Features
Manufacturing: April round-up
April’s round-up of the latest news in the manufacturing sector in the South East.
The manufacturing outlook on the first quarter of 2021: More good...
Clarifying points often overlooked by unwary charity trustees
Can charities pay their trustees?
If you were asked to name the defining characteristics of a charity, you might say that they are there to...
How Brexit has changed UK intellectual property (IP) laws
Following the Brexit transition period, what has changed for UK intellectual property (IP) laws? Andrew Jerrard, solicitor, Trethowans, answers the question.
If you had an...
Recovering from the pandemic – has your business investigated its insurance policy?
The current pandemic has had, and continues to have, a devastating effect on businesses worldwide. Clarke Willmott has reported on the legal issues of...
Is your business ready for the changing IR35 tax rules?
IR35 tax rules are changing. With the Covid-19 crisis continuing, it may have slipped off the radar for many that changes placing responsibility on...
Championing talent from diverse backgrounds
At Kleinwort Hambros our mission is to simplify life’s financial challenges, driven by our vision to become the leading responsible bank for client service...
Special Features
Special Feature: Commercial Property
To participate in this feature contact:
Nathan Inns (Thames Valley) – nathan.lindstrom@black-ox.com – 07825 604444
Alan Lindstrom (Solent) – alan.lindstrom@black-ox.com – 07305 582269
Reviewing the property market
With any market review context...
Special Feature: Spotlight on the City of Southampton
To participate in this feature contact:
Alan Lindstrom (Solent) – alan.lindstrom@black-ox.com – 07305 582269
Now is the time for businesses to come together and engage with the...
Special Feature: Technology Innovation and AI
To participate in this feature contact:
Nathan Inns (Thames Valley) – nathan.lindstrom@black-ox.com – 07825 604444
Alan Lindstrom (Solent) – alan.lindstrom@black-ox.com – 07305 582269
Building leadership in emerging technology in the south
James...
Special Feature: Digital Communications
Most organisations will instinctively know that digital should be somewhere in their marketing mix. Few organisations in 2020 exist without a website.
For some, SEO...
Special Feature: Focus on Portsmouth
Portsmouth is the south’s waterfront city - and renowned as the home of the Royal Navy. And now it is undergoing a major transformation...
Special Feature: Reading 2020
In many ways COVID-19 has changed so much of our economic landscape – forcing us re-evaluate how we live, work and do business. And...
Advisory
IRIS Software launches next-generation cloud accountancy platform
IRIS Software Group (IRIS), the number one software supplier to accountancy practices has announced the launch of IRIS Elements, the next generation cloud accountancy...
Carpenter Box unveils new brand to support ‘Building a Brighter Future’
Sussex accountancy firm Carpenter Box has today unveiled a new, fresh visual identity to support its continued growth and to help its clients ‘Build...
Shoosmiths helps educational tech charity Founders4Schools to thrive
On a pro bono basis, UK law firm Shoosmiths has advised Founders4Schools on the restructuring of its group and the Digital Boost Project, a...
Blandy & Blandy: 2% Stamp Duty Land Tax surcharge explained
Olivia Foster, in Blandy & Blandy’s commercial property team, explains the new Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) surcharge that applies to residential property purchased...
Thames Valley: Jabra signs up to The Curve at Langley
Jabra, the global engineers of audio and video conferencing technology, have recommitted to The Curve at Langley, Berkshire.
The Danish-owned firm has taken 5,300 sq...
Winchester-based firm Azets Corporate Finance advises on sale
Winchester-based Azets Corporate Finance and law firm Blake Morgan have advised on the sale of Esotec to ADT Fire & Security Group, a subsidiary...
Community
Dorset Chamber launches new mental health initiative for business leaders
Dorset Chamber has launched an initiative to provide support and build resilience amongst business leaders.
At a time when the pressure of running a business...
Webinar: Shaping Portsmouth – Grow you own Talent
Shaping Portsmouth in partnership with Portsmouth College is holding an online event – Grow Your Own Talent. The event will take place on Wednesday...
Thomas White Oxford kickstarts Oxford’s new life sciences district
Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, has submitted its enabling works reserved matters application (RMA) to kick-start Oxford North, the...
