Cricket, award season and goodbye cheese!
Your monthly briefing for all things business in the New Forest
Well, hello and welcome to the inaugural ‘monthly briefing’ as part of our New Forest Business News makeover.
On the first Monday of each month, we’ll be sharing our roundup of all things business.
Here’s what is coming up in this edition…
News stories from local businesses
Upcoming events and networking
Available funding opportunities
Even a police update on business crime
…and more
So, grab a cuppa and settle in!
And if you’d like to see your business featured or want to sponsor a monthly briefing email editor@newforestbusinessnews.co.uk.
Enjoy!
Kerri L Watt, Editor
Ex professional cricketer Gareth Berg launches coaching business in the New Forest
Gareth Berg has been coaching for 25 years alongside his professional career and is "excited" to inspire the next generation of cricketers in a new coaching business.
He said: "When you’re heading for retirement you have plenty of time to reflect on your own achievements and how you got there. It got me thinking about all the people who inspired me at a young age and what I could do to be that kind of inspiration to others.
"It seemed a natural step to start getting involved at grass roots level and give back to the players of the future."
The current Head Coach of Cricket Italia is passionate about developing players, even helping others whilst attending his own children's training.
Local schools and cricket clubs have embraced Berg's coaching offer and the opportunity to work closely with an international professional sportsman and coach.
Find out more: www.garethbergcricket.comÂ
Goodbye Gourmet Grilled Cheese!
The Gourmet Grilled Cheese Company has announced their imminent closure after ten years of trading.
The company became a Waterside favourite during the 2020 lockdown, delivering to local residents after the cancellation of their usual events.
Owners Emma and Andy said: "We have decided it's time to call it a day and hang up our cheese graters for good.
"It was a hard decision, but we feel like it's time for a change and some new adventures."
Visit the Gourmet Grilled Cheese stand for final toasties and pastas at Guildhall Square, Salisbury every day from 11am-7pm until 31 December (except Christmas Day).
‘Brilliance in Business Awards’ 2023 winners
200 New Forest businesses attended last week's Brilliance in Business Awards hosted by the New Forest Business Partnership.
18 awards were presented and winners included;
St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery - The Balmer Lawn Hotel Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Visitor Economy
The Brew Forest - The New Forest Enterprise Centre Award for the Best New Business
Beaky Blinders - The New Forest Marque Award for Food and Drink
Scott Bailey - New Forest Business of the Year - sponsored by Solent Partners
The event took place on 30 November at Brockenhurst College and after party at Carey's Manor Hotel and Senspa.
Community shop ‘The Green Gram’ moves to larger premises in Fordingbridge
Since launching in May 2022, the store has been run by volunteers and offers refills of food, cleaning products and toiletries.
By asking customers to bring their own containers, the store has prevented the equivalent of 650kg of plastic waste.
A recent share offer raised over £13,000 to assist the move to new larger and more accessible premises.
Local businesses to support The Green Gram include Woolley & Wallis, Chevrons Living, Bridges Cafe, Little Red Boots, Brian's Kitchen, Elliots, Frogham Fair, Padua Communications, Adrian Dowding, and Select Pet Foods.
Find out more: http://www.thegreengram.org
Editor’s pick: Howley Coffee Co
Despite having a myriad of coffee outlets near the New Forest Business News office, we were delighted to stumble upon a delightful new vendor.
Howley Coffee Co is a converted horsebox promising to deliver "coffee and smiles" to the New Forest. After meeting owner Hannah Howley, we can confirm she delivers on both promises.
Catch them outside Hythe Ferry most Thursdays and Fridays, and local events.
Commercial surveyors Wheeler and Lai help Amberley Jewellers open Hythe store
Amberley Jewellers are "looking forward" to opening their second store located at 10-11 Marsh Parade, Hythe.
The jewellers worked with Wheeler and Lai Chartered Surveyors to secure leases for the new store and their original based in Waterlooville.
Sau-Wan Lai, Wheeler and Lai co-founder, said: “We were delighted to be able to assist and secure a new unit on a busy location close to Hythe Pier."
The surveyors have recently celebrated their fifth birthday and are "so proud" of how far they have come and what they "still have yet to accomplish".
Find out more: https://www.wlsurveyors.co.uk
New Forest and Hampshire County Show opens trade stand applications
Applications to host a trade stand at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show are now open.
The event will be from 30 July to 01 August 2024 at The Showground, New Park, Brockenhurst.
Apply here: https://www.newforestshow.co.uk/tradestand
Police update on tackling local business crime
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary have issued a statement sharing recent efforts to tackle shoplifting and thefts from businesses has resulted in arrests, charges and convictions.
Read the full statement and list of convictions here.
Funding opportunities and free business support
Free business support clinic
07 December 9.30am-5.30pm. New Forest District Council offices in Lyndhurst. Free but must book an appointment.
Email Jayne.Sime@solentlep.org.ukNew Forest start-up business support scheme
Council funded and delivered by Incuhive www.newforest.gov.uk/article/3207/New-Forest-start-up-business-supportNew Forest District Countil grants and loans for existing businesses https://www.newforest.gov.uk/BusinessGrantsAndLoansÂ
Corporate Christmas cards
Oakhaven Hospice are inviting companies to send virtual holiday cards via them this year in exchange for a charitable donation.
Confirm your beautiful virtual cards here: https://www.oakhavenhospice.co.uk/corporate-christmas-card-2023-donations/
Upcoming business-y events
Lymington Chamber of Commerce
Free monthly informal 'coffee catch up' chat - 05 December.New Forest Business Partnership
Free business support hour, 06 December (online). Link to book.LinkedIn Local
13 December in Beaulieu, £19. Link to book.Lymington Chamber of Commerce
Breakfast networking and marketing talk at Rhinefield House, £29.99. Link to book.Oakhaven Business Club
Backstage tour of the Mayflower theatre and networking, 26 January 2024, £15. Link to book.Oakhaven Business Club
"Walk and work" and networking, 13 February, £15. Link to book.
Get your business featured or sponsor a ‘monthly briefing’
We’re always on the lookout for great stories to share with readers so we’d love to hear from you.
Our monthly briefing is also open to sponsorship with lower rates for early editions.
Email us at editor@newforestbusinessnews.co.uk.
