|
Enterprise M3 Growth Hub
The Enterprise M3 Growth Hub based at the Surrey Technology Centre in Guildford has been launched specifically to provide to connect you to free business support and advice.
They offer a bespoke Growth Service, which gives free consultancy from a team of experts, for high growth innovative businesses throughout the M3 corridor.
What is the Growth Service?
If your business works within a priority or niche sector, there is a free personal service for you.
They have created a personal service connecting businesses with experts to help their growth plans.
This includes:
- Dedicated Growth Champions who focus on supporting individual business's growth plans
- Bespoke growth plans developed with businesses based on their unique requirements and circumstances
- A trusted expert services network; the introduction of experts with a proven track record of delivering growth results with clients
- A wide variety of expertise including: developing new markets; finding finance; innovation; product development and developing staff
- Impact assessment; growth results really matter to businesses and to the local economy, so we are with businesses every step of the way to track progress
Find out more about and enquire about the Growth Service here.
EM3 Growth Hub will be holding a breakfast event on Friday 27th October 8am-10am at TVBC Beech Hurst, covering Data Protection regulations for businesses. email Jeannie.satchell@be-group.co.uk
|
|
|
Global business advisors and accountancy firm Grant Thornton has launched the first collaborative working space in the region with new offices at the University of Southampton Science Park in Test Valley.
The innovative new environment, designed by award-winning Area Sq, will see a host of forward-thinking features to encourage inspirational thinking and agile working, which include: Informal meeting booths, small meeting pods, presentation and innovation space and much more. The thought behind this new style of premises is to promote activities that stimulate growth and create a vibrant economy.
Norman Armstrong, partner at Grant Thornton LLP Southampton, believes the enterprising new environment will bring wide-reaching benefits to its staff, clients and business people predominantly based in the Solent and M3 corridor region.
Peter Birkett, University of Southampton Science Park CEO said: “We’re delighted Grant Thornton has chosen the University of Southampton Science Park for its latest co-working initiative. It underlines the premium standard for our facilities which are designed to meet the needs of companies of all sizes from early stage SMEs to mature global businesses. With award wins and the opening of our showcase office at 5 Benham Campus, it has been a landmark 12 months for the Science Park and the arrival of Grant Thornton reinforces this. With our shared vision for economic growth in the region and our culture of collaboration, the benefit will be felt not just by the Science Park community but also across the wider regional economy.”
To find out more, please contact GTSouthampton@uk.gt.com
http://science-park.co.uk/property/benham
|
|
|
The Big Network
The Big Network has become one of the biggest and best business networking and exhibiting events in the Test Valley.
A successful collaboration between business groups and Test Valley Borough Council, it offers value for money and great exposure for businesses of all sizes.
If you want to raise awareness of your products and services, network formally and informally, make great connections with organisations that can help you, then this is the event for you. If you have never tried speed networking, our experienced team will help you.
We are delighted to have three dynamic entrepreneurs to talk about the benefits of going digital with your business. With an introduction to why digital is an important element in your overall strategy, hints and tips on the use of social media and the importance of visual content, the presentation is easy to understand for digital beginners, as well as those who have dabbled in social media marketing before. They will cover the ever-changing landscape of digital media, and why/how to keep up. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation so bring your notepads!
You don’t have to be a member of any networking group, it’s open to all businessmen and women and those who are considering starting their own business or a career change.
There is something for everyone at BN17 – live demos, great speakers, networking, and more … all concentrated in a couple of hours at the end of the working day with a fabulous buffet provided by Andover Buffets. For more details and to view the event flyer please click here.
|
|
|
|
|
BUSINESSES SHOULD MAKE THEIR VOICE HEARD
Andover is ready to launch its new local radio station. Andover Radio will play music from the past seven decades and feature voices from local people that many may know - this includes voices in advertising messages.
The station will broadcast from studios in the High Street and be committed to sharing information of interest to a mature Andoverian audience. As the town has a high percentage of owner/manager businesses, station director David Harber says it’s important that the personalities behind the businesses are heard: “Consumers are more likely to use a business if they feel they know its ‘personality’. Radio is a great way for people en masse to ‘buy into’ a business before making a purchasing decision.