£20 million industrial scheme begins at Tonbridge Trade Park
A joint venture between developer Chancerygate and global real estate firm Hines has started construction on a new 15-unit, 100,000 sq ft trade park...
Dorset Chamber opens Peer Network Programme to boost business
An acclaimed business support scheme delivered by Dorset Chamber has opened for ambitious bosses countywide.
The Chamber has 100 places in its Peer Network Programme...
Business Butler launches talent platform for SME’s in Oxfordshire
Business Butler is launching its successful, on-demand, talent platform across Oxfordshire at the beginning of May, which is great news for start-ups and SMEs...
Companies
CMA shortlisted for Recruitment Agency of the Year
CMA Recruitment Group has been recognised again in the recruitment sector’s national Recruiter Awards.
CMA was recently shortlisted in the following categories:
Best compliance...
Marketing agency Fireworx appointed to expand national reach of Collect+
Fireworx, the leading Bournemouth-based marketing agency, has secured an SEO-focused project with Collect+ to enhance its visibility and reach across the UK.
Collect+ is owned...
23.5 Degrees secures £17 million funding package from HSBC UK
Starbucks’ first worldwide franchise, 23.5 Degrees, based in Southampton, has secured a £17 million funding package from HSBC UK to expand its portfolio of...
Bakedin expands marketing capabilities with series of new hires
The UK’s leading subscription baking kit brand, Bakedin, has responded to significant growth with a series of key hires set to bolster its marketing...
WowNow Hire: A rebrand to reflect the company’s focus
Based in Hampshire, one of the UK’s leading national managed hire service businesses for equipment, waste, accommodation, and tools has changed its name from...
Oxford-based Seacourt wins fourth Queen’s Award for Enterprise
An Oxford printing company is celebrating after winning its fourth Queen’s Award for Enterprise for sustainable development.
Cowley-based Seacourt is one of 205 organisations across...
Deals
Rochester IT firm Allteks acquires Maidstone-based Absols
Rochester-based IT firm Allteks has acquired Maidstone-based Absols as part of its growth and expansion plans.
The acquisition, which was agreed in February and officially...
Supported by Barclays, The Property Franchise Group completes acquisition
Bournemouth-headquartered The Property Franchise Group has formally completed its acquisition of Hunters Property, supported by a £12.5 million finance facility from Barclays.
Effective from...
Macbeth consolidates Thames Valley insurance leadership position
Independent insurance firm, Macbeth, has completed its second acquisition in 18 months, with the purchase of Buckinghamshire-based Peter Lole. The move further consolidates Macbeth’s...
Surrey horticultural company grows with support from HSBC UK
Surrey-headquartered Nurture Landscapes has acquired two new companies with the support of an eight-figure Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) from HSBC UK.
The acquisition of De-Ice...
Ecocleen acquires The JPM Group in deal worth in excess of £5 million
Ecocleen, the leading commercial contract cleaning provider, has announced the acquisition of The JPM Group of Companies (JPM), a facilities services company based in...
Moore Barlow’s corporate team completes deals in record-breaking run
Moore Barlow’s corporate team has completed a record period of activity, having advised on deals with a combined value of more than £830 million...
Education
Shoosmiths helps educational tech charity Founders4Schools to thrive
On a pro bono basis, UK law firm Shoosmiths has advised Founders4Schools on the restructuring of its group and the Digital Boost Project, a...
VeGate announced winner of Kent student start-up awards
The University of Kent has announced student Mercy Adeniji as the winner of Kent Business School’s 2021 Business Start-Up Journey Awards, with her vegan food delivery service...
Arts University Bournemouth starts on refurbishment of innovation suite
Willmott Dixon Interiors has begun work on a £200,000 project to deliver a new suite within the state-of-the-art innovation studio at Arts University Bournemouth...
Thames Valley: Henley Business School students seek support
Launching a new business is hard work in normal times, but even tougher during a pandemic. A group of entrepreneurship students at Henley Business...
Solent: Working together to strengthen higher and further education
As part of ongoing work to strengthen higher and further education ties across the region, Solent University and Eastleigh College have entered into a...
South: EM3 invests in industry-designed gaming campus
Students joining Havant and South Downs College from September 2021 will enjoy studying the new gaming curriculum in a dedicated space at the Alton...
