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Welcome to the December edition of Test Valley Business Matters. We wish you all a very successful December, and a restful break when you are able to take one.
In this edition, we highlight an event for farmers on 15 January to provide the results of the trials funded by the council on nutrient usage efficiency at two Test Valley farms. We're also flagging a new free cyber security toolkit for business developed by the National Cyber Security Centre, and Enterprise Nation's Talent Hub which provides resources for recruiting and retaining staff.
Last month, we advertised an Andover Vision business breakfast to be held in Andover on 29 January. We are delighted that so many businesses from around Andover and the Andover business parks have already signed up. If you missed the last newsletter and would like to find out more, please see Andover Vision Business Breakfast 29 January. The breakfast will include an update on the Andover regeneration plans.
Finally, we're delighted to announce that IncuHive will provide the free small business service for Test Valley businesses for a further two years. Businesses that have used this service tell us how helpful it is. Please get in contact: Small business support service | Test Valley Borough Council
 Trials on nutrient efficiency - results!
The council is committed to supporting sustainable farming practices. Earlier this year, two farms were selected to receive UK Shared Prosperity Funding for pilot projects seeking to improve nutrient usage efficiency. The selection panel assembled by the IncuHive Group included members from the National Farmers' Union, Federation of Small Businesses, and TVBC. The first project, at Goddard's Farm, injected product at the roots of maize; the second project, at Michelmersh Manor Farm, sprayed the leaves of silage crops. In each case, there was a control plot fertilised in a conventional manner that could be compared with the trial plot. Following harvest, the plots have been assessed for cost, yield and crop characteristics.
Farmers from across the borough are invited to a presentation of the results to take place at Gambledown Farm on Wednesday 15 January from 11.30am. Please book your space here: Growing the future Discover Innovative Farming for a Sustainable Tomorrow
Tree-planting guide for farmers and foresters
The Forestry Commission has launched a new expert tree planting guide for farmers and foresters. The guide provides information on 33 different species of trees and shrubs suitable for planting in UK agroforestry systems. It should help inform farmers’ tree species selections based on the individual needs and conditions of the farm.
 Cyber toolkit
The Government's National Cyber Security Centre has developed a free cyber security toolkit for businesses. It asks you some questions and then sends a list of relevant actions with step-by-step guidance. The toolkit can be accessed here: Cyber Toolkit
The Catalyst Programme, Southampton Science Park
The council supports the Catalyst Programme run by the University of Southampton Science Park through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund from the UK Government. This accelerator programme fast-tracks early-stage science and technology businesses. It is fully funded for successful applicants, and entrepreneurs retain all the equity in their businesses. It comprises of a programme of mentoring and workshop learning, and space within the Science Park for the duration of the programme. If you are interested in applying for the programme, please complete the form here: online application form
Three new research organisations have just become partners in the programme: Health Innovation Wessex, the National Oceanographic Centre and the University of Southampton's School of Healthcare, Enterprise and Innovation.
The science park has also received planning permission for the building of a new research and development facility with extensive laboratory space.
 British Business Bank sustainability guidance
The British Business Bank has produced a range of guidance on sustainability. It can be accessed here: Sustainability | British Business Bank. They suggest external financing options, and also offer guidance by sector, including for hospitality, food brands, retailing and logistics.
You can also find a collection of sustainability resources on the TVBC website here Decarbonisation and Net Zero | Test Valley Borough Council
 Vegan Fairs
Vegan Fairs have announced their programme of events for winter and spring 2025 which includes a fair in Romsey on Sunday 9 February. Trader bookings for January and February events are open Upcoming Vegan Events UK
The dates announced so far are as follows:
- Sun 12 Jan - Swansea Vegan Fair (Indoor)
- Sat 18 Jan - Stroud Vegan Fair (Indoor)
- Sun 9 Feb - Romsey Vegan Market
- Sat 22 Feb - Yate Vegan Market
- Sun 9 Mar - Hereford Vegan Market
- Sat 15 Mar - Melksham Vegan Market
- Sun 23 Mar - Cirencester Vegan Market
- Sun 6 Apr - Chepstow Vegan Market
- Sun 13 Apr - Salisbury Vegan Market
- Sun 20 Apr - Cheltenham Vegan Market
 Talent Hub
Enterprise Nation, in partnership with Indeed, Employment Hero and Unibeez, has launched Talent Hub. This provides recruitment tools and technology, and resources to help you find, attract, recruit and retain staff. You do have to register for an Enterprise Nation account, but this is free. Talent Hub | Attract, recruit and retain talent. The Hub also offers a free guide on hiring your first employee: Hiring your first employee: A Talent Hub guide
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