, energy efficiency, lowcarbon transport), helping readers understand priority areas.

3 Focus on vulnerable workers – it stresses that without targeted reskilling and upskilling, many workers in carbon-intensive industries risk being left behind and this has a distinct spatial pattern

4. Emphasis on just transition – it frames skill development as essential to ensuring fairness and inclusivity, avoiding further/worsening social and economic inequalities.

5. Evidence-based insights – the text draws on case studies and labour market data to show how reskilling has worked (or failed) in real-world transitions.

Plenty of reports talk about skills in the abstract; Chun’s essay does three things that set it apart. First, it connects climate goals directly to skills. Net zero is not just about technology deployment or climate finance, it’s about people – the engineers who retrofit homes, the technicians who maintain wind farms, the care workers whose jobs free up others to transition. The argument is clear: climate ambition without workforce readiness is an empty promise.

Second, it identifies urgent skills gaps with specificity. Renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon transport emerge as the sectors where shortages will be most acute. The essay avoids generalities and points to where action is needed – whether that means upskilling existing workers, attracting new

At the same time, the case studies highlight positive interventions. In Denmark, strong national coordination bodies have successfully linked industrial strategy to skills planning. In France, union-led retraining programmes have softened the blow of industrial restructuring. Zimbabwe and India provide examples of how sectoral and community-based initiatives can open pathways for vulnerable groups. These stories underscore the essay’s central point: policies matter. With coherence, financing, and social dialogue, reskilling can work. Without them, the cracks widen.

We flagged 10 reasons why this essay should be considered essential reading for anyone concerned with the future of jobs and net zero. In short: this chapter is not simply diagnostic, it is prescriptive and forward-looking:

1. Direct link between climate goals and skills – it makes clear that achieving net zero

6. Global and local perspective – it discusses how the skills transition differs across countries and sectors, giving a well-rounded view.

7. Concrete policy recommendations – it provides actionable strategies for governments, employers, and education systems to align skills with the net zero (and circular) economy.

8 Integration of lifelong learning – it argues convincingly for continuous learning systems to support workers throughout their careers, not just at entry points.

9. Spotlight on systemic barriers – the text uncovers why existing training systems often fail to meet green economy needs, such as funding gaps, mismatched curricula, and lack of coordination.

10. Forward-looking analysis – it doesn’t just diagnose problems but also envisions how future skills ecosystems must evolve to drive both economic growth and climate resilience.

Calling Hampshire large power users: Cheaper, greener power is closer than you think

By Jake Barnes-Gott (pictured), Planning Director at Xela Energy

What if electricity could be cheaper than the grid, fully renewable, and traceable from source? That is exactly what Xela Energy delivers.

Who we are

Xela Energy is a UK-based Enterprise Independent Power Producer (IPP) and the UK’s leading provider of private wire renewable energy solutions for industrial-scale power consumers.

Clients include data centres, industrial manufacturers, portside facilities, and bluechip technology organisations with large, constant power demand.

Our private wire solutions are technologyagnostic and bespoke. Systems are designed and delivered using solar PV, battery storage, wind, or hybrid configurations to match site load profiles, resilience requirements, and long-term decarbonisation objectives.

This is not rooftop solar

These are dedicated, off-site renewable energy assets. Think purpose-built solar farms delivering 10MW or more of clean power directly to operations via a private wire; bypassing the grid entirely.

End-to-end delivery, de-risked

Xela Energy manages the entire project lifecycle:

• Funding (100% provided by Xela Energy)

• Land identification and securitisation

• Planning and permitting

• Grid strategy

• Construction and commissioning

• Long-term operation and maintenance

In-house planning and technical teams navigate complex approvals to reduce risk and accelerate delivery, often shaving months off traditional timelines. A land-first model secures viable sites close to client operations before engagement, simplifying the pathway to clean and sustainable power.

Not just paper certificates

Unlike conventional green tariffs that rely solely on REGOs, Xela Energy’s model delivers dedicated renewable generation alongside REGOs, provided free of charge. This approach enables:

• True additionality

• Full traceability

• Audit-ready reporting for ESG, Scope 2, and compliance frameworks

The result is genuine renewable power, not just green credentials.

Why large power users choose Xela Energy

Zero upfront cost – Xela Energy funds 100% of each energy solution, allowing organisations to preserve CapEx for core business activities and growth.

Long-term cost savings – once operational, Xela Energy recovers its investment through the sale of electricity at prices lower than grid electricity.

Delivered at scale – while many providers focus on small rooftop or onsite installations, Xela Energy’s off-site model removes spatial constraints and enables projects of meaningful scale and impact.

Proven

in practice: IBM Hursley

In July 2025, Xela Energy received full planning permission for a 5MW solar farm supplying renewable electricity directly to IBM’s Hursley campus near Winchester via a private wire, the first project of its kind in the UK to connect a data centre to a dedicated solar installation in this way.

The solar farm will generate nearly five million kWh annually, saving the equivalent of 46,000 tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime, comparable to planting 60,000 trees. The project also incorporates landscaping and significant Biodiversity Net Gain, while reducing demand on the UK’s oversubscribed electricity grid and strengthening national energy security. This project represents a strong positive outcome for both the sector and Hampshires.

The opportunity

Private wire renewables are no longer niche. They are becoming a strategic advantage for large power users seeking long-term cost certainty, resilience, and credible decarbonisation.

Contact Xela Energy to discuss how dedicated renewable energy assets can support operational resilience, cost reduction, and long-term sustainability objectives. Visit: www.xelaenergy.com

FOCUS FEATURES

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

Branded merchandise: How to avoid the hidden risks of buying online

By Emma Campbell (pictured), Director, etc. Branding

Branded merchandise remains one of the most cost-effective ways to build visibility, boost loyalty, and elevate company culture. But as more businesses gravitate towards easy-click online suppliers, seduced by apparently low prices and plenty of choice, it’s become easier than ever to make mistakes – ones that are often expensive, time-consuming or damaging to their brand.

Here are the most common risks companies of all sizes face, especially when ordering online, and how working with a branded merchandise consultant can help avoid them.

Risk 1: Too much choice, not enough guidance

Online platforms list endless products, often leaving it up to buyers to guess what’s good, what’s poor quality, and what’s genuinely right for their brand. This can lead to uninspired choices, wasted budget or products that don’t meet the campaign’s goals.

A branded merchandise company can guide you towards options that align with your audience, purpose and budget, often proposing solutions you wouldn’t have even considered.

Risk 2: Quality guesswork and inconsistent standards

Product descriptions online rarely tell you how thick a T-shirt feels, how vibrant a print will look, or whether a bottle scratches easily. Businesses often discover the truth only when the boxes arrive.

Consultants work with trusted, vetted suppliers and know first-hand which products perform well, wash well, print well and last.

You benefit from that experience and avoid costly surprises.

Risk 3: Artwork and proofing errors

Uploading a logo online might seem straightforward, but incorrect file formats, low resolution, wrong placements or inaccurate colour matching can result in merchandise that doesn’t reflect your brand properly.

A merchandise specialist reviews artwork, checks colours, positions logos correctly and ensures every detail is right before production. You get proper proofs, expert guidance and brand protection – and can also request physical samples sometimes.

Risk 4: Products that don’t align with campaign objectives

A popular product isn’t automatically the right product. “Top sellers” are usually based on how many people buy them, making your merchandise blend into the background instead of standing out.

Branding consultants should ask questions such as: what’s the goal; who’s it for; how should it be used; what impression should it create? This leads to smarter choices that deliver impact, not just volume.

Risk 5: Unsustainable sustainability claims

Eco-friendly options are everywhere, but not all sustainability claims are equal. Without guidance, businesses risk unknowingly promoting products that are recyclable in theory, but not in reality or made from materials that aren’t as green as they sound.

Working with a consultant, you will be supported in identifying genuinely lowerimpact products, come to understand the differences in manufacturing processes and

materials clearly, and ensure sustainability isn’t just a buzzword.

Risk 6: Hidden lead times and delivery challenges

When you rely solely on online or direct ordering, lead times, shipping delays, customs and communication gaps can cause headaches - especially if your needs change at the last minute. This can sometimes delay campaigns or blow budgets when you have to find replacements.