Events
Webinar: Shaping Portsmouth – Grow you own Talent
Shaping Portsmouth in partnership with Portsmouth College is holding an online event – Grow Your Own Talent. The event will take place on Wednesday...
MindWorks Marketing helps deliver record pre-orders at Suzuki conference
Hampshire-based MindWorks Marketing’s online conferencing team has helped Suzuki GB’s motorcycles division to achieve outstanding success at its first online annual dealer conference, with...
Business Innovation South expo web conference and expo update
#BIS2021 is a southern-based expo on 15 September showcasing companies within the STEM and innovation sectors (and those closely aligned).
With speakers drawn from...
BDB Pitmans webinar: Decarbonising ports – The route to Net Zero
Climate change is arguably the most pressing global issue of our time, and it is finally being taken seriously by governments around the world....
IBB Law webinar: The ‘fit and proper test’ is coming – are you ready?
IBB Law's park homes team will be holding a webinar for residential park owners and managers on Thursday 13 May.
On 1 July 2021 new...
Brexit webinar series: The new law – what you need to know
BDB Pitmans is hosting a series of webinars looking into some of the issues posed by the legal changes following Brexit.
This series of webinars...
Finance/Economy
23.5 Degrees secures £17 million funding package from HSBC UK
Starbucks’ first worldwide franchise, 23.5 Degrees, based in Southampton, has secured a £17 million funding package from HSBC UK to expand its portfolio of...
R3’s response to Q1 2021 insolvency statistics England and Wales
Businesses in the south and Thames Valley are being warned against developing a false sense of security after insolvencies fell to their lowest quarterly...
Lloyds Bank Business Barometer: Confidence surge in South East
Business confidence in the South East rose 13 points during April to 29%, its highest level since September 2018, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Companies...
Business South welcomes property developer Kingsbridge Estates
Leading commercial property developer Kingsbridge Estates has become a Business South Champion, joining businesses from across the Central South region working collaboratively for the...
Womble Bond Dickinson asks how Solent Freeport will impact businesses
A new online survey aimed at decision-makers across the South of England has been launched by law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) to gain...
CV-Library: Job postings soar above pre-pandemic levels
According to the latest job market data from the UK’s leading independent job board, CV-Library, the number of job postings during w/c 12 April...
Hospitality
New Forest Activities welcomes back companies for team-building
A New Forest location that specialises in family activities and corporate 'away days' is gearing up to welcome businesses back to the river, with...
EY survey: Hospitality may not bounce back until late summer
There is significant pent-up consumer demand for hospitality and leisure, but the majority of UK consumers are still hesitant to return to restaurants and...
South: Community Chest opens to deliver vital support
Hall & Woodhouse has launched its 2021 Community Chest Awards with applications opening to local causes from Friday, March 5.
The leading independent family-owned brewer...
South: Customer praise secures a national award for Hoburne
Hoburne Holidays has won a national award after being praised by its holidaymakers for outstanding customer service during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The family-run company, which...
Guildford: Stevens & Bolton advises Pizza Hut on CVA
Law firm Stevens & Bolton has advised Pizza Hut Restaurants after its company voluntary arrangement (CVA) was launched on September 10, 2020. The CVA...
Dorset: Holiday group acquires park in Cornwall
Dorset-based Waterside Holiday Group is expanding with the acquisition of its fourth holiday park, and its first in Cornwall.
The company’s newly acquired park, named...
International
Hampshire: Cross-border support as Brexit queries rise
Companies seeking independent help and advice about post-Brexit trading are being offered a strengthened package of support from Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.
The business membership...
South East: UK exporters benefit from ‘made in Britain’ tag
As the UK government negotiates new trade deals in markets across the globe, research from Barclays Corporate Banking reveals how British exporters can benefit...
Reading: Major film studios planned for university science park
The University of Reading has entered into an agreement with affiliates of Commonwealth Real Estate, a film studios investor based in Los Angeles, for...
South: Making sense of the new UK immigration system
Free movement between the UK and the EU will end on December 31. On January 1 the UK will implement a points-based immigration system...
Grove: Williams and OXIS team up for electric boat project
Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) is working with fellow Oxfordshire-based firm, OXIS Energy, on the production of a world-first battery system, designed for an all-new...
