Mark Pembleton, recently retired Economic Growth Manager at Portsmouth City Council, was given the Lifetime Achievement award at The News’ Business Excellence Awards in recognition of a long and distinguished career in local government laying the groundwork for Portsmouth's businesses’ success and prosperity.
A trained accountant, he has more than 20 years’ experience in economic development, and has steered a course for Portsmouth - whether that be winning £6.9m in Future High Streets Funding or £20m in Levelling Up fund cash for the city, or leading overseas marketing of the city with trade visits to Bangladesh and China.
Also at the Business Excellence Awards, the overall Business of the Year award went to Pro Pods, a company finessing a new way of living, creating ‘boutique’ style houses for young professionals. Pro Pods also won the Entrepreneur of the Year award for boss Daryn Brewer. Other highlights included Carrington West winning both the Training Programme of the Year and Large Business of the Year award and Package Free Larder and Wightlink, joint winners of the Sustainable Business of the Year. Employer of the Year Award went to the Coastal Kitchen Family.
Holidaymakers have named Southsea among some of the hottest UK destinations this year – giving it a top score for visitor attractions. In this year’s Which? survey, 4,300 people were asked to rate coastal resorts they have visited across a range of categories, including quality of beaches, seafront, tourist attractions, food and drink, scenery, peace and quiet and value for money.
Scoring five stars for its visitor attractions as well as four stars for food and drink, and shopping, Southsea placed 32nd out of 87 – placing it above St Ives in Cornwall (49th) and Brighton (57th).
Businesses in the area welcomed the news. Jennifer Sanchez, owner of Southsea-based photography company Liberty Photography, and homeware store Into the Savannah, said: ‘As an island it is only getting busier, more exciting and vibrant and the buzz is growing."
Terence Carvalho, regional director of marketing agency Delivered Social and former general manager at Becketts in Southsea, said: ‘There is nothing better than Southsea seaside, especially in the summer. Southsea bandstand, Victorious Festival, The Kite Festival just to name a few things we have that get the city buzzing. "
FSB have released a new report for SME's. Business Without Barriers, looks at the issues facing small business owners with a disability or a health condition.
The report reveals the high number of people running SMEs who have a condition and looks at some of the restrictions they may face because of it. It also offers some ideas and recommendations to make access to entrepreneurship easier for people with a condition.
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25% of small business owners have a disability or health condition
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51% of small business employers have employed someone with a disability or health condition
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97% of small business employers offer flexible working to employees with a disability or health condition
Disabled entrepreneurs are an essential part of the UK economy, with disabled-owned small businesses accounting for 8.6 per cent of the turnover of all UK businesses. Disabled people in work are more likely to go into self-employment than non-disabled people in work. While sometimes this option is because of a lack of appropriate employment prospects, there are many disabled entrepreneurs who have chosen self-employment to fill a gap in the market, to disrupt a sector, or simply to have control over their own time.
The government has announced new measures to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia by removing all tariffs covered by the existing UK-Ukraine trade deal and hitting the Putin government with fresh sanctions.
All tariffs on goods imported from Ukraine will now be reduced to zero and all quotas will be removed under the free trade agreement, providing Ukraine economic support in their hour of need.
This announcement follows a direct request from President Zelenskyy’s government to liberalise tariffs and support the Ukrainian economy. Removing tariffs on key Ukrainian exports including barley, honey, tinned tomatoes, and poultry will help Ukrainian businesses and producers when they need it most.
Lakeside are proud to be supporting and hosting The Business Innovation South Expo on 14 September. This exciting event offers a platform for companies in the science, technology, engineering (STEM) and business innovation sectors, and their aligned service providers to promote their products and services.
Exhibitors and visitors are invited to engage and learn all about the latest products and technology available to help drive their business forward, from IT to renewable energy, cyber security to smart intelligent building design. There will also be opportunities to hear enlightening talks on related topics and interact at business related workshops.
14 September - save the date
The government-backed Help to Grow: Management course will open the door to growth for thousands of businesses. Delivered by the University of Portsmouth, this course includes 50 hours of in depth training, 1:1 business mentoring, and the opportunity to grow your business fast.
The 12-week programme costs just £750 and is 90% subsidised by the government. Aimed at senior leaders in small and medium businesses, the course covers strategies for growth and innovation, leading high-performance teams, and digital adoption, as well as financial management and responsible business practices. By the end of the programme, you will develop a tailored business growth plan to increase productivity and grow your revenue to help take your business to the next level.
From 17 May
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