We can give you clearer timelines, more reliable communication, and set expectations from the outset.

Risk 7: Missed opportunities to maximise your budget

Buying online often means paying for the wrong print method, ordering in inefficient quantities, choosing low-quality materials or choosing products that don’t deliver ROI.

A consultant can often suggest better-value alternatives, more durable products, higher impact branding methods and minimum order quantities that stretch budgets further.

Risk 8: Lack of accountability when things go wrong

If an order turns up incorrect, damaged, misprinted or late, online suppliers rarely offer much flexibility. You may end up fighting automated customer-service systems or having to reorder at your own cost. On the other hand, a partner company can manage the project end-to-end, resolve issues quickly and ensure problems are fixed, not dismissed.

Avoid merchandise mistakes easily Working with a local branded merchandise specialist doesn’t mean spending more. It means spending smarter, avoiding mistakes, and getting products that reflect your brand the way you intended.

AI integration for secure business growth

By Nick Irvine, Managing Director BN-IS

AI promises transformative growth and efficiency, but concrete examples of its realworld impact – saving businesses time and money –are often missing.

A day in the life of a BN-IS consultant: Before and after Copilot Will, a BN-IS consultant, often spent significant time writing reports. He’d sift through handwritten notes, meeting transcripts, and data sources. Chasing missing information, cross-referencing details, and meticulously writing executive summaries for each customer consumed his time, leaving him drained and feeling perpetually behind and overwhelmed.

But now, with Microsoft Copilot integrated into our setup, as meetings conclude, Copilot instantly drafts comprehensive executive summaries, pulling in internal meeting transcripts, customer call transcripts, and data from our ticketing system.

This allows Will to dedicate more time to client solutions, proactive problem-solving, and delivering greater value, significantly enhancing productivity and client satisfaction – leaving him feeling empowered, no longer burdened by the constant race against time.

The critical role of security and ring-fencing in AI adoption

Our internal use of Copilot demonstrates AI’s potential for many businesses: automating routine tasks, gaining insights from vast datasets, and enhancing team productivity. But what’s happening to our internal data and,

more importantly, our clients’ data? While AI offers clear benefits, its integration demands stringent security. Without proper configuration and clear data boundaries, you risk data breaches, shattering client trust and reputation. The tools designed to enhance efficiency could inadvertently create significant security vulnerabilities.

When set up correctly, Microsoft Copilot offers secure, ring-fenced integration, ensuring data remains within your company's secure environment. This prevents unauthorised external access, minimises data breach risks, and maintains stringent data privacy by limiting visibility to authorised internal colleagues.

This approach also mitigates the risk of employees using external, unsecured AI tools like ChatGPT for company data, which creates “shadow IT” vulnerabilities. By providing secure, internal AI systems, we eliminate the need for unauthorised third-party tools, standardise workflows, and ensure data remains within company control.

Making AI work in your business

Our example above is a real, working example. Yet, possibilities are endless in every business – with proper implementation skills and knowledge.

In finance, this might include automating board packs, audit prep, or compliance reporting. In sales and operations, it could involve analysing sales trends and customer feedback for decision-making.

These applications shouldn’t just save time but also enable growth by allowing more clients or tasks to be managed, faster decisions to be made, and fewer risks due to improved accuracy and compliance – transforming AI into a growth enabler, not just a productivity tool.

Protecting your digital frontier

A warning: Implementing AI without a robust security framework is like building a smart home with no locks – how would you control access? Our expertise includes comprehensive risk assessments and compliance, helping businesses – particularly those without dedicated IT security personnel – navigate AI adoption safely.

Looking to streamline operations with AI, knowing your data is secure and your business is future-ready? Contact BN-IS to learn how we can help you integrate AI securely and efficiently.

As we move into 2026, artificial intelligence continues to dominate business discussions across the UK. But for small and medium sized organisations, the reality of AI adoption is far more practical than the dramatic forecasts suggest.

AI is not about replacing jobs, eliminating teams, or running companies on autopilot. It is about improving clarity, supporting people, and strengthening the foundations that many SMEs rely on.

Here are 10 grounded predictions that show how AI will shape UK SMEs in 2026 and how leaders can prepare.

1. AI will not replace jobs in 2026, but it will replace bad processes

Most organisations are not ready for fully autonomous AI. What AI will do is remove friction in day-to-day operations through faster admin, cleaner summaries, improved reporting and better access to knowledge. The key is not to over automate. Fix the process first, then allow AI to support it.

Ten predictions for how AI will shape SMEs in 2026

By Alastair Jupp (pictured), Managing Director, QGate

2. AI should be treated like a new employee

AI is not a ready-made decision maker. It behaves more like a new employee who needs structure, documentation, training, supervision and agreed boundaries. Like any new starter, AI needs an induction plan, so it understands its role, its responsibilities and the processes it is expected to follow. Organisations that treat AI like a junior colleague rather than a replacement will get far better results.

3. The businesses that win will be the ones that tidy up their systems

AI cannot fix fragmented systems, inconsistent CRM habits, duplicated records or undocumented processes. These weaknesses become magnified when AI enters the workflow. The companies that benefit most in 2026 will be those that finally stabilise their systems and data foundations.

4. AI in CRM will be an assistant, not a decision maker

AI will act as a sidekick, drafting messages, summarising calls, identifying inconsistencies and suggesting next

‘AI will reward the businesses that prepare carefully, not the ones that rush’

actions. People will continue to make decisions. Workflows that treat AI as a source of guidance rather than automation will be the safest and most effective.

5. Data quality will remain the biggest barrier

Incomplete records, inconsistent naming, outdated data and duplicated contacts will continue to hold businesses back. AI tools cannot clean data on their own. The companies that succeed will be the ones that build a culture of data discipline across all teams.

6. AI adoption will be incremental rather than transformational

Most SMEs will not undergo dramatic reinvention. Instead, they will see a series of small improvements such as better templates, quicker proposals, automated call notes, improved reporting and more accurate search. These gains accumulate over time and create meaningful efficiency.

7. Change management will remain harder than the technology

Teams will still revert to old habits, avoid documentation and resist new tools. The organisations that succeed with AI will be those that invest more in training, communication, expectations and culture than in any individual product feature.

8. Vendors will oversell AI, but real-world integration will lag

Technology providers will promote visions of seamless end to end AI experiences. But in practice many SMEs will continue to experience mismatched data models,

immature governance, manual workflow gaps and imperfect system integrations. AI features should be treated as helpful but still developing.

9. The real competitive advantage in 2026 is clarity

Clear processes, clear documentation, clear customer journeys and clear reporting will matter more than the specific AI tools a business uses. AI enhances clarity but cannot create it. Organisations with strong basics will amplify their strengths through AI.

10. The companies that focus on people will outperform the companies that focus on tools

AI can enhance productivity, but it cannot motivate a team, align a company or build a culture. SMEs that invest in training, communication, leadership capability and employee understanding of AI will outperform those that simply buy software. In 2026, the human experience will still determine whether AI succeeds or fails inside a business.

Final thought

For SMEs across Hampshire, and across the UK, the real opportunity in 2026 is to build the foundations that allow AI to work effectively. Treat AI like a new member of staff. Give it structure, onboarding, documentation and a clear role. Make your systems orderly, your data clean and your people confident. AI will reward the businesses that prepare carefully, not the ones that rush. Finally, AI will support clarity, not define it. If your business can consistently execute the basics, AI becomes an accelerator. If not, it becomes a distraction.

in-house training Is right for your business?

Choosing an effective training course for your managers and employees can be difficult – and one of the first issues is deciding whether to send your employees to an external course, or organising in-house training. In this article, Business Voice explores some of the benefits of bringing the trainer to you.

First off, consider the expertise and knowledge they will bring.

While your senior managers will undoubtedly know your business inside out, they might not have the most up-to-date information and training tools to hand in order to deliver the best possible experience. Not only will an external trainer be qualified, they will also have all the latest knowledge at their disposal, as well as the hands-on experience needed to facilitate an engaging and successful training course.

Your trainer will also bring all the necessary supplies your staff will need to take part, and you won’t have to come up with any ideas, tasks or activities. Your trainer will be able to draw upon their experience working with other companies; content and activities that have proven successful elsewhere can be replicated for you. Our top tip: in order to get the most out of your investment, check testimonials and read reviews. Find out how effective the content and techniques were –after all, you want to make sure the training sticks.