Southampton: Quantuma advises Polycast on sale
Business advisory firm Quantuma has advised Southampton-based Polycast International on the sale of its shares to the management team of Uni-Pol, a joint venture...
Law
Law firm Paris Smith warns local businesses not to ignore IR35 changes
A leading Hampshire employment lawyer has warned local businesses not to ignore the IR35 changes that came into effect on 6 April.
Clive Dobbin, partner...
Warning from Paris Smith solicitors to firms operating in the gig economy
Following the recent landmark judgment against Uber in the Supreme Court, it was thought that the floodgates would open to further claims amongst gig...
Law firm WBD strengthens real estate practice with new hires
Transatlantic law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has bolstered its real estate practice in the UK with a team of three joining from Clyde...
Dutton Gregory welcomes family law specialist as newest member of its partnership
After three years of outstanding enthusiasm and achievement since his arrival at the firm, Dutton Gregory is delighted to welcome family law specialist, Jonathan...
IBB Law appoints new contentious probate partner
IBB private client group announces the appointment of Paul Grimwood who joins the firm on 1 May as a partner in the specialist contentious...
Lester Aldridge: Promotions across Bournemouth and Southampton offices
Leading South Coast law firm Lester Aldridge has announced seven new associates and two new senior associates from 1 May across its Bournemouth and...
Manufacturing
JB Corrie appoints new sales and operations manager
JB Corrie, one of the UK’s leading fencing design, manufacturing and installation companies, has appointed Gordon McKinnell as sales and operations manager.
JB Corrie is...
BAE Systems welcomes Kickstart recruits to its maritime services business
BAE Systems has welcomed its first intake of Kickstart recruits, with six young people joining the maritime services business this April, at Broad Oak...
BGF invests £10 million in Oxfordshire-based technology business
BGF – the UK’s most active growth capital investor – has announced a £10m investment in Polar Technology Management Group, an Oxfordshire-based business that...
Reading: Boyes Turner advises on agri-services aqcuisition
Boyes Turner has advised on an acquisition for a leading international agri-services company to complement its amenity business portfolio in the UK.
The corporate transactions...
Bicester: Seychell appoints new operations manager
Bicester-based Seychell Engineering and Fabrication has appointed a new operations manager, as the firm begins to roll out a major investment in training and...
South East: Manufacturers start year with mixed picture
South East manufacturers are seeing a mixed picture in the first quarter of the year as the shortage of semi-conductors and new trading relationships...
Motoring
DAF Trucks dealership group Adams Morey announce new acquisition
Adams Morey has announced the acquisition of Kingdon Wessex DAF and its four locations comprising of three main service centres at Saltash in Cornwall,...
MindWorks Marketing helps deliver record pre-orders at Suzuki conference
Hampshire-based MindWorks Marketing’s online conferencing team has helped Suzuki GB’s motorcycles division to achieve outstanding success at its first online annual dealer conference, with...
Charities to benefit from Peter Cooper’s 40th anniversary logo challenge
Who better to ask to design a logo to help a company mark its 40th year in business than its staff?
That’s just what Darren...
Snows SEAT teams up with Hampshire-based TentBox
Snows SEAT has teamed up with fellow Hampshire-based company TentBox to enable three lucky car buyers to turn their new vehicle into a ‘camper’.
All...
Snows appoints new sales manager at Mazda Chichester
Snows has appointed Paul Rabbetts as sales manager for its Mazda Chichester dealership.
Snows Mazda Chichester was established following Snows’ acquisition of the multi-branded Portfield...
Hendy Performance set for action-packed open day at Thruxton
Details have been unveiled for a brand new performance car event in August hosted by Hendy Performance at Thruxton Race Circuit in Hampshire.
The event...
People
Institute of Directors boosts Hampshire and Isle of Wight team with ambassador appointments
The IoD has appointed a raft of new ambassadors to its Hampshire and Isle of Wight branch.
The four new ambassadors are leading figures from...
Law firm Lester Aldridge announced new head of charities
Senior associate Lisa Watson-Cook joins full-service law firm Lester Aldridge as the new head of charities & social enterprise.
Watson-Cook advises charities, social enterprises, voluntary...
Fareham-based company Flomatik appoints new CEO to bolster leadership team
Hampshire network services provider Flomatik has appointed experienced leader Dean Checkley as its CEO, as the company focuses on business growth and recruiting top...