“For 50 years, radio is still the most cost effective way to deliver a company’s marketing message and we want to share the voices of those people who run local business; helping them build and retain a loyal customer base”.
Station bosses are already taking pre-launch bookings for discounted advertising which includes radio and TV commercials, event sponsorship, content on loveandover.com and unique social media marketing campaigns.
Businesses who want to win customers from competitors and take advantage of ‘early adopter’ discounts should contact Ben Tuffin at ben@loveandover.com.
|
|
|
Test Valley Business Parks update
|
|
|
|
|
Walworth Business Park www.walworthbusinesspark.co.uk
Plot 37 – Evolution 50:
Having been completed in December 2016 this new 51,626 sq ft building is now under offer with contracts expected to exchange in October.
Plot 23/24 – MOD
As part of a regional reorganisation of MOD facilities, the MOD has taken a 10 year lease of Plot 23/24 for use as a Class A (HGV/LGV) training centre, bringing a number of smaller existing facilities to one location, which is also close to its existing car training centre, located within the Walworth Enterprise Centre, off West Way.
Plot 90 – Logistics City Andover:
In March 2017 the Council approved a resolution to grant an outline planning consent for a further 487,605 sq ft of B2 & B8 employment space. This will enable Kier and TVBC to offer sizes in excess of 60,000 sq ft which can’t be catered for on the existing business park.
Plot 51:
The lease of this long vacant building was held by an investor landlord who in February’17 assigned the lease to an owner occupier, Teloar Tanks LLP, who are now refurbishing the building, ahead of their occupation. The transformation is shown in the two adjacent ‘before’ & ‘after’ photographs.
Plot 66:
DHL Express (UK) Ltd assigned its lease of Plot 66 in August’17 to MRT Castings Ltd, who intend to either extend and fully refurbish the building or demolish and redevelop it.
Plot 73 - Columbus Quarter
TVBC and Kier have exchanged a Development Agreement, subject to planning, to develop a 4 Unit Retail Scheme, anchored by a discount supermarket. A public exhibition of the proposed plans will be held in Evolution 50 on Friday 13th October from 11:00 – 18:00.
Yellow Lining:
Due to hazardous parking in a number of locations on Walworth, Kier requested urgent action by TVBC Highways, who previously yellow lined various points under a Temporary Traffic Order. Further yellow lining will take place soon to address the issue of dangerous parking and this will form part of a Permanent Traffic Order for Walworth.
Walworth Enterprise Centre
The WEC’s 38 office and workshop units are all occupied but there is always ‘churn’ as businesses grow and move to larger premises.
Please contact Manager, Lorraine Renshaw on 01264-355841 on weekday mornings or via www.enquiries@walworth-enterprise.co.uk.
|
|
|
Andover Business Park
http://www.andoverbp.com/
More than 1,000,000 sq.ft. with detailed planning consent
Unit 5 Co-op CDC 470,000 sq.ft.
Chalkhill Blue, Harrier Grange http://www.harriergrangecare.co.uk/ and Travel Lodge https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/618/Andover-hotel
Centric 341, 340,000 sq.ft. warehouse ready for occupation
Development is underway for a 127,000 sq.ft. European HQ for Rich’s, a global food manufacturing company set to create many new skilled jobs, with a further 93,000 sq.ft. in later phases.
Visit http://www.testvalley.gov.uk/business/land/invest-in-andover
|
|
|
|
Merck expands world class Chilworth laboratories at Southampton Science Park
Merck’s Innovation Hub at the University of Southampton Science Park in Chilworth has showcased its new global laboratories which were officially opened on 2 August 2017.
The expanding site is one of the company’s most significant Performance Materials R&D sites globally. Home to a 90-strong multinational team, the Chilworth laboratories undertake ground-breaking research on advanced electronic and optoelectronic materials – the products which underpin much of the smartphone and tablet technology used today and in the future.
As the world-leading supplier of liquid crystals, Merck is instrumental in the rapidly developing field of organic and printed electronics. Every smartphone in the world contains materials supplied by Merck - from materials for LCD and OLED displays, to those used in the most cutting-edge memory chips.