When it comes to training your employees, few business owners would disagree that an in-house course is the most convenient option for everyone involved. Not only will it minimise the hassle of travel, it will completely

eliminate expensive travel costs. Additionally, in-house training is cheaper per head than sending your staff on a training course, and it will reduce the amount of time your staff will have to spend away from their usual, day-today tasks, decreasing the chance of them falling behind with their work. Allowing your staff to learn in a familiar environment is also another huge bonus, as they will feel more at ease and more open to absorbing new information.

‘An external trainer will shake things up’

In-house training can also breathe a breath of fresh air to your business. An internal trainer might know the company well – but they might also be blinkered by old ideas and the old ways of doing things. An external trainer will shake things up. They might suggest new ideas and techniques that haven’t been explored before, which will encourage your staff to challenge themselves, develop new ways of thinking and discover better ways to tackle tasks.

After all this, you may still be considering sending your staff on a training course instead. However, what will you do if some aspects of the course aren’t relevant to your

business, or don’t go into the level of detail that you require?

You might worry that you’re not getting good value for money – so keep in mind that a good in-house trainer will be happy to tailor a course to your business’ unique needs. Before the session, you will have the opportunity to discuss the company’s history, goals, and, most importantly, your expectations of the course, and your trainer can make the sessions as relevant and specific as you need them to be.

Your staff won’t have to waste time covering things that aren’t relevant and you can get the most out of your investment.

Finally, consider how rapidly the world of work is changing. Many businesses have switched to home or hybrid working, and technological advancements such as AI are becoming more ubiquitous.

In light of this, business owners may be identifying skills gaps in their workforce. Upskilling could teach staff new skills (or enhance their current ones) in order to adapt for the future, while reskilling would equip employees with brand new to enable them to work in a different part of the business if their role no longer exists.

An in-house trainer will help you identify if your staff need upskilling or reskilling, and best of all, conduct a tailored training session over Zoom!

learning development Why and must be a strategic priority

As an HR consultancy working closely with organisations across sectors and organisations of varying size and maturity, we consistently see one theme emerge: those who invest in learning and development (L&D), particularly in strengthening management capability, are better equipped to navigate legal responsibilities, retain talent, drive productivity and build cultures that support long-term success.

Having worked in a variety of sectors, management capability is a common thread across the board. The thing is, very few of us are natural born managers and leaders and the skills gap needs to be addressed and developed. We frequently support organisations where managers have been promoted for their technical ability but haven’t yet been equipped with the skills to lead people effectively. The result is often inconsistent management practices, employee relations issues and unnecessary escalation of problems.

In today’s environment of rapid change and increasing legislative scrutiny, L&D is no longer a “nice to have”. It is a cornerstone of responsible, resilient and future-focused organisational practice.

When rapid change is the norm, together with heightened legislative expectations and intensifying competition for talent, the role of L&D has never been more strategically critical.

Organisations that prioritise continuous development, particularly for managers unlock competitive advantages that extend far beyond compliance.

They build workplaces that are safer, more inclusive, more innovative and ultimately more successful.

‘Managers who understand how to nurture talent can identify

strengths early’

Managers have the most immediate and influential impact on employee experience. Yet many organisations continue to promote high performers into management without providing the structured training required to support, coach and develop their teams effectively. Robust L&D interventions give managers the skills to:

• Hold difficult conversations

• Manage performance fairly

• Support staff wellbeing

• Build trust and psychological safety

• Confidently address behaviour that falls short of organisational expectations.

Recent updates to UK employment law, particularly around sexual harassment prevention, place a positive duty on employers to take “reasonable steps” to prevent harassment in the workplace. Training is a critical component of demonstrating compliance. Equipping managers with the knowledge of their legal responsibilities, combined with practical guidance on responding appropriately to reports, reduces risk and protects both individuals and the organisation.

Beyond harassment legislation, L&D also supports compliance in areas such as equality, health and safety, data protection and fair recruitment. Proactive education dramatically reduces the likelihood of costly claims and reputational damage.

High performers rarely leave because of the job. It’s a difficult truth, but they leave because

By Jim Hunt (pictured), a Senior HR Consultant at Pure Human Resources

management actions and activities are below their expectations, or there is a lack of development opportunities. Structured L&D demonstrates organisational commitment to growth and provides a clear pathway for progression. When employees feel invested in, they are more engaged, more productive and more loyal.

Managers who understand how to nurture talent can identify strengths early, provide meaningful stretch opportunities and create environments where high performers thrive. Modern organisations must embrace diversity, equity and inclusion (EDI) as a driver of performance, not a compliance exercise. L&D plays a crucial role by:

• Developing awareness of unconscious bias

• Equipping leaders to build inclusive teams

• Encouraging respectful communication

• Reducing barriers for under-represented groups.

A manager trained in inclusive leadership fosters stronger collaboration, improves decision-making quality and contributes to an environment where all staff feel valued and able to contribute fully.

Markets, technologies, and customer expectations evolve quickly. Organisations with strong L&D cultures adapt faster because employees understand how and why change happens and managers can communicate change effectively. Training strengthens resilience by helping leaders guide their teams through ambiguity with confidence and clarity.

Continuous learning creates a mindset of curiosity and improvement. Managers who invest in development are more likely to encourage experimentation, embrace new ideas and challenge outdated assumptions. L&D doesn’t just improve what people already do – it helps them think differently. This is essential for innovation and long-term competitiveness.

In a landscape defined by change, organisations that prioritise learning will be the ones that adapt, innovate and lead.

Apprenticeships - One of the smartest workforce investments a business can make

By Rachael Randall (pictured), Founder, HTP Apprenticeship College

After 25 years of working alongside businesses, one lesson stands out: organisations that invest in developing their people from within are far better placed to adapt, grow and succeed over the long term.

I founded HTP Apprenticeship College on the Isle of Wight in 2000 and today I’m proud to say that we’ve worked with hundreds of businesses across the South Coast and the UK, developing careers for thousands of employees. In December we were presented with the King’s Award for Enterprise, reflecting our work with young people in the health

care sector. It's a huge thrill to receive this prestigious honour, which is also evidence that apprenticeships really do work.

Apprenticeships are still too often misunderstood. Many employers see them purely as a route for young people entering work, rather than as a strategic tool for workforce development. In reality, apprenticeships are one of the most practical and effective ways businesses can address skills shortages, improve retention and build resilience into their organisations.

The challenge employers face today is very different from 25 years ago. Recruiting “job-ready” staff has become increasingly

‘Don’t view an apprentice as an extra pair of hands, or a qualification to tick off. See them as an investment in the future of your organisation’

difficult across sectors, from hospitality and health care to manufacturing, engineering and professional services. At the same time, businesses are under pressure to modernise, adopt new technologies and respond to changing customer expectations. Apprenticeships help bridge that gap by enabling employers to shape skills around their specific needs.

One of the greatest strengths of the apprenticeship model is that it supports both recruitment and progression. Bringing a young person into the business creates a genuine pipeline of future talent, while higher level apprenticeships allow existing staff to upskill, retrain or step into leadership roles.

For many employers, this forms the foundation of a realistic succession plan, reducing reliance on external recruitment and retaining valuable organisational knowledge.

We see this across a wide range of sectors. Hospitality businesses continue to use apprenticeships to build strong operational and management teams. Engineering and manufacturing employers develop highly specialised technical skills. Large, complex organisations such as those in aviation, health and infrastructure rely on apprenticeships to ensure consistency, safety and long-term capability. Increasingly,

Hampshire businesses across all these sectors are recognising that apprenticeships are not a shortterm fix, but a long-term workforce strategy – a shift we’re now supporting directly through the expansion of our Careers for Young People programme into Portsmouth.

Another often underestimated benefit is innovation. Apprentices bring fresh perspectives into a business. When supported properly, that curiosity and creativity can have a tangible impact on productivity.

None of this works in isolation. Successful apprenticeships depend on strong partnerships between employers, training providers and, in some cases, wider public sector organisations. Over the years, I’ve seen that the most effective programmes are those built collaboratively, where education and employment are aligned around real workforce needs.

