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Welcome to the June edition of Test Valley Business Matters. We hope the summer has started positively for you.
In this newsletter, we have included information on the new High St and shop frontage grant for Andover town centre, together with an update on the demolition work that is just starting in preparation for the build of the new theatre. There's also a range of information for businesses including cyber security staff training, a BrandBuilder programme, Made Smarter manufacturing support, the Catalyst programme for science and tech businesses, and finance information from the British Business Bank. Finally, there's the tale of the cat shut in a shipping container for over a month prior to its arrival at a Test Valley business.
 Andover town centre shop frontage grant
We are delighted to announce this grant scheme for Andover town centre businesses. It was developed by Test Valley Borough in collaboration with Andover Town Council and the Andover BID using funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The grants can provide a one-off contribution to the costs of improving town centre frontages, in recognition of the fact that businesses in well-maintained properties have a significant impact on the appearance and vibrancy of the high street and town centre. Businesses or landlords can apply. The grants are not for urgent works required to ensure that town centre buildings are safe, but to part-fund those small-scale projects that improve their appearance. These could include signage and lighting as well as repairs. Note that the on-going responsibility for maintenance and repair of shop fronts and frontages remains with landlords and occupiers, according to the terms of their agreements.
Further details and the application form can be found here: Andover Town Centre Frontage Grant | Test Valley Borough Council.
Planning advice sessions in Andover
Colleagues form the TVBC Planning department and Conservation department will hold drop-in sessions upstairs in the Guildhall in Andover for businesses who need to clarify what consents and permissions they may need for proposed shop front work. We advise anyone considering a shop front grant to drop by and talk to them. The sessions will be held on:
- Wednesday 25 June from 1pm to 4pm
- Wednesday 16 July from 9am to 12 noon
Officers will also be available to answer any questions on the grant application process.
Demolition to make way for the new Lights Theatre
By now, you may have seen that hoardings have gone up in the Chantry Centre around the site of the old Poundstretcher unit. This unit will be demolished to make way for the new Lights Theatre. National demolition experts, The Erith Group, have been appointed for the demolition, and have started their exploratory work. Frequently Asked Questions about the demolition can be found here: Theatre - FAQs — ANDOVER TOWN CENTRE. If you have questions that are not answered here, please email into the dedicated email address Unit62.thechantrycentre@erith.com.
Demolition is expected to be complete in early 2026, in time for construction of the new theatre to start in spring 2026.
Powering the High St hub
Enterprise Nation in partnership with EDF has produced a free resource hub for High St businesses: Powering the High Street. They have included articles on topics including building brand loyalty, managing costs, showcasing products, dealing with difficult customers, pricing, energy costs and pop-up shops. You can also download a free guide via the link above.
 Made Smarter
The Made Smarter programme is now live in the South East. It is for SMEs based in the South East that are manufacturing physical products, have not reached the threshold for state aid (£315k over three years), and are interested in introducing digital technologies, eg:
- 3d printing
- AI, machine learning and data analytics
- Robotics and automation,
- Industrial Internet of Things
- Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
We are told that all SMEs that meet the above criteria are allocated a fully-funded Technical Adviser Specialist. The Specialist will contact you to discuss the opportunities within your company. Registration is via the Made Smarter website UK digital manufacturing advice & funding – Made Smarter. You can also look at some Case Studies, filtering by the type of technology you are interested in (drop down menu next to the one for region) to get an idea of business projects that have been realised.
 Cyber security training
The police-led South East Cyber Resilience Centre (SECRC) is offering its business members free security awareness training sessions. These 2.5-hour sessions normally cost £396 but are being offered free on a range of dates in June-August. They are designed to help employees recognise and report common cyber threats. It is free to become a member of the SECRC - you simply sign up here: Cyber Resilience Centre for the South East. Courses can then be booked via this link: CRC Police Funded Security Awareness Training.
Finance information
The British Business Bank has a range of articles which provide information about the different types of finance available for businesses: All articles | British Business Bank
BrandBuilder programme
Enterprise Nation has re-launched its BrandBuilder programme with Adobe Express. Participants get Adobe Express Premium for three months to aid content creation, access to free resources on brand building and content marketing, and an email course. The programme also offers monthly prize draws to win £1000. Further details can be found here: Adobe Express BrandBuilder | Take your marketing to new heights
Catalyst programme
The Catalyst business accelerator programme is part-funded by TVBC through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and run by The University of Southampton Science Park. It is for early stage science and tech businesses who are developing their own products, and provides a free programme of mentoring and workshops as well as a base at the Science Park. Further information can be found here: The Catalyst Programme | Southampton Science Park
Applications for the next cohort close on 30 June. The programme will run from September 2025 to February 2026.
Loans for R&D projects
Innovate UK is offering loans to SMEs for late-stage R&D projects with a clear route to commercialisation and economic impact. More information can be found here: Innovate UK innovation loans
Animals in transit
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Rod Mason, the Animal Welfare Officer at TVBC has recently assisted Hampshire County Council’s Trading Standards team with a cat that arrived in the borough in a shipping container sent from Southeast Asia. The cat was very weak and is now being cared for in quarantine. Arrangements are being made to find it a home. |
When a container is sealed at the point of dispatch, it is the business or shipping companies’ duty to ensure that no contaminants have entered the container, including animals. If you should come across any animal that has entered a container that has come in from abroad, you must contact Trading Standards at Hampshire County Council immediately for advice on 01962 833620 or email tsadvice@hants.gov.uk. Out of hours you should contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on 03000 200301. Personnel should not attempt to handle any animal without appropriate PPE. TVBC is always available to assist.
 The next Romsey job fair will take place at Crosfield Hall on 17 July. We are still looking for employers to exhibit. Please contact tracy.lambe@dwp.gov.uk if you would like more details or want to reserve a stand.
 This is a reminder that we have recently announced a new tranche of Rural England Prosperity funding for 2025-26. Details are here: Rural England Prosperity Fund | Test Valley Borough Council. Priorities for funding are:
- Growing the local social economy and supporting innovation
- Small scale investment in micro and small enterprises in rural areas
- The development and promotion of the visitor economy
The funding is for capital projects only and you need to find match funding for a minimum of 50% of total project costs. Grants of £10k-£20k will be awarded and therefore the minimum project size for this funding round is £20k. If your project requires planning permission, you will need to secure that before you apply. All claims must be submitted by 20 March 2026.
Applications will be considered by a panel on a first come-first served basis, so if you are interested, you may need to apply quite soon. We would be happy to discuss any project ideas that you have in advance of an application. Please contact pfunds@testvalley.gov.uk.
 P11D deadline
The deadline for submitting P11D forms for 2024-25 is 6 July 2025. Guidance on completing your return can be found here: How to complete P11D and P11D(b) - GOV.UK.
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