August 2025

Welcome to the August Business Newsletter from Havant Borough Council's Economic Development Team. 

If you would like to contact our Economic Development team to discuss your business needs and how you can build partnerships and access support locally, please get in touch by email.

Join us for networking and launching Havant Business Growth Programme - Cohort 2

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, 17 September 2025

WHERE: Havant Borough Council, Public Service Plaza, PO9 2AX

TIME: 7:30am - 9:00am

Join others from Havant's local business community for free networking that will include a tasty breakfast and:

💠 Chats with like-minded businesses

💠 Updates on a regional and local level

💠 The launch of our highly successful Havant Business Growth Programme, running for a second time, designed and delivered by Aspire4Business.com. You'll also have the chance to hear from previous participants from Cohort 1.

Beverley Poole of Aspire4Business will be introducing the 7 week face-to-face programme, starting in October 2025, to businesses in early stages of growth or wishing to scale up. There will be an opportunity to register your interest in the programme on the day.

Limited spaces are available to attend the breakfast, so be sure to reserve your spot as soon as you can.

Exciting funding boost for startup and small businesses across Havant borough

The Economic Development Team at Havant Borough Council has secured £20,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to be allocated to startup and small businesses to help them grow.

If you are a startup, new or small business based in Havant borough, we welcome your application to the Havant Business Support Grant Scheme.

Grant support is available with a maximum of £4,000 awarded for up to 50% match funding contributed by the employer.

The grant can be used to support costs such as, but not limited to, sales and marketing costs and exploring new markets and products.

The grant scheme launches from today, 1 August, 2025, and closes at midnight on 31 August, 2025.

Free employer information session at Basepoint Havant

Ready to make real impact in your community this Christmas?

Off The Record is a charity based in Leigh Park that supports young people’s mental health to fulfil their potential for a brighter future.

The charity is seeking pledge donors for their upcoming Big Give Christmas Challenge, running between 2nd to 9th December 2025.

The festive season can be an incredibly tough time for young people who are struggling. With your support, Off The Record can continue to provide free counselling sessions, offering a safe, welcoming space where young people feel heard, supported, and valued.

By supporting this charity, you can make sure no young person feels alone this Christmas.

 Pledge now and your donation will be matched, doubling your impact during the campaign week.

To find out more or express your interest in becoming a pledge donor, please contact Katharine Gregory (Head of Fundraising) on katharine.gregory@otr-south.org.uk

 The minimum pledge is £100 and must be pledged before 29^th August 2025.

Get involved with Made Smarter and join the UK manufacturing movement

Are you interested in getting involved with Made Smarter and helping the UK to realise its digitalisation ambitions? Whether you’re a maker or a crafter, involved in the supply chain, a recent graduate with talent in emerging technologies or a tech provider we all need to work together to create a stronger, brighter and more dynamic tomorrow. Get set for the future. Register now to get involved.

Grow talent, unlock potential – with Hampshire County Council’s skills bootcamps

Hampshire County Council is proud to offer a growing portfolio of Skills Bootcamps, now including exciting new pathways in Artificial Intelligence, Leadership & Management, and Teaching Support. These join our established programmes in digital, construction, green skills, and more—providing flexible, funded training designed to meet real workforce needs.

These dynamic programmes are designed to help businesses grow stronger teams by equipping staff with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills. Whether you're an employer looking to future-proof your workforce or an individual seeking a fresh start or a new direction, these skills bootcamps offer a fast-track route to success. Ideal for those returning to work or exploring new career paths, our bootcamps provide flexible, funded training that connects talent with opportunity. Let’s build a smarter, more resilient Hampshire—one skill at a time.

If you have any questions, get in touch with the skills team by emailing skills@hants.gov.uk

Workforce training opportunities through Community First

Mental Health First Aid Certification Course

When: 15 September 2025

Where: Leigh Park Community Centre

Time: 9:30 - 16:00

This one-day Level 2 Mental Health First Aid course is designed for anyone working or volunteering with adults and is especially useful for nominated first aiders. While it won’t make you a therapist, it will give you the skills to listen, reassure, and respond to signs of mental ill health — potentially preventing a crisis before it starts. You’ll learn how to identify common mental health conditions, start supportive conversations, and understand the effects of stress, anxiety, depression, and substance misuse. The course also covers how to create a Mental Health First Aid action plan and apply these skills in the workplace.

On completion, you'll receive a Level 2 Certificate, valid for three years, and a NUCO handbook to support your learning.

Reserve your spot on the Mental Health First Aid Certification Course

Trauma-Informed Practice

When: 25 September 2025

Where: Leigh Park Community Centre

Time: 9:30 - 16:30

Trauma-informed approaches are revolutionising how we support individuals and drive meaningful, lasting change. If you've seen other models fall short, it's time to discover the power of this empathetic and effective framework.

Join the training session to discover the basics & next steps to building your own practice and a trauma-Informed team. Plus gain your TAP Certification.

Book your spot onto the Trauma-Informed Practice Training

Coaching Skills for Managers and Changemakers

When: 3 November and 10 November 2025

Where: Online

Time: 9:30 - 12:30 (both days)

This two-session online course is ideal for managers, social prescribers, job coaches, and case and support workers.

This interactive course will equip you with a GROW coaching approach to build trust, enhance conversations, and empower action. Led by Tara Goddard (PhD, MSc, SFHEA), an experienced educator and mentor, this course offers a Certificate of Achievement upon completion. Plus, two participants will have the chance to receive free 1:1 coaching to explore their next steps.

Reserve your space on the Coaching Skills for Managers and Changemakers training

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