With the right partnership between employer and training provider, apprenticeships really do become a structured, supported way to grow talent, improve retention and strengthen the team. They also offer financial advantages, particularly when recruiting younger apprentices, but the real return on investment comes through staff loyalty and continuing development.

My advice to business owners considering apprenticeships is to think beyond the short term. Don’t view an apprentice as an extra pair of hands, or a qualification to tick off. See them as an investment in the future of your organisation. With the right support, apprentices don’t just fill roles – they grow into them.

THE LATEST LIST OF CHAMBER EVENTS TO HELP YOU NETWORK AND GROW

Attract business - host a Chamber event

Partnering with Hampshire Chamber of Commerce to host events is an excellent opportunity for venues looking to attract new business, showcase their facilities, and become part of the region’s thriving professional community.

The Chamber’s networking events are well attended, often drawing 30–60 local business leaders, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs who are eager to connect in an engaging and welcoming setting.

Each event is promoted widely across Hampshire Chamber’s communication channels, including dedicated email campaigns, the Chamber website, and active promotion across social media platforms, giving your venue valuable exposure before, during, and after the event.

Hosting a Chamber event positions your space as a hub for professional growth and collaboration, encourages repeat bookings from businesses that experience your hospitality first-hand, and demonstrates your commitment to supporting the local economy.

Get in contact with events.south@hampshirechamber.co.uk to find out more about hosting an event with us!

Chamber Events

Chamber Connects! at The Anvil

Date: 21 January

Time: 09:30-11:30

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.

Hampshire Sustainable Action Network

The Hampshire Sustainable Action Network (HSAN) is a practical support network for businesses that want to make progress on sustainability without the jargon, pressure or unrealistic expectations. If you’re curious about sustainability but unsure where to start, HSAN is for you. Keep an eye on our website to find out more!

Portsmouth and South Coast Business Week

Date: Monday 23 February – Friday 27 February

Portsmouth and South Coast Business week returns for 2026! This week-long festival of free events supporting and championing the region, designed by business for business returns for 2026. The door is open for the region’s businesses to get involved!

TRAINING

BOOST YOUR WORKFORCE WITH CHAMBER TRAINING

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

Emergency First Aid at Work- One Day Accredited FAIB Course

Date: 20 January

Time: 09:00-16:00

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.

Social Media for Beginners

Date: 29 January

Time: 09:30-12:00

Our beginner social media training course gives you the confidence and clarity you need to get started.

We keep everything simple and practical, with step-by-step guidance that helps you understand the essentials across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

Cybersecurity & AI for Small Businesses: Practical Steps to Stay Safe and Save Time

Date: 5 February

Time: 10:00-12:00

This members-only workshop is designed specifically for small businesses who want to protect themselves from cyber threats and start using AI safely and effectively.

Attendees will learn simple, practical actions that don’t require technical expertise or large budgets.

The session focuses on real examples, easyto-understand guidance, and tools that small teams can start using immediately.

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! events.south@hampshirechamber.co.uk

Keeping you Out of Jail: A Business Leaders Guide to Your Legal Duties and Obligations

Date: 12 February

Time: 10:00-11:00

This session strips away the comfortable myths around company directorship and replaces them with something far more useful: reality. Forget the polite fiction that only people with ‘Director’ on their email signature have real responsibility.

Across the presentation, we walk through what the Companies Act 2006 expects from anyone steering a company, intentionally or otherwise.

You’ll see how statutory duties work in practice, how regulators view “helpful advice” that mysteriously shapes major decisions, and why being “only an observer” is a great way to wander straight into liability.

One resolution that could save your business in 2026

What are your New Year’s resolutions for 2026? Maybe it’s learning a new language, shedding some festive weight, or finally finishing that garden project you’ve been promising yourself since...well, last year! While you’re thinking about personal goals, have you considered your business resolutions? ANother Managed IT Services offers some advice.

Whatever your industry, from plumbers to photographers, decorators to design consultants, mortgage brokers to manufacturers, every business relies on IT. Yet, most only think about computers, email or cybersecurity when something goes wrong. And when it does, the impact can be significant.

That office PC in the corner, holding appointments, documents and accounting

information, may not look important, but if it breaks, suffers data corruption, or is compromised by ransomware, how will it affect your business? How much money could you lose if your systems are down for an hour...a day...a week? What happens if that data is lost forever?

IT systems are just as critical – often more so – than any tool you use in your trade. A handyman can replace a broken drill easily, but recovering from IT failure is rarely that simple. So, in 2026, make your business

resolution to improve your IT resilience, and ANother Managed IT Services can help you every step of the way.

Whether you’re looking to start that new venture and need your office network built, you’re looking to expand, or it’s about time you renew that aging IT infrastructure, we can assist. Even if you think your IT systems seem to “work fine”, are you certain they couldn’t be improved to maximise your efficiency? How much time are you and your employees wasting waiting for files to load, or download?

Is remote working becoming a bottleneck due to your outdated, slow and insecure Virtual Private Network (VPN) solution?

Cybersecurity is another area often overlooked. Many small businesses assume they won’t be targeted, but attackers don’t discriminate. Vulnerable businesses are easy prey for ransomware, and whilst larger companies might have the resilience to weather the storm of a cyber-attack, it can be

devastating for smaller organisations. Many companies have been forced into bankruptcy due to the costs of dealing with these incidents. Investing in robust cybersecurity solutions is more affordable that you think and is far cheaper than paying the price later.

IT compliance is another area that smaller organisations often don’t immediately see the benefit of, but clients are increasingly demanding cyber assurance from their third-

‘This year don’t let IT be the weak link in your business. Make 2026 the year your systems are secure, efficient, and future-ready’

party suppliers when tendering contracts to ensure their data is protected.

Having a certification like the Governmentbacked Cyber Essentials scheme demonstrates to your customers your commitment to the security of their data and may even be a prerequisite to bid for contracts going forward. We can help get your business ready for certification.

This year don’t let IT be the weak link in your business. Make 2026 the year your systems are secure, efficient, and future-ready, so you can focus on growth, not fixing problems. Partner with ANother Managed IT Services and give your business the reliable IT foundation it deserves, for this year and for many years to come.

SECTOR FOCUS

NEWS AND ADVICE FROM THE SECTORS THAT MATTER TO BUSINESS

Stay with me: How our hotels boost business for everyone

From boutique retreats to major chains, hotels accommodate tourists and business travellers alike, create and maintain thousands of local jobs and help provide income for suppliers, events and visitor attractions. Patina Farnham (pictured), General Manager for both the Novotel and ibis in Southampton, shares her insight on the hotel sector’s vital importance to our region.

“I love the city,” says Australianborn hotel management professional Patina Farnham of her adopted Southampton home. “Its history and culture tick all the boxes for me.”

It is six years since Patina moved here as the latest step in a hotel and hospitality career that saw her join the Parisheadquartered Accor hospitality group back in 2002.

Born and raised in Hobart, Tasmania, she gained a

hospitality management higher diploma from the University Centre Cesar Ritz in Switzerland and worked with Accor in six different cities across Australia before moving to the UK.

She came to Southampton in December 2019, with responsibilities for the group’s managed hotels the four-star Novotel and three-star ibis, key elements of the city centre hospitality offer since they were built next to each other in 1990.

The timing of her arrival was a challenge with the onset of the pandemic just a couple of months away.

Patina praises the colleagues around her for helping to navigate that period. “We rode the Covid wave and survived,” she said. “It was all down to an amazing team and the relationships we built together.”

Six years on, Patina continues to relish her busy ‘multi-hotel’ General Manager (GM) role.

“The GM does a lot,” she said. “You take full responsibility for all aspects of the hotel to create a wonderful guest experience. That means great functions and events alongside the actual stays in bedrooms. I have seven direct reports but my role involves training, guiding and motivating a team of 70 people in total to continually improve performance. If you get the training and motivation points right, performance happens by default. I love what I do. There is no typical day. You can be involved in strategy or training one day, then hosting 300 guests for lunch the next. The GM does it all, ‘on the tools’ as we say. As well as my in-house team, I work with around 30 housekeeping staff who are employed through an external contractor.”

