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Welcome to the February edition of Business Matters.
In this edition, we are highlighting the current consultation on the Test Valley Local Plan which identifies potential employment sites in the Borough, as well as the Government consultation on their draft Cyber Governance Code of Practice for business. There's also an update on the Test Valley Business Awards, and a call for land-based businesses to register interest in a £20,000 grant for a sustainability project which could act as a demonstrator for other businesses. As usual, we're highlighting plenty of local opportunities and events too.
 The Council has published a new draft Local Plan for the period to 2040. It sets out the planning policies and principles required to meet development needs such as housing allocations and land for employment uses, while recognising the importance of conserving and enhancing the local environment and heritage.
A consultation on the plan will run until 2 April 2024. The plan is available online and printed copies are available to view at the council offices and libraries. Residents, business owners and visitors to Test Valley will be able to comment on the proposals within the plan in writing, by email and through an online survey, and a number of drop-in sessions have been arranged to discuss the proposals. All the details and documents can be found here: Draft Local Plan 2040 | Test Valley Borough Council.
It will be the 20th anniversary of the Test Valley Business Awards this year! A diverse range of businesses have already stepped up as sponsors, and there is still the opportunity join them. There are three levels of sponsorship package - details can be found here Test Valley Business Awards or contact info@tvbawards.org.uk to discuss.
There will be a launch event for the awards on Friday 15 March from 1-3 pm at Kimbridge Barn, Romsey SO51 0LE. It is open to all Test Valley businesses and offers a keynote speech as well as a great opportunity to find out more about the awards and network with other businesses, sponsors and VIPs. To register your interest, please contact media@tvbawards.org.uk with your name, position, email address and dietary requirements. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis dependent on capacity at the venue.
Means Business Expos are hosting a Business Expo at The Lights in Andover on Monday 11 March from 4-6:30 pm. Attendance is free; there is a charge for exhibiting. Further information can be found here: Andover Means Business Expo.
Stockbridge will hold the annual Trout 'n About food and craft festival on Sunday 4 August 2024. It's a great opportunity for local traders to showcase local food, produce and crafts, and draws a lot of visitors. You can apply for a stall via this link: TROUT 'N ABOUT traders.
Romsey Food Fair, organised by Romsey Chamber of Commerce, will take place on Sunday 1 September. Applications are open to Hampshire traders who want to apply for a pitch. Further details can be found here: Romsey Food Fair – Sunday 1st September.
Enterprise M3 have run a number of webinars on net zero and how businesses can start to make changes. We are putting the recordings onto our website as soon as they become available; you can access them here: Decarbonisation Courses and Webinars. Each webinar includes a case study of a business - Phil Rawnson from MRT Castings Ltd, a foundry in Andover, presents in the first one EM3 Growth Hub - The Net Zero Opportunity Workshop. Helen McNair from Lionel Hitchen in Andover which manufactures and supplies flavour ingredients presents in the final session Net Zero Opportunity 3 Workshop. Upcoming sustainability events in our area will always be advertised in our Business Meetings and Events Diary.
Test Valley businesses out of the town centres are eligible for free net zero advice and support through the Rural England Prosperity Fund - please take advantage: Rural Net Zero Support | Test Valley Borough Council, Net Zero Business Support (incuhive.co.uk).
Through UK Shared Prosperity Funding, a grant of up to £20,000 is available for a land-based business located in Test Valley for a sustainability project which could act as a demonstrator for other local businesses. The project might for example reduce energy consumption, manage nutrient use more effectively, or otherwise reduce your business's carbon footprint. If you have an idea that you want to talk through, please contact IncuHive before the end of March on 0800 689 3564 or email netzero@incuhive.co.uk. See also: Net Zero Business Support (incuhive.co.uk).
The Farming Toolkit is a free resource commissioned by DEFRA to help farmers understand and navigate emerging 'nature market' opportunities. These refer to the sale and purchase of measurable environmental improvements such as carbon sequestration, improved water quality, improved biodiversity or reduced flood risk. The toolkit can be accessed here: Farming Toolkit for Assessing Nature Market Opportunities.
If you are looking to move into a new premises in Romsey or Andover town centre, you may be eligible for an Independent Retailer Grant. These apply to retail, hospitality and beauty businesses moving into ground floor premises in the town centres that have been vacant for at least one month. Further details can be found here: Independent Retailer Grant | Test Valley Borough Council.
Enterprise M3 is running a free workshop for SMEs that are interested in applying artificial intelligence to boost growth. It will take place on 19 March at Belvedere House in Basingstoke starting at 10 am. Places are limited so register soon if you're interested. More information is available here: AI Readiness - For SMEs | EM3
The Federation of Small Businesses is hosting a bootcamp at The Army Flying Museum, SO20 8FB on 24 April from 9:30 am to 2 pm. Talks will be targeted at entrepreneurs, the self-employed and small business owners, and there will be opportunities for networking and to visit exhibition stands. It is open to all and free to attend; there is a charge for exhibiting. You can book your place via these links: Exhibitors - FSB Business Bootcamp and Attendees - FSB Business Bootcamp.
HMRC has a YouTube channel with a number of short videos which give guidance on VAT registration, records and payment. It can be accessed here: Registering for and paying VAT - HMRC.
As a Council, we want to help you to succeed and to avoid pitfalls.
If you are considering building work to your premises or wish to change the use of your premises, you may need planning permission. You can request to speak to a duty officer to get some initial advice via the link on this page. You do not need to create an account - you can register as a guest: Do I need Planning Permission?
The Council licensing team has useful information here: Licensing & Regulation.
Finally, our free small business service can provide help on a whole range of issues for start-ups and for those businesses seeking to expand or do things more efficiently. Small business support service.
The Government has published a draft Cyber Governance Code of Practice to help businesses of all sizes manage cyber risks. It sets out the critical governance areas directors need to tackle in order to protect their organisations. They are seeking the views of business on the draft: Cyber Governance Code of Practice: call for views - GOV.UK. The deadline for submission is 19 March 2024.
In case you haven't come across it, The National Careers Service has an online 'Skills Toolkit' which provides links to a suite of free online courses for individuals/employees which provides a range of courses of different lengths and levels. Examples include How to use Microsoft Outlook, Communicating Effectively at Work, Bookkeeping, Project Management, and Programming in Python. Browse and access the courses here: The Skills Toolkit | National Careers Service.
This is a reminder that Andover College will hold a launch event for employers on 29 February to showcase their new state-of-the-art digital facilities. It will provide a great opportunity to network with fellow local business professionals, explore potential partnerships with the college, and explore the transformative impact that digital resources will have on education and workforce development. Please register here: Digital Launch - Thur 29 Feb 16:30.
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