KFC closure, HMRC update, luxury doggy retreats and a local 'This Morning' regular
KFC closure, HMRC update, luxury doggy retreats and a local 'This Morning' regular
May's 'monthly briefing' with New Forest Business News.
We’ve had a wave of new readers and paid subscribers, so hello to the newbies! And if you’ve been here a while, of course, a giant hello to you as well.
I love seeing the notes people leave when they upgrade their subscription too. Check this one out…
As a freelance journalist, it gives me the warm and fuzzies to see people support the publication, so thank you everyone for being here.
Here’s what is coming up in this edition
The KFC Holbury closure
HMRC updates on tax-free childcare for the self employed
New Forest resident becomes regular on This Morning
New businesses and launches
Turning £100 into £1,000 for charity
Upcoming business events
And in case you missed it, click here to read the last ‘monthly briefing.
So, let’s dive in…
Kerri L Watt
Editor
KFC Holbury closes - but what will take its place?
Waterside residents are voicing opinions on the recent closure of KFC in Holbury with many pleased of the departure.
There has been speculation on social media as to what business will now use the space with suggestions of barbers, charity shops, Greggs, and many mentioning a Toby Carvery restaurant.
The press team for Mitchells and Butlers, owners of Toby Carvery, have confirmed they will not be taking on the site.
Tax-free childcare for the self employed
Childcare and its funding have been reported heavily in the media recently, especially with confusion over “significant changes” occurring from April.
New Forest Business News spoke with HMRC about the changes and what it means for families.
There are multiple schemes available to employees and the self-employed that are said to be “worth thousands of pounds a year” including tax-free childcare, child benefit and free childcare hours.
63,000 families, with at least one self-employed parent, use tax-free childcare to fund childcare costs. With additional changes to the free childcare hours in 2025, families using the maximum allowance could save £6,900 per year.
Child Benefit has also risen £1.60 a week to £25.60 for the oldest child.
For more information: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.
New businesses and launches…
1. Pylewell Park in Lymington has been named as the host of the luxurious 3-day ‘Dogfest Retreats’ created by Dogfest organisers.
For more information: www.dogfest.co.uk
2. The Vibrant Brewery team are opening The Vibrant Tap on Lyndhurst high street on 24 May.
3. BrockStock family music festival in Brockenhurst on 25-26 May. 3,000 people attended in 2023 and sponsorship opportunities still available. Tickets from £7 and under 16s free.
For more information and tickets: www.brockenhurstfc.co.uk/brockstock
4. New Park Manor Hotel in Brockenhurst has reopened their creche as part of their large refurbishment relaunch. “The Den” is available for ages 3 months to 8 years and open to the public for a fee. Complimentary sessions will be offered to guests staying in the hotel.
For more information: www.newparkmanorhotel.co.uk.
New Forest resident Jordon Cox becomes regular on This Morning
Known for his epic money saving tips, Hythe resident Jordon Cox, aka the “Coupon King”, has become a regular guest on the ITV show This Morning.
Watch Jordon’s latest money saving segment: www.itv.com/thismorning/articles/the-tricks-and-deals-you-need-to-know-to-save-hundreds
Articles coming soon…
Business crime in the New Forest - have you had a break in, dealt with shoplifters, or spoken with police about a crime?
The impact of the Cost-of-Living crisis on our local businesses - how has it impacted you and your business?
If you want to have your say on the above topics and be quoted in upcoming articles, email editor@newforestbusinessnews.co.uk.
Turn £100 into £1,000 in Oakhaven Hospice’s ‘business enterprise challenge’
On International Nurses Day, May 12, Oakhaven Hospice open their ‘business enterprise challenge’ for local businesses to turn £100 into thousands.
All funds raised through the challenge will support the hospices nursing team.
To join the challenge contact: Natalie.Hutchins@oakhavenhospice.co.uk.
Outdoor Theatre Returns to Furzey Gardens
Known for their outdoor theatre productions, Furzey Gardens in Minstead has announced their longest run of shows this summer.
Read our New Forest Business News review of their outdoor theatre performance last year…
With 30 nights of classic Shakespeare comedy, drama, family fun and science-fiction, tickets are £15 each and on sale now.
More info and to buy tickets: www.furzey-gardens.org
Upcoming business events
Oakhaven Business Club
14 May, 7.30-9am. Breakfast networking. Shorefield Holiday Park, Milford-on-Sea. £15. Click to book.Oakhaven Business Club
14 May, 9.30-11.30am. “Walk and work” networking. The Lighthouse, Milford-on-Sea. £15. Click to book.Oakhaven Business Club
11 June, 9.30-11.30am. “Walk and work” networking. The Filly, Brockenhurst. £15. Click to book.Oakhaven Business Club
13 June, 5.00-7.00pm. Drinks on private yacht. £20. Click to book.Lymington Chamber of Commerce
27 June, 7.15am. Annual general meeting. Lymington Community Centre. £20. Click to book.LinkedIn Local
09 July, 5.00-7.00pm. Pizza and prosecco networking party. £22. Click to book.