While there is inevitable crossover, Patina points to several ways the hospitality proposition differs between her two hotels. “Although they share a great citycentre location just yards apart at West Quay, ibis is the more straightforward of the two to run.

Continued on page 58...

It has two-people bedrooms, but not for kids, so you tend to have couples and mates staying. Cruise passengers love it, as do coach groups. I’d say the appeal is to the young at heart and we have a lot of interest from continental Europe. On a personal level, for those visiting family and friends, being close to the train station is a major plus. For business clients, the ibis has smaller spaces than the Novotel, so it’s great if you want to book a training room for a small group. The Novotel is more complicated to run because it has facilities such as a pool, gym and family room. It’s a popular hotel for wedding functions. For business clients, we have a big conference space that is ideal for corporate meetings, events and seminars.”

The annual festive run-up is a busy time for office Christmas parties using the conference room, a trend that has grown in recent years. “It’s big enough for 350 people and can serve as a shared space,” explained Patina. “That’s a real benefit. If you’re a small company you can book one or two tables for 10, have an

affordable three-course meal and enjoy amazing entertainment.

“We’ll lay on a DJ, bands or a singer in a beautifully decorated room and add quirky extras such as a candy floss machine and a photobooth. It’s an odd concept but it’s actually really cool. It’s become exceptionally popular, people come back year after year.”

‘The financial input to the community is huge’

On the cruise business side, Patina says most guests tend to stay before rather than after their trips.

“We love a cruise visit,” she said. “We really appreciate those kinds of visitors who are, say, doing a transatlantic cruise but want to stay with us for a couple of days or other short stay. That’s really good for the city because they go out and about and spend in shops, pubs, restaurants, museums, art galleries and other facilities.”

Such activity serves to demonstrate the wider economic value of the hotel sector, added Patina. “The financial input to the community is huge and we are especially busy around key events on the calendar that attract visitors such as the Boat Show, Seaworks, Cowes Week, the Isle of Wight Festival and Southampton Summer Sounds. And as well as the spending of guests, you have whole teams working in hotels, such as chefs,

waiters, housekeepers and administrators, who also go out and spend in the community. It’s all part of a multiplier effect.”

Patina’s biggest message to the Hampshire Chamber membership is one of collaboration. “Hoteliers and the rest of the business community must work together to attract people to our region,” she said. “We should all celebrate Southampton, Hampshire and everything we have to offer.”

Barnbrook Systems’ MRO podcast takes off

Global engineering solutions provider Barnbrook Systems of Fareham has lifted the lid on Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) trends in a newly launched podcast.

The company’s Managing Director Andrew Barnett told how more civil and military operators are relying on MRO providers to extend the operational life of in-service assets amid financial constraints and rising geopolitical tensions. His comments came in the first of a new series of MRO-focused podcasts launched by Barnbrook aimed at such as sectors as defence, aerospace, fire security, aviation and maritime.

Andrew said: “Our podcast presents a perspective on MRO from a contractor within the supply chain. Our Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) certifications and position as a SME means we have insights

Barnbrook’s products for older assets include controls and speed switches for such

from working with primes through to sub-contractors.

“From our experience, many more governments, military and civil operators are seeking ways to extend the longevity of older assets whether that is in aviation, rail, maritime, defence and other sectors. Increased budgetary pressures and the unstable global geopolitical situation are key drivers, while the development of new technology has been able to make this possible.”

Barnbrook, with nearly 50 staff in Fareham, reverse engineers

and re-engineers existing components and systems through its MRO capability.

This includes brake controllers and directional controllers for older fleets of trains to combat obsolescence and extend service life. It has also recently signed 10year deal with Japan’s navy to breathe new life into a fleet of warships.

Within certification, Barnbrook also improves systems and through its Intelligent Internet of Things (IIOT) BlueCube© technology it is able to introduce

predictive maintenance and operational improvements through diagnostic analysis.

In the podcast Andrew says: “The cost of replacing some of these assets is hundreds of millions or billions of dollars and they are being replaced with something that might be new but is not fully field proven.

“Whereas we’re working with fully proven equipment, and the desire to push the life of that equipment out farther than it was originally designed is attractive financially to operators because it's still working.

“So some of the platforms are being pushed out five, 10 and 15 years into the future and we we're here to support that.”

Barnbrook’s products for older assets also include aerospace engine controls and speed switches for such fighter jets as the Tornado, Jaguar, Hawk and Sea Harrier. It also supplies such systems as temperature monitors, flight flap actuators and rotary variable differential transformers (RVDT).

EMPOWERING BUSINESSES TO THRIVE JOIN US!

INCREASE YOUR CONNECTIONS

Unlock new customers and markets through networking and events

TRAIN AND DEVELOP YOUR STAFF

Stay ahead with insights into global markets, funding and investment opportunities

EXPERT KNOWLEDGE

Empower your team with specialist skills to boost productivity

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Collaborate, innovate, develop and market

POLICY AND LOBBYING

Make your voice heard and influence decisions that matter

COST SAVINGS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Exclusive deals using the Chamber Services

Plan ahead to get ahead

Thomas Chartres-Moore (pictured), a Partner at the B Corp Certified and employee-owned law firm, Stephens Scown LLP, offers some key tips on how to prepare for success in 2026.

2026 isn’t just another year – it’s a turning point. With sweeping changes to employment law, tighter compliance rules, and AI transforming how we work, businesses that prepare now will lead the way. Here are three priorities:

1. Employee rights

Labour’s reforms will significantly shorten the period during which employers can dismiss staff without reason. The previous two-year window will be replaced by a much shorter timeframe of six months, reducing flexibility for employers. Recruitment decisions must be strategic. Retention matters too. Employees increasingly value flexible working, mental wellbeing, purpose-driven roles, and development opportunities. Businesses that embrace these expectations will attract and keep top talent.

2. Governance and compliance

Companies House now require identity verification for directors, LLP members, and persons with significant control under the

Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. Existing office holders have until Autumn 2026, but verification must occur before the next confirmation statement.

Plan now – map governance roles, update board procedures, and ensure company secretarial arrangements are compliant. Verified individuals or authorised providers (such as law firms) will be the only ones able to file from Spring 2026.

3. Safe adoption of AI AI offers transformative potential, but adoption must be strategic and ethical.

Develop a tailored AI policy addressing legal, operational, and ethical risks. Consider creating an AI panel and training staff to use AI responsibly. A proactive approach reduces legal and reputational risk and fosters trust.

The bottom line: Businesses that plan ahead will thrive in 2026 and beyond. Speak with our specialist commercial legal advisors on how to navigate the challenges and grasp opportunities for success.

Paris Smith recognised in The Times law firm rankings

Paris Smith LLP is proud to announce its inclusion in The Times Best Law Firm 2026 rankings, marking the firm’s debut on this prestigious list. The recognition highlights the firm’s outstanding work in corporate and commercial deals, a testament to its commitment to delivering strategic, solutionfocused legal services to businesses across the Central South and beyond.

The Times ranking, compiled in collaboration with Statista, is based on peer recommendations from solicitors and barristers across the UK. Paris Smith’s corporate and commercial team was commended for its technical expertise, commercial acumen, and client-centric approach.

James McNeil, Head of Corporate, Commercial & Finance at Paris Smith, commented: “Being recognised by The Times as one of the UK’s best law firms is a proud moment for

all in the department. It reflects the dedication, talent and collaborative spirit that drives everything we do. We’re honoured that our peers and clients value the work we deliver and the relationships we build.”

Paris Smith’s corporate team regularly guide clients through transformative moments with clarity, confidence, and commercial insight. They have advised on over 60 transactions in the past year, including several high-profile regional deals. Two notable examples include:

Advising the shareholders of Hampshire-based Environmental & Engineering Group Limited on its sale to Adler & Allan Limited. E&E Group provide specialist environmental services, including hazardous and non-hazardous waste management services, chemical and technical cleaning and bespoke engineering and maintenance services. The deal further cemented Adler & Allan as one of the leading UK providers of integrated

‘We’re honoured that our peers and clients value the work we deliver and the relationships we build’

environmental services. Acting on the sale of Hampshire Sport & Leisure Holdings Limited, owner of the Utilita Bowl site and Hampshire Cricket, to GMR Global Pte Ltd

(GGPL) – a Singaporean company which is connected to the GMR Group which co-owns the Indian Premier League Delhi Capitals, marking the start of a significant strategic partnership.

