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Welcome to the November edition of Test Valley Business Matters.
This month, we are announcing an introductory AI webinar, and a free half-day AI workshop in Romsey to be held in February. These follow sessions held in October which were universally well received - all attendees that provided feedback said that they would recommend the workshop to other businesses and would apply something that they had learned.
Additionally, we are providing town centre updates for both Andover and Romsey.
The next Andover Vision Business Breakfast will be held on Wednesday 19 November at the Andover College business centre. TVBC will cover the Andover regeneration projects and the Andover Town Centre frontage grants, and the College will host an interactive session on skills and what you need from new employees. If you haven't booked on and would like to join us, please book your free place here: Andover Vision Business Breakfast Nov 19
We will be mailing out separately within the next few days to seek any business views on the TVBC budget for the next financial year and our medium-term financial strategy.
 AI introductory webinar and Romsey AI workshop
TVBC has organised a webinar to introduce business owners and employees to AI. It will be led by Luke Williams from Intergage, and will run from 10 to 11am on Wednesday 4 February. Luke will cover:
- An overview of the current state of AI
- How LLM models (like ChatGPT) work
- Basic ChatGPT prompting
- Ethical considerations, unique risks and opportunities of AI
The booking link is here: AI for Small Businesses - Introductory Webinar Wed 4 Feb
Following this, Luke will run a free half day workshop in Romsey on Wednesday 11 February from 9:30am to 12:30pm. It is designed for businesses who want to take the next step in their use of AI for operations, marketing, customer service and growth. Luke will show you real-world examples, and help you to develop some use-cases and pilots that you can apply to your own business.
He will also be discussing how to measure the impact of using AI to ensure it is a worthwhile investment, and looking at evaluating processes in your business that could be helped with the use of AI or present new opportunities. The booking link for the workshop is here: AI Workshop Tickets, Wed 11 Feb
When we ran this workshop in Andover, every attendee recommended it, and every attendee said that they intended to apply some of the content within their business.
Note that the workshop assumes a basic knowledge of AI. If you have no experience with AI, please also sign up to the Introductory Webinar.
Catalyst programme
The Catalyst Programme at the University of Southampton Science Park is now open for applications for their spring 2026 cohort. Catalyst is a five-month programme for innovation-led, early-stage ventures. It offers:
- Expert mentoring
- Business skills workshops
- Access to a powerful innovation ecosystem
- Free workspace for successful applicants
Applications close on 12 December. Further details and an application link can be found here: The Catalyst Programme | Southampton Science Park. TVBC supports the programme through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
SME business leaders programme
The Hampshire Growth Hub is running a programme of four workshops over the next few months (December-March) for SME business leaders. The themes will be:
- Vision, Strategy and Critical Thinking
- Communicating with Impact
- Leading and Managing People
- Values, Behaviours and Commercial Acumen
The workshops are free and will run in Basingstoke and Winchester. You can attend all of them or just specific topics, at either location. For more information, please contact: growth.hub@hants.gov.uk
Finance beyond borders
Enterprise Nation is offering a free programme for businesses that are looking to unlock global growth, cut international costs and simplify money management. The programme comprises: a three-part email course; live interactive webinars; an introduction to a unified platform for global business finance; and the chance to win £1000 grant. Further details can be found here: Finance Beyond Borders.
The Hampshire Chamber of Commerce provides access to a comprehensive selection of international trade training workshops for both members and non-members. Further information can be found here: International Trade | Hampshire Chamber of Commerce
Cyber toolkit
The National Cyber Security Centre reports that around 1 in 4 small businesses experienced a cyber crime last year. They have launched a free cyber toolkit for businesses which identifies and tracks bite-sized actions that you can take to protect your business. Access the toolkit here: Cyber Action Toolkit
TVBC business support service tip: Rule of thirds
As the days get shorter and darker, it's easy to feel gloomy when things aren't going your way. Entrepreneur Emma Grede uses her 'rule of thirds': in any journey, about a third of the time things go well, a third they're okay, and a third are tough.
