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Welcome to the January 2025 edition of Test Valley Business Matters. We wish you a happy and prosperous year.
This edition has something of a money focus. We draw your attention to a discussion on the acceptance of cash to be hosted by Caroline Nokes MP. We are also flagging a free webinar from the Hampshire Growth Hub on financial management, and the guidance offered by the British Business Bank on funding options.
Finally, there's a reminder of the Andover Vision business breakfast to be held on Wednesday 29 January. This is for all businesses from the town and business parks and will include an update on the town's regeneration plans. The booking link is here: Andover Vision Business Breakfast 29 January
 Call for views on the acceptance of cash
Caroline Nokes MP is organising a Teams discussion on 23 January on the acceptance of cash. This is part of a Treasury Select Committee enquiry. The key questions for discussion include:
- What challenges do individuals and businesses relying on cash face?
- What difficulties would businesses experience if required to always accept cash?
- Should the Government protect the acceptance of cash? If so, should this be by law, regulation, or guidance?
If you are interested in attending the discussion, please register at Caroline wants your views on the acceptance of cash | Caroline Nokes MP.
If you cannot attend the meeting but want to feed in your views, please email caroline.nokes.mp@parliament.uk prior to 23 January.
 Net Zero Innovation group
Test Valley and the Future Towns Innovation Hub at the University of Southampton Science Park are hosting the next meeting of the Net Zero Innovation group on the morning of Thursday 13 February.
The aim of this Network is to:
- develop the Net Zero cluster already here in Test Valley;
- connect businesses and foster valuable networking opportunities;
- link businesses into the support available from the Future Towns Innovation Hub and University of Southampton;
- discuss challenges.
The group currently comprises of a range of companies operating in energy, batteries, solar, waste, retrofit, heating, marine, EV charging infrastructure and data. If you are a Test valley business, and you are interested in joining, please contact jhewson@testvalley.gov.uk
 Mastering financial control and funding
The Hampshire Growth Hub is holding a Teams webinar on Tuesday 4 February from 12 noon to 1pm for SME owners or managers that are looking to enhance their financial management skills and gain better control over their business finances. The webinar will offer 10 practical tips. Book your place at Know Your Numbers: Mastering Financial Control and Funding
British Business Bank finance guidance
The British Business Bank offers free resources and information on external finance options. If you have a specific project in mind, the hub will suggest potential options after you answer a short series of questions. There is also a 'Making business finance work for you' guide which considers nine common challenges and the types of finance that could help you meet them. Business guidance | British Business Bank
Free Google digital garage business event
If you use Google products such as Google Ads, or rely on customers finding you through Google searches or Google maps, this session on Friday 21 February in Basingstoke will give you some practical help. Google employees run the sessions, providing presentations and the opportunity for specific tailored help in small groups. The event is free - register here Google Digital Garage: Basingstoke
 Tax bill payment plans
HMRC offers 'Time to pay' arrangements in certain circumstances for businesses or sole traders who cannot pay their tax bills on time. Please see: If you cannot pay your tax bill on time: Overview - GOV.UK for more information.
 Statutory pay increases
This is to remind you of statutory pay increases being introduced in 2025.
National Minimum Wage: From 1 April 2025, rates will be as follows:
- Workers aged 21 and over: £12.21 per hour.
- Workers aged at least 18 and up to 21: £10.00 per hour.
- Workers under 18: £7.55 per hour.
- Apprentices under 19, or in the first year of their apprenticeship if over 19: £7.55 per hour.
Statutory maternity, paternity adoption, parental leave and parental bereavement pay: From 6 April 2025, the rate will be £187.18 per week.
 Webinar on apprenticeships, bootcamps, T levels and work experience
The Solent LSIP, in partnership with Solent Business & Skills Solutions is running a free webinar on 12 February to help businesses to navigate the various schemes available to address skills gaps and build a competent workforce. The seminar will cover:
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Maximising apprenticeships: Cultivating talent from within.
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Skills bootcamps: Rapid upskilling for immediate impact.
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T-Levels: Investing in future talent.
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Work experience: Building a pipeline of future employees.
Booking is via this link: Can Skills Funding Help Your Business | SBSS
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