Fill the gaps and free up your time with outsourcing

By Oliver Finch, Partner Outsourcing, Menzies

Running a business means juggling competing priorities, and today’s economic environment makes this more challenging. Rising costs, uncertainty, and workforce pressures often leave business leaders stretched thin, taking on multiple roles and leaving limited time to focus on the broader strategic picture.

There is only so far you can stretch before key areas begin to suffer. Without the right financial expertise, systems and controls, planning becomes harder and opportunities may be missed, affecting performance, cash flow and long-term value

Menzies’ research highlights the scale of this challenge: 88% of business leaders believe their business would grow faster if they could remove distractions and create more time for strategic thinking.

However, reshaping internal resources or recruiting into key roles is not straightforward, and hiring is costly, time-intensive, and not always the right solution.

Outsourcing essential finance functions offers a practical way to bridge capability gaps, improve operational resilience, and give leaders time to focus on what matters.

Understanding where the gaps appear Modern businesses face increasing complexity, from changing tax rules and regulatory requirements to wider geopolitical pressures, often pulling leaders away from core decision-making.

Research from Menzies’ Greatest Leap report illustrates this clearly:

• 21% say that financial management and budgeting are their biggest distractions from strategic responsibilities

• 18% highlight HR and recruitment as major distractions

• 32% struggle to build a competent senior management team

• 30% find managing cash flow a significant challenge

Owners often take on financial tasks despite lacking formal training, reducing productivity and increasing strain.

The people problem: Getting the right experts in place

Deciding to bring in financial support is only the first step; knowing whether a CFO, financial controller, bookkeeper or a mix of roles is needed can be difficult, as growing businesses often require a blend of strategic and operational capability. The whitepaper outlines a clear structure of financial roles, from executive leadership to transactional support, illustrating the breadth of

‘88% of business leaders believe their business would grow faster if they could remove distractions and create more time for strategic thinking’

skills required for a well-functioning finance team. Yet the sector-wide skills gap, rising recruitment costs and challenges in attracting and retaining talent make building such a team difficult.

Outsourcing provides access to the right expertise at the right time, mitigating risk and ensuring essential financial responsibilities are handled effectively while internal teams continue to develop.

Reclaiming your time: Driving efficiencies with tech

Time remains one of the most constrained resources for business owners. Outsourcing not only relieves the pressure of operational and administrative tasks but also provides access to financial technologies that can transform internal processes. The whitepaper emphasises that adopting new systems is not onesize-fits-all; Menzies begins with a technology health check to identify gaps and recommend solutions that improve efficiency now and in the future.

Technology alone is only part of the answer; expert insight is needed to translate figures into meaningful action, whether assessing readiness for growth, identifying trends, or positioning the business for its next step.

This combination of tools and human expertise is central to building a sustainable path forward.

How outsourcing helps fill the gaps Whether a business has an in-house finance team or is starting from scratch, the whitepaper shows how Menzies can support operational and strategic areas, from bookkeeping to financial leadership, forecasting and digital system reviews.

The flexibility to scale support as needs evolve is a recurring theme, offering stability during periods of change.

The full report can be read at: www.menzies.co.uk

TGlobal Exchange launch event is hailed a success

he Global Exchange marked its highly anticipated launch in November, and the event proved to be an exceptional success setting a powerful foundation for a new era of insight-driven, internationally minded business support.

Designed to bring exporters closer to the expertise, updates and practical guidance they need, the launch brought together a full room of engaged attendees and an impressive line-up of guest speakers from the Export Joint Control Unit: Gareth Maybury, Terry Ryman and Adam Patel. From the moment doors opened, the energy in the room was unmistakable. Exporters from across the region arrived ready to learn, connect and share experiences. The agenda delivered exactly that. What set the event apart was its focus on practical knowledge. Rather than offering high-level overviews, the speakers delivered candid, scenario-based explanations of compliance challenges and walked attendees through real case studies drawn from the day-to-day realities of export control.

Delegates praised the format, the open Q&A, and the speakers’ willingness to engage directly with the unique challenges different

organisations face. Many commented that the case-study approach brought the subject matter to life, helping them better understand not only the regulations themselves but the reasoning behind them. Several attendees left with immediate plans to update internal procedures, revisit their documentation flows or initiate new staff training.

In short, the launch event did exactly what The Global Exchange aims to do: provide exporters with the tools, connections and confidence they need to thrive in a fast-moving global environment.

Looking

Ahead: The next Global Exchange event 19 February 2026

Building on the success of the November launch, The Global Exchange is already preparing for its next major event, scheduled for 19 February 2026. This upcoming session will focus on one of the most significant developments currently shaping the global trading landscape: the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

We are extremely pleased to announce that the keynote speaker for the February event will be Mitch Perks (pictured), Deputy Director of Trade at the British Chambers of Commerce.

Recognised for his deep insight into trade policy, regulatory frameworks and the realities facing UK exporters, Mitch will unpack the implications of CBAM from multiple angles policy, compliance, and commercial strategy. Attendees can expect a thorough, balanced and highly practical session designed to help businesses prepare for the changes ahead.

If the enthusiasm surrounding the November launch is any

With environmental compliance becoming a defining feature of international trade, CBAM stands as a critical topic for exporters seeking to future-proof their operations. Understanding its requirements, timelines and reporting obligations is essential, and The Global Exchange is once again bringing in authoritative expertise to ensure businesses receive the most accurate and actionable guidance.

indication, demand for this event will be high. Exporters who want to stay ahead of regulatory shifts, ensure compliance, and capitalise on new opportunities won’t want to miss out.

Don’t miss your space: The Global Exchange is just getting started, and the journey ahead promises to be as insightful and impactful as its launch.

at: globaltrade@hampshirechamber.co.uk www.hampshirechamber.co.uk/training

Building stronger businesses through social media skills

By Elly Cattermole, One2Create Limited

Social media is (and should be) part of everyday business life, and the way you communicate makes a real difference. When you understand how to create clear and natural content, everything starts to feel more joined up. Each social media platform has its own rhythm, so knowing what works where helps you share your business’s personality in a consistent and confident way. From quick updates to visual stories or deeper insights, strong communication skills ensure every post lands with purpose.

Listening to what people really think

Social media also gives you a direct line to what your customers are talking about, which is incredibly valuable. With the right skills, you can spot trends, pick up on questions or concerns and understand what audiences genuinely care about. These observations can guide better decisions, whether it is improving a service, shaping a product, or refining your customer experience. Listening well is the most effective way to stay relevant and connected to the people who matter most.

Creativity that sparks interest

Creative content is often what stops someone scrolling and seizes their attention. When you learn how to develop ideas, plan content and bring stories to life in intuitive and engaging ways, it

becomes much easier to show who you are. You might achieve this through thoughtful graphics, honest behind-the-scenes moments, or short videos that are human and relatable. Social media rewards originality over big budgets and creativity is a skill anyone can develop with the right support.

INFORMING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

Building stronger customer relationships

More and more customers use social media as their first stop when they need help or want quick information. This means the people managing those channels need confidence, empathy and a good understanding of tone.

When you know how to respond well, even tricky situations can turn into positive moments and opportunities. A helpful reply or a timely update is a chance to build trust that lasts. Over time, this strengthens the relationship between you and your customers.

Helping recruitment and team culture

A strong social presence is also a window into the culture of a business. Potential candidates often look at social channels before applying for a role. What they see can have a major influence on their choice.

When you have the skills to share achievements, celebrate people and show the day-to-day feel of the workplace, you are more likely to attract the right talent. Developing these skills internally also boosts confidence and encourages collaboration, which supports a healthier team culture overall.

Staying adaptable in a fast-changing world

Social platforms move quickly, and trends can shift overnight. When you understand the basics of good content and audience behaviour, it becomes much easier to keep up.

Adaptability is a big strength in any organisation and social media skills are crucial in building that knowledge. Instead of reacting with stress to every change, teams can respond positively with

clarity and confidence, which makes a business far more resilient.

Is your business using social media to its full advantage? If not, sign up for our social media training courses via Hampshire Chamber to get started.