“Merck Performance Materials has been a UK success story for many years; the UK was instrumental in the development of liquid crystals dating back to the 1970s. This expansion further cements the UK at the centre of Merck’s innovative product pipeline for Performance Materials."
Dr Owen Lozman, Site Director of Chilworth and Merck’s Global Platform R&D Director
“I am delighted to see the growth of Merck’s Innovation Hub activities as the company expands into new laboratories in our Science Centre. Not only is this a testament to the strength of the Merck business but it also marks a new era of greater integration with the growing Science Park community which I expect will bring many exciting collaborative developments to the fore.”
Peter Birkett, CEO of the University of Southampton Science Park
http://science-park.co.uk/news/530/Merck-expands-world-class-chilworth-laboratories
|
|
|
|
Business Networking opportunities
10 October 2017- The Big Network, The Lights, Andover
5.00pm - 7.30pm
The Big Network is back for its third year at the Lights. Be a part of the biggest networking event in Test Valley.
For further details and to view the event flyer click here.
14 October 2017 - Romsey Business Fair, Crosfield Hall, Broadwater Road, Romsey.
9.30am - 1.30pm
A fantastic opportunity to showcase your business to the public. Open to any business in Romsey & District supplying goods and services to the public. All businesses are welcome. For more details please view the flyer found on our networking diary page as a PDF document.
27 October 2017 - EM3 Growth Hub Breakfast event, Test Valley Borough Council, Beech Hurst, Weyhill Road, Andover.
8.00am - 10.00am
This event will cover general data protection regulations and will inform businesses on what they need to know.
All of the events above and more can be found on the TVBC website under the Business Networking Diary.
|
|
|
|
LEADER Grants fund rural businesses in Test Valley
A European grants programme for rural businesses known as LEADER has been operating very successfully in Test Valley. Already, more than 14 businesses are currently applying, 5 of which have successfully reached the offer stage so far. We want to see this number grow and we invite any rural based business in Test Valley to get in touch and find out if they are eligible.
We can grant aid up to £100,000, this is a non-returnable grant. All we ask is that businesses invest 60% of their own funds in a venture that will grow their business. We can then provide the 40% remaining.
Emily Preston, Programme Manager says “We can fund a huge variety of devices, goods or commodities that your business may need; from equipment, building works and renovations, accommodation for tourism, shops, cafes, restaurants, farms, equipment for businesses to enable them to grow, machinery, parking areas etc. If you are looking to develop your business now, then look no further”.
Contact Emily Preston to find out more. Whatever you purchase with grant funds must be able to remain in use for the business for a minimum of 5 years.
Contact: emily.preston@hants.gov.uk
|
|
|
|
Grants Still Available for Small Businesses in Rural Areas
The New Forest Local Action Group secured £1.43 million through the EU Rural Development LEADER Programme to invest in projects that directly support the rural economy of the New Forest including parts of southern Test Valley and southern Wiltshire. LEADER grants can be used to fund investment in certain types of buildings, equipment and machinery to help businesses grow and create jobs, with LEADER typically funding 40% of the cost and the applicant providing 60% from their own resources.
The LEADER grant budget is an ever-diminishing pot; so if you are running or starting-up a rural business and are looking to invest in certain types of equipment, machinery or buildings - don’t delay, visit our website at www.newforestleader.org.uk or email sally.igra@NFDC.gov.uk for information on what we can fund and how to apply. Some types of not-for-profit organisations and activities are also eligible to apply for grant support – again, further information is available on our website.
|
|
|
New superfast broadband funding for communities
Communities in Hampshire are being encouraged to apply for new Community Match Funding that can help them get superfast broadband.
The £1million scheme applies to locations which will not be covered by the Hampshire Superfast Broadband programme, which is already on track to provide 97.4% of the county with superfast broadband access by 2019.
The County Council will provide up to half of the funding to match money raised by communities*, to help connect the remaining 2.6% of Hampshire – the parts of the region that are generally more difficult or expensive to reach.
Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Roy Perry, said: “Good broadband access is fundamental - people rely on the internet everyday, whether it’s for banking and shopping, or learning and working from home. Not only is it vital for the economy of Hampshire, it is also an effective way of delivering modern and accessible public services. This money will allow more people to benefit from what is rapidly becoming an essential service.”
