Fareham's Business Newsletter

December 2023

Published by Fareham Borough Council, each monthly edition delivers news, support and opportunities to businesses in Fareham.

Autumn Statement and Business Rates

In the November Autumn Statement, the Chancellor announced that the previous plans to increase business rates next year have been cancelled and the current rates will continue. The Chancellor also announced that this year's 50% discount for retailers, leisure and hospitality will be extended for another 12 months and increased to 75% (up to a maximum of £110,000 per business). If you would like to discuss your business rates, please email businessrates@fareham.gov.uk (including your business address).

Does your diesel van frequently travel the A3 through Guildford? 

There are 1,000 grants available to help organisations switch their diesel van to a new electric van. This initiative is designed to lower air pollution along the A3 in Guildford. The grant is for businesses, charities and organisations that have been trading in the UK for at least two years, who own or lease a diesel van for at least one year, drive at least 150 journeys a year on the A3 through Guildford (regardless of where they are based), and have received less than £315,000 in subsidy in the last three years. The grants are for £5,000 and £10,000 depending on the van size. Click here for more information on the scheme and how to apply. 

Degree Apprenticeships at the University of Portsmouth

Meet our team! We are the Degree Apprenticeship (DA) team at the University of Portsmouth and we help employers and learners to succeed through apprenticeships. DAs have been developed between the Government, employers and universities, so the student will learn skills that will be in high demand in the future, and employers can grow the future talent of their business. We can help with questions about sectors, topics and programmes of study, funding arrangements, eligibility of learners, employer responsibilities and much more. Get in touch with us today to find out more about how apprenticeships can benefit you and your business and register your interest for 2024! Click here for more information , e-mail degree-apprenticeship-office@port.ac.uk or call 023 9284 8599. 

Fully funded decarbonisation support for Fareham businesses

Fareham Borough Council has appointed decarbonisation specialist Beyond Procurement to help reduce the carbon footprint of businesses in Fareham. The new scheme launched on Wednesday 1 November. Beyond Procurement will provide a 12-month support programme to 27 Fareham-based businesses, providing expert advice to help them achieve their sustainability goals and, in most cases, reduce their energy costs. Businesses seeking to reduce their carbon footprint, and their energy costs, are encouraged to register their interest now by contacting hello@beyondprocurement.co.uk. For further information about Beyond Procurement, see www.beyondprocurement.co.uk . This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Fareham business networking

Thank you to everyone that attended the first Fareham Business Networking event in November. Despite the stormy weather, 45 people attended the inaugural event at Job Centre Plus where we heard from Executive Leader Cllr Seán Woodward on topics such as town centre regeneration, and the DWP's Jamie Buchanan on the excellent, free employers' services and jobs fairs they provide. The next event is 9:30-11:30am at The Cormorant pub in Portchester on Tuesday 19 December where we will hear from Beyond Procurement. They will talk about the fully-funded, business decarbonisation programme they are delivering on behalf of Fareham Borough Council. Click here to book your place (Christmas jumpers are encouraged but optional)! 

Early-bird rate ends 31 December!

Only four exhibition stands remain at the early-bird rate of £250+VAT and the rate expires 31 December! Exhibitors already confirmed include the European Space Agency, Federation of Small Businesses, Portsmouth and South Coast Business Week, HR Dept, George's Rockstars, Axis Architecture, Forseti Training, Warner Goodman, Howden Insurance, Solent Partners, Rainbow Centre and many more. Act now to secure your exhibition space at the early-bird rate and be part of Fareham's only business-to-business expo. Click here to find out more and to book your stand.

Transform your professional B2B sales

Transforming Sales Results is an intensive, combined ten-hour series of workshops endorsed by the Institute of Sales Professionals (ISP) to help businesses generate consistent, resilient and forecastable business levels by providing a proven system of structures, processes and skills to increase sales revenue and profitability. These transformational sales workshops, delivered over five two-hour sessions, will provide the tools needed to improve sales results and win solid and sustainable business. The skills learnt in each session can be implemented immediately, will support long-term improvement in business performance and, when combined, will provide a template which can be implemented repeatedly with different customers and clients. Click here for more information. 

Do you have a business-facing event taking place in Fareham? Are there any topics you would like to see in future newsletters? Email economicdevelopment@fareham.gov.uk and let us know. Sent this newsletter by a colleague? Subscribe here.