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Welcome to the February edition of Test Valley Business Matters.
There are lots of updates this month, from the launch of the Test Valley Business Awards, to support for manufacturing SMEs and for Creatives, new AI resources, and updates on business rates. There's a chance for technology SMEs to meet public sector procurement representatives. Dates are out for some of the 2026 markets and events in our area - we're giving you the links if you want to trade. We're also highlighting new guidance on business finance, and the Employment Rights Act. Please flick through and see what applies to you.
It was great to see businesses from the Romsey area take advantage of our AI training session last week. If you are in Andover, please remember to book onto our next business breakfast on 18 March at Andover College. It will include an update on the management of the business parks. Andover Vision Business Breakfast Tickets
 Test Valley Business Awards
Plans are underway for the Test Valley Business Awards 2026, which are again being run by a dedicated group of local people. This year's awards will be officially launched on Friday 13 March at Kimbridge Barn. Free tickets for the launch event can be reserved here: TVBA Launch Event.
There are still gold sponsorship opportunities available for the following award categories:
- Business Person
- Business Employer
- New Business
- Small Business
Silver and bronze sponsorship packages are also available. For further details, see Sponsor the Awards.
 Guide to financial support
The Government has partnered with Enterprise Nation to produce a guide to government-backed finance and related support that are currently available to small businesses across the UK. You can access the guide here: How to get financial support
The British Business Bank also has an online tool to help you identify finance options: Finance Finder | British Business Bank
Tech and professional services SMEs
The Crown Commercial Services (the Government's largest public procurement organisation) is holding a Meet the Buyer event in Portsmouth on Thursday 12 March. It aims to bring together innovative, technology focused SMEs with Government Commercial Departments, Public Sector Procurement Leads and large Public Sector Suppliers. There will be a number of presentations during the day. Sign up here CCS Technology SME Meet the Buyer Forum - SMEs ONLY Tickets
Cyber crime and fraud
Report Fraud is a new national reporting service for cyber crime and fraud in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, run by City of London Police. If you do fall victim to cyber crime or fraud, please report it here: UK's Home for Reporting Cyber Crime & Fraud - Report Fraud
The Report Fraud website includes cyber security guidance for organisations.
Creatives Advice Hub
The Hampshire Growth Hub and Hampshire County Council are funding a pilot specialist business support programme designed specifically for creative businesses, freelancers and founders. Support will be provided through 1-1 sessions, webinars and networking. It will offer help with:
- Pricing creative work with confidence
- Managing cashflow
- Authentic, effective marketing
- IP, legal basics and protecting ideas
- Responsible use of technology and AI in creative workflows
- Growing or scaling without losing what makes the business unique.
More information and a registration link can be found here: Hants Creatives Advice Hub. Spaces are limited.
 Made Smarter
The Department for Business and Trade has confirmed an extension of funding for the Made Smarter programme in the South East until March 2027. The fully-funded programme for eligible SME manufacturers includes the opportunity to work with experts to create an action plan for digital transformation projects. SMEs can also access training programmes to increase their workforce’s digital skills, match-funded grants to purchase hardware or software, and leadership development support. For further information, please register at Digital transformation support in the South East | Made Smarter
 Andover town centre events
Applications for pitches at 2026 events in Andover, including Second Sundays, the Chantry Centre Markets, the Gardening Fair, the Wellbeing Fair, the World Street Party, and the Christmas Festival can all now be found here: Take part in 2026 events in Andover.
Romsey Antiques Fairs
Dates for Romsey Antiques Fairs have been announced as 22 March 2026, 10 May 2026, 11 October 2026, 6 December 2026. Contact jackieedwardsmarketing@gmail.com if you are interested in trading.
CW Events Markets
Traders can apply for markets being run by CW Events at the Hawk Conservancy, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and Finkley Down Farm. See Why Join Us
Vegan Fairs
Traders interested in Vegan Fairs can now apply to trade at events in 2026 here: Trading at Vegan Fairs. Locations include Bournemouth, Devizes, Newbury, Romsey and Salisbury.
 Rates for pubs and live music venues
The Government has released a tool to help pubs and live music venues to estimate their business rates, following the announcement of an additional 15% relief for qualifying businesses. You can access it here: Estimate of business rates liability for pubs and live music venues
Valuation Office Agency YouTube channel
The Valuations Office Agency (VOA) has a YouTube channel which includes videos on a range of topics: VOAgovuk - YouTube.
If you believe your current rateable value is wrong, you must contact the VOA through your business rates valuation account before 31st March 2026. It can take 15 working days to register an account for the first time before you can submit a check challenge, so please factor in this time,
 Reuse of unwanted goods
A Good Thing is a not-for-profit company which match makes businesses who have surplus items to get rid of with local charities. They take a whole range of goods including no-longer wanted furniture, clothing, stationery, IT, branded items, wooden pallets and paint. If you have items to dispose of that could be used by someone else, please have a look, before sending to landfill.
 AI Skills Hub
The Government has launched an AI Skills Hub through which any adult can access a huge range of AI training. Courses range from 20 minutes long to 9 hours depending on the type of course. Many are free. A guide for businesses on getting started with AI can be found here: Learning Steps - AI Skills Hub. This includes links to the course catalogues.
Employment Rights Act
A number of measures in the Employment Rights Act will come into force shortly, and employers will need to change their policies. The Government is providing guidance for employers, and an updated timeline via this link: New employment rights: Guidance for businesses and workers
On 18 February, measures affecting trade union laws will be introduced. The changes affect industrial action, information requirements on ballot papers and notices, and political fund rules.
A number of key changes come into force in April 2026:
- Eligibility for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will be extended to all workers, including part-time, low paid and short-service workers, and will be payable from the first day of sickness.
- 'Day 1' Paternity Leave and Unpaid Parental Leave entitlement will be introduced along with Bereaved Partner's Paternity Leave.
- Whistleblowing protections for the reporting of sexual harassment will be introduced.
- A Fair Work Agency will be established, consolidating the functions of several existing employment rights enforcement organisations. It will have powers to enter and inspect workplaces, request employment records and investigate compliance with employment laws such as the National Minimum Wage. It will also be able to initiate tribunal claims on behalf of workers.
- The collective redundancy protective award will be increased - this is relevant if an employer makes more than 20 redundancies within 90 days without proper consultation.
A number of consultations are currently open relating to the Act - details can be found via the same link.
Barriers to employing 16-25 year olds
The Hampshire Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Youth Options is asking all employers to fill in a survey about their experience of employing (or not employing) 16-25 year olds. The results will help shape local skills provision and support services to better meet the needs of employers recruiting and developing young people. Please access the survey here: Youth Options LSIP Survey 2026
Employment of over 50s
As people are working longer, the Centre of Ageing is seeking to understand attitudes and barriers to employing older people in SMEs. If you complete their survey, you will be entered into a prize draw to win £300 worth of vouchers. The link is here: Ageing Better |.Enterprise Nation
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