If you think your community could benefit from this scheme, please go to bit.ly/MatchFund to find out more.
*terms and conditions apply - see bit.ly/MatchFund
|
|
|
Andover Town Centre BID
The Council has appointed consultants CMS to prepare for a BID Ballot, to take place next year. Business representatives of the BID Steering Group were closely involved in the selection of the consultants. In the inaugural meeting between the consultants and the Group will take place in early October.
For more information please contact
Lisa Armstrong, Chairman of Andover Town Centre BID Steering Group lisa.armstrong@active-staff.co.uk
or
David Gleave, dgleave@trestvalley.gov.uk
In parallel with the possible BID, as Andover's Town centre Manager, Gemma is supporting businesses, organising events and marketing the Town Centre. Gemma can be contacted by email at Gemma_marshall25@yahoo.co.uk
|
|
|
|
|
Area’s Most Successful Businesses Celebrated at Test Valley Business Awards 2017
Wine, wit, and wonderful cheers as the winners of the Test Valley Business Awards 2017 are revealed…
14th September saw the end of an 8 month-long competition to reveal the 6 winning businesses of the Test Valley Business Awards 2017.
Celebrations took place at a very lively and entertaining Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony at The Museum of Army Flying, Middle Wallop, amongst its unique exhibits.
Enjoying drinks, courtesy of Chalkdown Cider, Danebury Vineyard, Ocado and Hildon Water and a luxurious 3 course meal prepared by Michelin award-winning chefs McCrimmon & Reid; guests enthusiastically took the opportunity to network, reinforce existing business relationships, and make new ones during a night to remember.
Deftly orchestrated by Master of Ceremonies Steve Randall, the evening also saw the Awards’ Guest Speaker – current Strictly Come Dancing contestant and TV personality, and musician Rev. Richard Coles – delight and inspire the crowd with a witty and impassioned after dinner speech.
From over 170 entries this year, 18 businesses were successfully shortlisted across 6 categories; but there could only be 6 winners…
The winners of the Test Valley Business Awards 2017 are:
Doing Business Locally Award – sponsored by Taylored IT - Braishfield Pantry Community Shop & Café
Apprentice Employer of the Year – sponsored by Andover College -Test Valley Borough Council
Innovation & Technology Award – sponsored by the University of Southampton Science Park - CoolLED Ltd.
New Business of the Year Award – sponsored by Test Valley Borough Council -Rosebourne
Small Business of the Year Award – sponsored by Wilkins Kennedy - Active Staff Ltd.
The Brenda Locke Award for Women in Business – sponsored by Phoenix Transconnect - Victoria Thorp, The Queen Charlotte Inn
As well as celebrating local business achievements, every year, the Awards also recognises the importance of supporting local causes and charitable organisations. This year, choosing The Museum of Army Flying as charity of the year, attendees were given the chance to hear more about the Museum’s current programme ‘Project Eagle’, whilst raising over £800 for this worthy cause.
Information about the night; including winners, and photos of the event, can be found on the Test Valley Business Awards website, at: www.tvbawards.org.uk
|
|
|
|
TVBA Winners and guest speaker Rev. Richard Coles.
|
|
|
Chilworth, Nursling and Rownhams (C,N&R) Skills Training Fund
Test Valley Borough Council has secured £56,200 from Lidl to fund skills training, as part of the planning consent for the regional distribution centre at Brownhill Way, Nursling. The Council is using this sum to encourage residents of Chilworth, Nursling and Rownhams Ward, self employed or employed elsewhere in Test Valley to apply for this grant for skills training. All applications will be determined at the Council’s discretion. Please click here for more information on the grant, to check eligibility and to apply on line.
|
|
|
Do you know your new Rateable Value?
Check the ‘rateable value’ of your property - this is set by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) and used by the Council to calculate your business rates bill.
Click on the link www.gov.uk/voa/revaluation.
Are you eligible for discretionary rate relief?
TVBC has been awarded more than £500,000 to support a new discretionary business rate relief policy which supports local and small businesses.For more information click here.
|
|
|
If you found this newsletter helpful you may wish to forward this on to a friend? Or subscribe to our newsletter please click here. You can also read past editions of the newsletter on our website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