A practical path to long-term growth

For businesses in Hampshire and beyond, developing social media skills is not an optional extra. It is a practical and vital step that supports real-world growth. Strong communication, better listening, creativity and confident handling of customer conversations all build a digital presence that is human and trustworthy. These skills give businesses the tools to stay connected, stay visible and stay ahead.

New research centre to tackle major health issues

The University of Portsmouth has officially launched its Centre for Integrated Health and Wellbeing (CiH-Well), a research hub dedicated to tackling complex health challenges that affect people from childhood through to older age.

The new centre will focus on tackling health inequalities, ensuring everyone has fair access to good health regardless of their background or where they live. It will also develop practical solutions for conditions that impact millions of people, including chronic illnesses, mental health disorders, and preventable diseases.

INFORMING

SKILLS

FOR THE FUTURE

By combining cutting-edge research with real-world applications, CiH-Well aims to improve health outcomes for individuals and communities locally, nationally, and globally.

The new centre represents a significant milestone in the university’s Research and Innovation strategy, bringing together expertise from diverse disciplines including psychology, sports and exercise science, social care, healthcare, and digital technologies to address complex health and wellbeing challenges.

CiH-Well builds upon an impressive foundation of research success, with its members having generated over £5.4m in research funding over the past five years from prestigious bodies including

UK research councils, Innovate UK, the European Union, charitable foundations, and industry partners.

Associated Professor Dr Tim Exell, Director of CiH-Well, said: “The launch of CiH-Well represents a pivotal moment in our mission to tackle the most pressing health challenges of our time.

“By bringing together experts from a range of fields, we’re creating a powerhouse for innovation that will drive meaningful improvements in health outcomes and wellbeing across all stages of life, both locally to Portsmouth and Wessex and with further global reach.”

The centre's research spans multiple critical areas including chronic conditions, mental health, and public health. Key areas of expertise include:

• Health and Wellbeing Technologies

• Biological Sciences

• Dental and Oral Health

• Health Informatics

• Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences

• Psychology.

CiH-Well operates as part of a broader ecosystem of health research at the university, working closely with the Centre for Simulation in Health and Care, Clinical Health and Rehabilitation Team (CHaRT), Research Group for Applied Psychology (R-GaP), and the Research Group in Breast Health. The centre is located within the Faculty of Science and Health at the University of Portsmouth and serves as an international hub for innovative health and wellbeing research. Last year, the university launched the UK’s first branch

medical degree in partnership with King's College London, training the next generation of doctors to address the severe GP shortage in Portsmouth and surrounding areas.

‘CiH-Well exemplifies the university’s commitment to world-class, multidisciplinary research that makes a real difference to people’s lives’

Professor Richard Thelwell, Executive Dean for the faculty, added: “CiH-Well exemplifies the university’s commitment to world-class, multidisciplinary research that makes a real difference to people’s lives. With millions of pounds in research funding already secured, this centre positions Portsmouth at the forefront of integrated health and wellbeing research.”

The CiH-Well was launched on 29 September featuring presentations from University of Portsmouth researchers and external speakers, facility tours, laboratory demonstrations, and networking opportunities.

NEW MEMBERS

HAMPSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME ITS NEW MEMBERS

Aspire Membership

Bartley West Ltd

Tonya Loades

Unit 12, Netley Marsh WS, Ringwood Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO40 2NW www.bartleywest.co.uk

02380 861123

Bartley West is an independent Chartered Surveying firm specialising in residential surveying and valuation.

Established since 2012, we provide reliable and authoritative property advice to homeowners, purchasers, developers, Housing Associations and Local Authorities.

With surveyors based across Hampshire and our head office in the region, we bring strong local knowledge and specialist insight to every instruction.

Key survey services include Level 2 and Level 3 Home Surveys, Snagging Surveys, Pre Completion Surveys, defect analysis and drone inspections.

Our reports are clear, detailed and designed to help clients fully understand condition and make confident decisions about their property.

Our RICS Registered Valuers provide RICS Red Book Valuations for Inheritance Tax, Help to Buy, Equity Loans, Right to Buy and Pre Disposal needs.

We also prepare Expert Witness Reports for Court matters, offering well evidenced opinions that meet formal legal requirements.

Our practice is defined by accuracy, professionalism and client care. Each project receives thorough attention from surveyors who understand the importance of clarity, precision and dependable guidance.

Whether advising a home buyer, supporting a property professional or assisting an organisation with specialist valuation or expert witness work, Bartley West delivers trusted expertise backed by more than a decade of experience.

Grow Membership

European Exhaust & Catalyst Limited

Ben Hendrick

Units 2 & 3 Parklands Industrial Estate, Forest Road, Denmead, Waterlooville, Hampshire, PO7 6TJ

www.eurocats.co.uk 02392 245300

European Exhaust and Catalyst (EEC) is one of the UK’s largest and most established manufacturers of emissions control products. With over 40 years of family-run experience, we supply a comprehensive range of catalytic converters, diesel particulate filters, exhausts, additives, and accessories across Europe.

EEC is the only European-based manufacturer to apply all precious metals to its catalyst and DPF products in its own UK-based coating facility, ensuring superior quality and full control of production. Using only the highest-grade, globally sourced components, our products meet strict European type approval standards.

Trusted by independent dealers, motor factors, wholesalers, and buying groups, EEC delivers reliable, high-performance solutions that help reduce emissions and improve vehicle efficiency.

Farnborough Sixth Form College

Emma Hobbs

Prospect Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 8JX

www.farnborough.ac.uk

01252 688200

The Sixth Form College Farnborough is a large, Outstanding college with over 4,000 students from Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire. We offer a high-quality education, focusing on a mix of A level and applied general courses, with students studying the equivalent of three A levels.

We pride ourselves on being in the top 10% of providers nationally for student progress.

Students are encouraged to aim high and benefit from a lively, caring community and a choice of over 80 super-curricular clubs and societies.

As an integral part of the business community, we welcome engagement from local businesses to shape the curriculum, provide mentoring, participate in careers showcases and act as subject advisors. This ensures students are wellprepared for the world of work.

Fawkes Coaching & Consulting Ltd

Charmaine Reid

20-22 Wenlock Road, London, Greater London, N1 7GU

www.fawkescoaching.com

07513 883094

Fawkes Coaching & Consulting helps professionals and organisations build confident, self-led leaders who navigate change, communicate with impact and lead with authenticity. With 20-plus years in global leadership, we provide coaching grounded in self-discovery, values, and strengths –empowering individuals to reinvent their careers and move forward with clarity, resilience and purpose.

Lollipop Print

John Drake

Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 0PH www.lollipopprint.co.uk/t/Store-Southampton 02382 147050

Lollipop Print combines decades of experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional print, design, and signage solutions. Founded in Brighton and now serving customers across Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire, we offer a truly personal service with a wide range of print capabilities.

Our state-of-the-art machinery produces everything from small format essentials like business cards, brochures and stationery, to large format projects such as banners, wall and window graphics.

Whether you need one-off prints or largescale runs, we ensure precision, quality, and fast

turnaround every time. Plus, with reliable delivery and fulfilment services, getting your print where it needs to go has never been easier. Lollipop Print – your local experts for all things print, from concept to completion.

MJS Displays 2.0 Limited

Shea McKay-Foreman

The Old Dairy, Stoken Farm, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG25 3BD www.mjsdisplays.com

01256 398851

MJS Displays are not just another stand build contractor. We understand that a client goes to an event to stand out, which is why we are never happy to stand still, we spend a lot of time discussing better ways to do what we do as a team, using the knowledge of the team with backgrounds working in carpentry, finishing and materials, graphic production and design agency management.

We don’t just want to price up a job; we want to work with our clients to understand what they want to achieve and work together to discuss how we will achieve the brief within budget.

There is no better feeling doing what we do, than seeing smiling faces when a client arrives on site and gets to see their design come to life. This is more than a job for us, we love doing what we do, whether its 10sqm, or 1000sqm, we take pride in making sure every job is delivered to the best quality possible.

RTL Materials Limited

Maria Hernandez Smith

130 Wellworthy Road, Ampress Park, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 8JY www.rolatube.com/contact-us 01590 688019

Rolatube was established as a business to commercialise the invention of the Bi-stable Reeled Composite (BRC) originally created in 1997.