This is a great reminder that constant happiness is unrealistic and that bad days are a normal part of the journey, not a sign of failure. So, when the winter gloom hits, remember: you're not supposed to feel on top of the world every single day. Accept the thirds and keep moving forward.
Need a motivation boost? Listen to this Emma Grede podcast.
Details on the TVBC small business support service are here: Small business support service | Test Valley Borough Council. Test Valley businesses can use this completely free of charge.
 Regeneration projects
Andover
Planning permission has now been granted for the new Lights Theatre in the heart of the town centre in Andover - further details can be found here: New theatre venue gets the go-ahead. Pending appointment of a contractor, construction is expected to begin in mid-2026, with the new venue opening in 2028. The current theatre will continue to operate as normal until the new venue is ready, ensuring continuity for audiences and performers.
Romsey
Proposals will go to the Test Valley Borough Council in December regarding the future of the area south of the town centre in Romsey, which includes the area around Crosfield Hall and the bus station. The proposals are shaped by community input, including through Citizens’ Assemblies, public consultations and design workshops. The proposed preferred option would see a new community facility located on the current bus station site along with homes and commercial units. The bus station would be relocated to the Broadwater Road car park, and a decked car park would be created on the current Crosfield Hall site to maximise parking provision for the town. Further information can be found here: Project: South of Romsey Town Centre
Planning drop-in with mince pies
There will be another drop-in session in the Guildhall in Andover on Monday 8 December from 5:45pm to 6:45pm. A conservation officer, planning officer and economic development officer will be on hand to provide advice on planning requirements for any changes you are thinking of making to your premises and on the Andover Town Centre Frontage Grants.
Christmas Festivals
Andover
The Christmas Festival will take place on Friday 21 November between 4pm and 7pm with the lights switch-on at 6pm. Andover High St and Bridge St (between Western Ave and London St) will both be closed from 10am to 9pm. Waterloo Court will be closed from 4pm to 7pm. If you need access during these periods, please contact events@andoverbid.org.uk . Parking in Town Mills Car Park will be suspended from midnight on 20 November to midnight on 21 November. Visitor details can be found here Christmas Festival 2025 - ANDOVER
Romsey
The Christmas lights event will take place between 2pm and 8pm on Saturday 22 November with the lights switch-on at 5pm. Bell St, The Cornmarket, Market Place, Church St, Church Place, Latimer St and Church Rd will all be closed from 10am to 9pm. Visitor details can be found here Romsey Christmas Lights and Festive Delights | Visit Test Valley
The Winter Procession Carnival will be held on Friday 29 November. Broadwater Rd, Palmerston St, The Hundred between Palmerston St and Market Place, Market Place, Bell St, Latimer St and Church St will be closed from 6pm to 8:30pm.
There will be a Christmas market on Sunday 14 December closing part of The Hundred from 9am to 3pm.
Carols in the Marketplace will take on Monday 22 December. Bell St, Market Place, Church St, The Hundred and The Cornmarket will be closed from 5pm to 9pm.
 Market Trading
Dates are now available for some of the special markets to be held in 2026 in Andover, Romsey and Stockbridge. We maintain a webpage with dates and links to register interest. Many of the markets get booked up early, so if you are interested in a stall, you should apply as soon bookings open. Market trading | Test Valley Borough Council
 HMRC reporting of early December payments
If you pay staff early over the Christmas period, you must report your normal or contractual payment date on your Full Payment Submission to HMRC. For example, if you actually pay on 19 December but your normal payment date is 31 December, the payment date of 31 December should be reported. This protects employees' eligibility for income-based benefits. Further information can be found here: Employer Bulletin - GOV.UK
Tax for side hustles
If you run a business outside a PAYE job, please see the guidance on tax from HMRC: Tax rules for side hustles explained
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