Law firm WBD strengthens real estate practice with new hires
Transatlantic law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has bolstered its real estate practice in the UK with a team of three joining from Clyde...
Bakedin expands marketing capabilities with series of new hires
The UK’s leading subscription baking kit brand, Bakedin, has responded to significant growth with a series of key hires set to bolster its marketing...
Dutton Gregory welcomes family law specialist as newest member of its partnership
After three years of outstanding enthusiasm and achievement since his arrival at the firm, Dutton Gregory is delighted to welcome family law specialist, Jonathan...
Property
CBRE Southampton announces two promotions across two departments
The Southampton office of CBRE announces two promotions across the advisory and transaction services and property management service lines. Emma Lockey has been promoted...
Blandy & Blandy: 2% Stamp Duty Land Tax surcharge explained
Olivia Foster, in Blandy & Blandy’s commercial property team, explains the new Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) surcharge that applies to residential property purchased...
Thames Valley: Jabra signs up to The Curve at Langley
Jabra, the global engineers of audio and video conferencing technology, have recommitted to The Curve at Langley, Berkshire.
The Danish-owned firm has taken 5,300 sq...
£20 million industrial scheme begins at Tonbridge Trade Park
A joint venture between developer Chancerygate and global real estate firm Hines has started construction on a new 15-unit, 100,000 sq ft trade park...
Arena Reading delivers flexible office alternative to conventional leases
Over the past year, companies of every size have been re-evaluating how and where they work. The opportunity to take a step back and...
Business South welcomes property developer Kingsbridge Estates
Leading commercial property developer Kingsbridge Estates has become a Business South Champion, joining businesses from across the Central South region working collaboratively for the...
Technology
IRIS Software launches next-generation cloud accountancy platform
IRIS Software Group (IRIS), the number one software supplier to accountancy practices has announced the launch of IRIS Elements, the next generation cloud accountancy...
Fareham-based company Flomatik appoints new CEO to bolster leadership team
Hampshire network services provider Flomatik has appointed experienced leader Dean Checkley as its CEO, as the company focuses on business growth and recruiting top...
Oxford: Biotech company Oxitec making international headlines fighting disease in the Florida Keys
Oxford-based biotechnology company Oxitec develops genetically modified insects in order to create a population that then acts as a ‘living insecticide’. The company began...
Tech accessories brand juice® shortlisted at Mobile Industry Awards 2021
Mobile phone accessories manufacturer, juice®, has been shortlisted in the Accessory Manufacturer of the Year category at the Mobile Industry Awards (MIAs) 2021.
This is...
Rochester IT firm Allteks acquires Maidstone-based Absols
Rochester-based IT firm Allteks has acquired Maidstone-based Absols as part of its growth and expansion plans.
The acquisition, which was agreed in February and officially...
Shoosmiths helps educational tech charity Founders4Schools to thrive
On a pro bono basis, UK law firm Shoosmiths has advised Founders4Schools on the restructuring of its group and the Digital Boost Project, a...
Roundtables
Getting back on track – lessons learned from the lockdown
The Business Magazine invited a diverse line-up of business leaders, who have supported it over the years, to participate in this virtual roundtable to...
2020: Welcome to uncertainty
At this roundtable, business leaders from finalists and sponsors of the Thames Valley Business Magazine Awards shared their views on issues that included when...
Challenges and opportunities for leaders of growing businesses
Advisory and accountancy firm BDO, Lloyds Bank, law firm Gateley Legal, commercial and residential advisers Vail Williams and Henley Business School sponsored this roundtable,...
Sustainability and green manufacturing
Accountants MHA McIntyre Hudson, Lloyds Bank, and motorsport gearbox manufacturer Xtrac sponsored this roundtable held at the Royal Berkshire Conference Centre at the Madejski...
Growth and success in 2019
Winners, finalists and sponsors of the Thames Valley Business Magazine Awards attended this roundtable, hosted by The Business Magazine at the Royal Berkshire Conference...
Sustaining growth through 2019
The Business Magazine hosted this roundtable with Thames Valley 250 sponsors Henley Business School, HSBC, advisory and accountancy firm BDO, law firm Gateley plc,...