Our first commercial application for BRC’s was for deploying inspection cameras into nuclear

NEW MEMBERS COFFEE MORNING

Included in your new membership is our New Members Coffee Mornings. Held once a month at Fareham College, this relaxed gathering is a great chance to meet other new members from different industries, have a chat over coffee, and pick up some handy tips on making the most of networking and your new membership. The membership team will be in contact with an invitation for these events.

fuel reprocessing facilities, where the compact nature, reliability and tolerance to radioactivity made BRC’s an easy choice for engineers faced with access constraints.

From that early starting point, we have developed our understanding of the technology and now make BRC’s for a wide range of applications and markets.

Based in Lymington, United Kingdom, 95% of our sales are exports, and continue to grow strongly.

We sell our technology into an increasing range of global markets, either as stand-alone systems, or as separate BRC components that are then engineered into finished products by our customers.

All Sales, Management, R&D and Manufacturing is undertaken within our Lymington facility.

RTL has a strong suite of Intellectual Property that covers our product technology, our manufacturing art and our applications.

Now employing over 60 people, we are a modern, energetic and high-performance business, determined to continue growing the business through professionalism and partnership.

We truly believe that the journey for Rolatube, and the BRC technology we are creating, has only just begun.

Skynet Accountancy and Bookkeeping Ltd

Yesmin Tilley

42a The Yews, Horndean, Waterlooville, Hampshire, PO8 0BH www.skynetaccounting.co.uk 02393 553991

Skynet Accounting is a specialist accountancy firm dedicated exclusively to UK manufacturing, engineering and industrial sectors. Unlike generalist accountants, we understand production costs, stock management and the unique financial and operational challenges you face daily.

We identify and fix product costing problems, calculate true margins, manage cash flow aligned with your production cycles, and provide CFO/FD-level strategic guidance for growth and exports.

We handle all compliance, bookkeeping, yearend accounts, taxation, payroll, VAT plus maximise your R&D tax credits and capital allowances.

No hourly charges and unlimited support when you need it.

If you're ready for finance support that matches your ambition, want to strengthen your financial position and take home more profit, we’re the partner you need.

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8 Ball Events Ltd

Timothy Taylor

Harefield, Southampton, Hampshire, SO18 5BZ www.timmytaylor.co.uk 02381 474515

Magician serving Hampshire and the Home Counties, specialising in corporate, wedding and stage magic. If you want to reward your clients, partners or employees, my performance is second to none and will leave your guests with a lasting feel-good factor and a belief in magic and their value.

Abby's Heroes

Pamela Broad

1 Talisman Business Centre, Duncan Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 7GA www.abbysheroes.org 02381 103103

Families of children receiving treatment for cancer face uncertainty and financial pressures when admitted to the only south coast Paediatric Oncology unit based at University Hospital Southampton. Abby’s Heroes offer practical and financial help to ease the immediate and longterm strain, ensuring families are supported throughout treatment and beyond.

ACAS

Emma Webb

11th Floor, 14 Westfield Avenue, Stratford, London, Greater London, E20 1HZ www.acas.org.uk 0330 1093536

Acas gives employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice. We also offer training and help to resolve disputes. Making working life better for everyone in Britain

AHEADMG LIMITED

Darryl Chapman

4th Floor, Silverstream House, 45 Fitzroy Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 6EB www.aheadmg.com

020 4583 8198

AheadMG is the trusted end-to-end Change Management and Quality Partner operating in all domains across the UK. Services include: Strategy & TOM – Advisory & Strategy Consultancy, Programme Management – Project & Programme Management, Analysis & DesignBusiness Analysis & Design, Test Strategy & Delivery – Strategy, Orchestration & Execution.

Carpenter Box

Kira McKinney Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 2BG www.carpenterbox.com 01903 234094

Award-winning Carpenter Box is a leading accountancy firm in the South-East, recognised for innovation and client service. We pride ourselves on delivering tailored, practical, and innovative solutions for our clients and their families. Our success stems from strong client relationships and the expertise of the brightest specialists in the industry.

entrustIT

Thomas Dodd

Ground Floor, The Doughty Building, Crow Arch Lane, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 1NZ

www.entrustit.co.uk

0330 002 0045

entrustIT is a multi-award-winning IT Managed Service Provider specialising in multi-site businesses and large SMEs. entrustIT’s familyowned, privately funded structure provides longterm stability with a personalised service. The company has three offices across the south, two of which are within Hampshire.

FD4me

John Harradine

Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 8RE www.fd4me.co.uk

07785 397284

FD4me provides ambitious businesses with senior finance leadership in clear focus. Our network of experienced CFOs delivers growth acceleration, cashflow mastery, profit optimisation, and investor readiness without the cost of a full time hire. We help leaders transform finance from back office function into a driver of clarity, resilience and growth.

Headway, Southampton & West

Wessex

Tara Doel

120 Commercial Road, Totton, Southampton, Hampshire, SO40 3AD www.headway-southampton.org.uk 02380 862948

An independent charity supporting adults with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) across Southampton, West Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight. We provide rehabilitation, advice and guidance to ABI survivors, families and carers, promoting independence as well as raising awareness of the impact and effects of brain injury within the community.

Innovationin

Ursula Tavender

Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 9FF www.innovationin.co.uk 07782506646

Innovationin specialises in people-focused AI transformation. We strengthen performance, capability and competitiveness by preparing your workforce for AI. Through diagnostics, strategy design and skills development, we ensure AI adoption is strategic, confident and value-creating across every team.

Marwell Hotel

Charlie Huskins

Thompson Lane, Colden Common, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1JY 01962 777681

Marwell Hotel, set amongst beautiful woodlands with a safari-style charm in Winchester, offers versatile meeting spaces, wellness walking routes and relaxed networking sessions ideal for inspiring teams. Perfect for corporate away days, we also collaborate with unique experience providers to create memorable, goal-focused events that feel refreshing, engaging and seamlessly organised.

Maxwell Communications

Robin Lander Brinkley

Eastney, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO4 9NH www.maxwellcommunications.co.uk 07718 973950

From start-up enterprises and established corporations, to nationwide companies and international organisations, Maxwell Communications has given support in marketing, communications and reputation management for over 20 years. Robin has a master's degree in marketing, awards for his work and career and is

delighted to be rejoining Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.

My Learning Cloud

Jordan Day One, Delme Place, Cams Hall Estate, Delme, Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 8UX

mylearningcloud.org.uk 07734266904

My Learning Cloud empowers health and social care organisations to simplify compliance, engage staff and create tailored learning journeys. Our LMS and CPD-certified e-learning provide engaging, accessible content with realtime reporting and automation to give clear oversight of progress and meet regulatory requirements while empowering teams to deliver high-quality, person-centred care.

Portsmouth Hospitals Charity

Sally Hillyear

Fundraising Office, Queen Alexander Hospital, Southwick Hill Road, Cosham, Hampshire, PO6 3LY

www.netshell.co.uk

02392 283392

Portsmouth Hospitals Charity raises funds to make a positive difference for patients, their families and the staff who support their care. We fundraise to help improve facilities, purchase equipment and support research and innovation. We are the charity partner of Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, and we work to support all wards and departments across Portsmouth Hospitals.

Saltwater HR

Nicky Sheppard West Sussex, PO20 0DE www.saltwaterhr.co.uk 07442993534

Saltwater HR provides expert HR consultancy support for small businesses across the south coast and beyond. Specialising in operational HR, employment law, and compliance, we help businesses build robust people processes. From contracts and handbooks to recruitment and HR software implementation, we deliver practical, cost-effective solutions tailored to your needs.

UK Export Finance

Richard Armstrong

1 Horseguards Road, Westminster London, SW1A 2HQ 07917837814

Export Finance is a UK government ministerial department and the nation’s export credit agency. UKEF helps exporters access working capital and manage the risk of not getting paid by offering a government guarantee. It partners with private sector finance providers and other countries’ export credit agencies to grow UK exports.

JOIN THE CHAMBER

The Chamber provides a range of quality services and benefits supporting your business to grow successfully.

Membership is open to businesses of all sizes and from all sectors with packages starting from as little as £5.76 per week.

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