In summary
As we step into Spring, there is a lot happening across Hampshire, Dorset and Isle of Wight. Please do take note of the newsletter article below about devolution and take part in the consultation, to express your views. Once these changes have been made, we will be living with the results for years to come, changing the local government landscape and ultimately shaping the future of investment and funding for the area.
Featured news and events
FSB Business Bootcamp: ‘Riding the Waves to Success’ is coming to Portsmouth this June!
Wednesday 18 June, Lakeside, Portsmouth – 9am to 2pm
Join other small businesses and business support organisations to ‘Ride the Waves to Success’ at our Bootcamp in Portsmouth this June.
The operating environment for businesses has been and continues to be turbulent, so this event aims to give you the tips, tools, inspiration and contacts to navigate your business successfully.
We welcome all small business owners and self-employed people at this event and it’s a great opportunity to take part in the FSB community.
The Bootcamp will feature expert speakers throughout the day, giving their top tips which you can put into practice and take back to your business to help you ride the waves in 2025. Speakers will be announced in the coming weeks!
During two networking breaks and over lunch, you will be able to browse our Business Support Fair, where we have gathered together organisations from across the area who provide support and services for small businesses.
Tickets are just £10 for FSB Members and £15 for non-members and include lunch, all refreshments and free parking.
FSB Talks: Southampton
4 - 6pm, Wednesday 26 March 2025 at Network Eagle Lab, Portland Terrace, Southampton SO14 7SJ
Join us at Barclays Eagle Lab for an info packed event featuring 3 different speakers plus the opportunity to network with other delegates. At this event, 3 short presentations will cover 3 different topics. There will also be opportunities for networking with other delegates.
In other news
Embedding sustainability into long term commercial strategies
Wednesday 19 March 8.30am to 11am at Utilita Bowl
NatWest & Utilita are bringing together industry experts to share practical, data-driven strategies to aid your decarbonisation journey.
The event includes networking and panel discussion to help local businesses focus on and embed sustainability into their companies. The event is free to attend, so please do book a place if you are interested in sustainability
Coastal Powerhouse Summit
Wednesday 26 March - Thursday 27 March at Ocean Cruise Terminal (Berth 46), Cunard Road Southampton SO14 3QN
Set against the backdrop of the Solent's vibrant maritime landscape, the Coastal Powerhouse Week is an unmissable event for anyone passionate about the future of the maritime sector.
Industry leaders, academics, policymakers and start-ups will converge at ABP's Ocean Terminal in Southampton to explore the latest trends and innovations shaping the industry.
The heart of the week is the Coastal Powerhouse Summit, a two-day conference packed with insightful discussions and networking opportunities. Day 1 focuses on the Coastal Powerhouse Conference, where attendees will delve into topics such as maritime decarbonisation, clean maritime and autonomous maritime. Day 2 shifts gears to explore Maritime Futures: People, Innovation & Trade, highlighting the importance of skills, technology and collaboration in driving the industry forward.
Why attend?
- Gain insights from industry experts and thought leaders
- Explore the latest innovations and technologies
- Network with key players in the maritime sector
- Contribute to shaping the future of the industry
Find out more and book tour tickets online.
Still in the news
Devolution for Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight
The Hampshire and Solent expression of interest to be part of the Government’s devolution fast track programme was accepted. The first stage in the process is for a Government led consultation on the proposals to seek views from local residents, stakeholders and organisations. The consultation is now live and there is a link to it below. Please do have your say…
Hampshire and the Solent devolution consultation - GOV.UK
Join us at two of the biggest networking events in the area - Get FREE tickets now!
Join over 600 businesses from across Dorset at the upcoming Bournemouth and Farnborough Business Expos, taking place on Thursday 20 March at The Vitality Stadium and Thursday 27 March at the Village Hotel Farnborough.
These expos are free events for all business owners, entrepreneurs and local professionals who
are looking for ideas and inspiration to take their business and connections to the next level.
As well as exhibitors from across the region, there will also be free seminars and interactive
workshops hosted by guest speakers covering everything from sales and marketing to
innovation, and growth.
Businesses looking to promote their business at the expo can enquire about exhibiting by emailing Gemma or call on 01256 838386 and FSB members can receive £100 discount on the price of a stand.
Check out B2B Expos upcoming events to book these expos and more.
More news and activity near you
- Surrey
- Thames Valley
- More from FSB South Central
- Cornwall
- Devon
- Gloucestershire, Bristol and Bath
- Somerset and Wiltshire
- More from FSB South West
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Hampshire, Dorset and Isle of Wight is Nicky Kildunne. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email us: [email protected], or [email protected] for Dorset
- follow us on X: @FSBHantsIoWDor
- follow us on Facebook: FSB Hampshire, Dorset and Isle of Wight
- connect with me on LinkedIn: Nicky Kildunne
- catch regular news updates and more on YouTube: FSB Hampshire, Dorset and Isle of Wight