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Welcome to the March edition of Test Valley Business Matters.
We're highlighting a tender opportunity for the development of a new brand identity for the Lights Theatre. There is also a link to the government's Industrial Strategy Prospectus and some useful business resources on Digital Tools, AI, and cyber certification.
If you are a trader, you may be interested in Trout 'n' About in Stockbridge or in the opportunities available to pitch at TVBC community and leisure venues. Finally, Defra Adopt funding is available again for farming, growing or forestry businesses who wish to pursue collaborative on-farm trial and demonstration projects.
 The Lights Theatre branding contract
The Council is tendering for a company to develop and implement a new brand identity for The Lights theatre in Andover. It is critical that the new brand builds on the existing brand equity and resonates with customers (both existing and potential), residents, businesses and talent managers/booking agents, as well as other key internal stakeholders. Therefore, a major element of the contract will involve engaging with those key stakeholders and demonstrating an understanding of how to land messaging with key audiences. Further information on the opportunity can be found here: The Lights Theatre Andover Branding Contract - Find a Tender. The enquiry deadline is 26 March 2026 at 12 noon; the submission deadline is 2 April 2026 at 12 noon.
The Council follows strict procurement rules. In order to bid for these types of contracts, you will need to register as a new supplier on the eTendering system Tenders | Test Valley Borough Council
Site for the new theatre
The demolition by The Erith Group of the former Poundstretcher unit in Andover is complete. There will now be a planned gap that was built into the programme to allow time to address any unforeseen issues that might have arisen during demolition, and to protect the main build schedule. The Council expects to announce the appointment of the contractor this spring, with construction due to start later this year.
We are delighted to report that around 99% of the materials from the old building were recycled - either reused on site or transferred for use on other construction projects.
 Industrial Strategy
The Government has published its Industrial Strategy Prospectus together with supporting information including sector plans for Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Industries, Creative Industries, Defence, Digital and Technology Industries, Financial Services, Life Sciences, and Professional and Business Services.
Guide on digital tools and AI
Enterprise Nation, working in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade, has published a new Guide, Getting more from digital tools and AI. This pulls together details of available training, hands-on support, and government-backed programmes. It offers practical advice on how to get started if you want to introduce some new digital tools to your business and can be downloaded here: Digital Tools and AI
AI risks
Those of you that have attended the TVBC AI seminars or workshops will be aware of the risks as well as the potential of AI. The FSB has produced a useful guide to risks and outlines the steps you should take to safeguard against them: FSB | AI risks for businesses: 5 practical ways to innovate safely
Cyber Essentials certification
Cyber Essentials is a Government-backed certification scheme which meets the UK’s minimum standard for cyber security. 92% fewer cyber insurance claims are made by organisations with Cyber Essentials certification in place, and certification is now mandatory for many public and private sector contracts. Information on the certification process and how to get started can be found here: Cyber Essentials | National Cyber Security Centre - NCSC.GOV.UK
Small Business Support Service
TVBC offers a free support service to help Test Valley businesses. Please contact support@incuhive.co.uk if you'd like to have a call or a meeting.
Business Service monthly tip - Struggling to keep up with social media?
Remember: your customers aren't on every platform, and you don't need to be either. Trying to post daily on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok is a recipe for burnout and mediocre content everywhere. Instead, pick one or two platforms where your customers spend their time. A strong presence on one platform is much better than a weak presence on five.
Tip: Ask your next ten customers where they found you and which social media they actually use. Focus your efforts there and ignore the rest. Better to be brilliant in one place than invisible everywhere.
 Trout 'n' About
Trout 'n' About will take place in Stockbridge on Sunday 2 August. Trader applications are now open and will close on 31 March. You can apply here TROUT 'N ABOUT. This is a hugely popular event that will likely be oversubscribed. Good luck!
 Café/Vending Traders at TVBC venues
Test Valley Borough Council is launching a short‑term trial from March to October 2026 allowing café and vending traders to book pitches at selected community and leisure venues to help increase usage of sports and countryside sites. We have decided to trial this as a result of interest from vendors of tea, coffee and snacks. We will review use and feedback over the course of the trial and will implement adjustments as required.
Locations
- Rooksbury Mill
- Vigo Park
- East Anton Sports Park
- Hunts Farm Sports Ground
- Picket Twenty Urban Park
- Abbotswood Sports Pavilion
Specific pitch locations are provided via maps and what3words (and can be seen on the bookings website Facilities | Events Sites). You will need to register for the site, then scroll down to the specific vendor booking links. Pitches are booked by the day for approximately £24 (extra at Hunts Farm if you need power). When you reach the booking page, you do again have to select your venue from the drop down list. If you have questions, please contact community&leisure@testvalley.gov.uk
 Annual bills
Business rate annual postal bills were issued on Monday 9 March, email annual bills were sent from 9-12 March. Anyone who has had their bill charged using the standard multipliers but believe they meet the criteria for the retail multiplier should email businessrates@testvalley.gov.uk and explain how they meet the criteria. Please see our website for further details of the retail multipliers.
 DEFRA ADOPT grants
A new funding round is open for farming, growing or forestry businesses based in England to apply for support for collaborative on-farm trial and demonstration projects to improve adoption of new ideas or solutions in the agricultural sector. Projects must focus on one or more of the following areas:
- Enhancing productivity and profitability
- Resilience to challenges such as climate change, food security and market volatility
- Progress towards achieving net-zero farming.
Details can be found here: Full ADOPT Grant Round 6 - Innovate UK Business Connect. Applications must be received by 8 April 2026.
 ACAS resources
ACAS offers free templates that employers can adapt for their organisations. These range from letter templates for disciplinary matters or flexibility requests, to appraisal forms and grievance procedures. They can be found here: Templates | Acas.
ACAS also has information and guidance here on the Employment Rights Act, including a webinar recording, if you prefer to listen than to read.
 HMRC YouTube channel
The HMRC YouTube channel has a number of playlists which provide short videos on a range of topics. It is worth a look if your business makes a change such as registering for VAT, taking on an employee for the first time, making digital tax returns etc. There is a playlist for Running a Small Business
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