'Spring Budget' special
'Spring Budget' special
Reactions to the budget statement, PR tips, a theme hotel, and a smorgasbord of business launches and anniversaries.
Welcome!
We begin this ‘monthly briefing’ with national political news and how it’s impacting businesses in the New Forest.
There’s a lot of great things happening for companies in our area, and you’ll see today many new business launches and success - long may it continue.
Here’s what is coming up…
Spring Budget - highlights and reactions from New Forest businesses.
‘Editors pick’ - the company we’re getting behind!
New businesses and anniversaries.
The value of work experience.
Reader offer: discount on coworking venues.
How to get free publicity for your business.
Kerri L Watt
Editor
‘Spring Budget’ statement highlights and live reactions from New Forest businesses
The UK chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, presented his Spring Budget on 06 March to a rowdy room of politicians.
The budget today is potentially the final fiscal event before a general election later in the year, so is an important statement.
Highlights from the ‘Spring Budget’ announcement relating to businesses:
Small businesses will be helped by providing £200m of funding to extend the Recovery Loans Scheme as it transitions to the Growth Guarantee Scheme
The VAT threshold will change from £85 to £90k.
Freeze on alcohol duty free and fuel duty extended.
National Insurance cut by 2p.
Ben Ironmonger, Company and Commercial Partner at Scott Bailey LLP, said: “Life is still difficult for SME business owners and operators, and there wasn’t a vast amount announced that will materially improve that.
“The news on the Recovery Loans Scheme is positive, and the VAT threshold rise.”
“However, the Chancellor could have increased the threshold further, and done something to reduce VAT to make life easier for hospitality and leisure businesses.”
Jeremy Hunt said they are “backing the Great British pub” when announcing a freeze on alcohol duty impacting 38,000 UK pubs.
Bobsy O’Hara, owner of the Lord Nelson pub in Hythe said: ““I would have liked to see the VAT decrease from 20% down to 17%.
“I don’t think the freeze on alcohol duty will have a big impact on us. Although, any help is better is nothing.
“I’m pleased he didn’t put anything up. I don’t feel like it is enough, and I think there could be more support. It is very difficult for the pub industry right now.”
Claire Donnelly, Director of Admin No1, “failed to see any great help” for business owners.
Speaking to the Recovery Loan Scheme funding announcement, Donnelly said: “I’m unsure how effective this will be. Depending on what the restrictions and requirements are - they often don’t get down to us here at the 'bottom’.”
‘The Farmers Butcher’ expands in Bramshaw
Successful butchery business The Farmer’s Butcher has expanded their premises to launch a “destination shopping experience on a farm” with retail space, takeaway coffee, food, and outside seating area.
Run by husband and wife, Mike and Sarah Alexander, The Farmer’s Butcher specialise in quality, local meat with farmer names next to the products for customers to see where their meat originated.
Mrs Alexandar said: “We continue to be, first and foremost, a butcher with a ready-to-cook range, however we will be able to offer a wider selection of local produce, including beers and ciders.
“We are primarily a farmers’ butcher with some lovely local food and drink on the side - not a farm shop with a butcher’s counter.”
For more info: thefarmersbutcher.co.uk.
Editors pick: The Railway Hotel, Fordingbridge
“That’s it, it’s right there!” said my son excitedly after seeing a railway signal from the road.
From the moment you enter the carpark you are immersed in the railway theme at The Railway Hotel in Fordingbridge and it is simply delightful. And the welcome at reception was as warm and satisfying as my nanna’s homemade apple pies.
The walk to your bedroom reveals a trail of railway themed treats for the eyes. My favourite being the restaurant tables designed as the original stops on the Orient Express.
I cannot recommend this hotel enough. It is stunning, and the staff are beyond friendly and accommodating. It’s so small it feels intimate. A contrasting vibe to most large, noisy, corporate looking hotels - that I welcome with open arms.
The Railway Hotel is open for bedroom and restaurant bookings and is open to non-residential guests. For more info or to book: www.railwayhotelfordingbridge.com.
‘Scott Bailey LLP’ opens Lyndhurst branch
New Forest Business of the Year 2023 award winners Scott Bailey LLP have opened a new branch in Lyndhurst.
The branch will see two new hires and the firm are “committed to building on our success in 2024.”
New hire Marie Redman, Property Solicitor, said: “Having lived locally for many years, I am aware of the brilliant work Scott Bailey does. I am excited to bring my own expertise and experience to the table and help Scott Bailey’s conveyancing team continue their brilliant work.”
For more info: www.scottbailey.co.uk.
Fancy free publicity for your business?
Check out NFBN Editor’s newsletter where she shares PR hacks and media tips to secure free PR opportunities for your business.
Recent articles include…
The value of work experience - from a NFBN reporter
Journalism student Freya Taylor has shared her New Forest Business News work experience with the journalist community.
Read the full article by Freya here.
Freya said: “What the work experience at New Forest Business News offered was a ‘foot in the door’ to industry as well as valuable experience.
“One of the most rewarding pieces I worked on in my time with Kerri was on the Ukraine support centre, New Forest for Ukraine. To develop articles about a current war crisis was an experience I will never forget, and it’s one that I know, without a doubt, will stay with me.”
‘The Pilates Studio’ new venue celebrates first anniversary
Pilates instructor Louisa Daniels opened The Pilates Studio ten years ago are celebrating their “latest and final location” first anniversary.
Daniels said: “When I look back at the last twelve months, I feel very proud of how our Pilates community has grown.”
The studio was also a national finalist in the Muddy Stilettos Hampshire & Isle of Wight Awards, for the Best Pilates Studio in the country.
Find out more or book a class: www.pilatesstudionewforest.co.uk.
Upcoming events
Lymington Chamber of Commerce
21 March, 7.15am- “Chocco Connections”, £17. Link to book.New Forest Business Partnership
12 March - LinkedIn Local, £17. Link to book.Oakhaven Business Club
12 March, 9.30am - New Forest Walk and Work, one hour walk followed by refreshments at Balmer Lawn in Brockenhurt, £15. Link to book.Oakhaven Business Club
19 March, 12pm - Networking lunch, £20. Link to book.Lymington Chamber of Commerce
21 March, 7.15am- “Chocco Connections”, £17. Link to book.Lymington Chamber of Commerce
28 March, 5.30pm - “Beer in Brock”, Brockenhurst. Link to book.
Coworking discount for readers with ‘Reef’ app
Editor Kerri L Watt has partnered with Reef to offer readers a 10% discount on booking their coworking spaces.
New Forest venues now on the Reef app are in Beaulieu, Lyndhurst and Ringwood. Plus, many venues in neighbouring Southampton, Salisbury, Winchester, and Bournemouth.
Download the app for a 7-day free trial: https://www.reef.rocks/download-app
And add this code for 10% off afterwards: WATT10
Disclaimer: if you join Reef after your trial, Kerri Watt may receive commission on purchases, this adds no cost at all to you.