Business & Economy

Hampshire Ambassadors Newsletter - January 2008

A Message From Our Patron

Twelve years ago the Hampshire Ambassadors project was set up by the County Council’s Economic Development Office as a way of recognising business excellence in Hampshire.

Since then the scheme has gone from strength to strength and through the company visit programme nearly 150 visits have been made by the Ambassadors to leading Hampshire organisations.

Several significant milestones have also been achieved in that time, in February 2006 I was delighted to host our 10th anniversary event held in the Great Hall in Winchester and later that year in December we welcomed Francis Paonessa, Managing Director of the VT Portsmouth Shipbuilding Facility as our 1000th member.

Hampshire Ambassadors play an important role in raising the profile of outstanding companies in the county. The achievements of our local businesses are highlighted by the Hampshire Ambassadors visits and news of these events will be brought to you every month in this newsletter.

From major employers to small success stories and from rural enterprises to city corporations the Ambassador scheme strives to provide a visit programme which reflects the great diversity of industry in Hampshire. We hope to see you at an event in 2008 and thank you for all the work you do as Ambassadors promoting Hampshire as a leading place to do business.

'Whilst writing I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to think about nominating someone you know or work with in the business community for a National Honour. Please take time to visit the website at www.honours.gov.uk. Nomination forms may be downloaded together with guidance notes but if you need any help or advice please contact the Clerk to the Lieutenancy (Mrs Lorraine Riley) on 01962 826068 or by email to : lorraine.riley@hants.gov.uk There are many people in Hampshire who contribute to the life of our county in so many ways. If you know someone who you think deserves to be recognised, please do put them forward.'

Ambassador Visits 2008

The next Ambassador visit will be taking place at Portsmouth Football Club on Tuesday 29th January from 6.00 - 8.00pm.

Portsmouth Football Club haven’t looked back since Harry Redknapp led them to promotion to the Premiership in 2003.

Hampshire Ambassadors are now invited to visit Fratton Park, home of PFC since 1898, for the opportunity to tour the stadium, including the team changing room, pitch and conference facilities, before enjoying some of the finest hospitality available on the South Coast.

Please e-mail hannah.payne@hants.gov.uk if you would like to attend.

2008 Visit Programme

Tuesday 22nd January 6.00 – 8.00pm – Portsmouth Football Club

Tuesday 21st February 1.00 - 4.00pm – Ford, Swaythling

Thursday 13th March 6.00 – 7.30pm - The Rainbow Centre, Fareham

Wednesday 9th April 12.00 – 2.00pm - New University Centre, at the University of Winchester

Thursday 24th April – NXP and Millbrook technology campus, Southampton

Wednesday 14th May 6.00 – 8.30pm – Exbury Gardens, Southampton

Saturday 17th May – Ambassadors are invited to attend the Sparsholt College Countryside Day, Near Winchester

Wednesday 11th June evening event – Winchester City Mill

Wednesday 23rd July 12.00 – 4.00pm – Serco, Portsmouth

August date TBC - Hampshire Wildlife Trust, Basingstoke

Wednesday 10th September 11.00am to 2.00pm - VT Shipbuilding, Portsmouth

November date tbc - Aldershot Centre for Health

Ambassador Interview

Robert Hillier is chairman of Hillier Nurseries Ltd a founding member of the Hampshire Ambassadors.

A successful Hampshire businessman Robert has been been awarded the OBE for his outstanding service to the people and businesses of Hampshire over the past ten years, in training, development and business support.

Read full interview

Business Directory Sale

Its not just clothes and shoes that are on offer in the January sales. The County Council is offering The Hampshire Business Directory at half price this month making finding all you want to know about Hampshire’s businesses cheaper and easier.

From accountants and conference venues to training and waste disposal you can now find out details such as contact information, export markets, turnover and employee band for over 7,000 entries in Hampshire for just £30 when you purchase the printed directory. All the businesses listed are VAT-registered and have five or more employees.

The Hampshire Business Directory is available in two formats, either a printed directory or a CD-ROM database. Businesses are listed by industry sector in the printed directory, which also contains information about Hampshire’s economy as well as useful business support contacts in its introductory pages.

The data on the CD-ROM is supplied with user-friendly design features and is PC compatible. It also contains a Live Update facility, which means the information can be refreshed at regular intervals.

For further information visit the Hampshire County Council business pages at www.hants.gov.uk/business or call the Economic Development Office on 01962 846381.

New Hampshire Fare Producer Guide

Local food group Hampshire Fare is launching the 2008 producers directory next week and shortly after a personal copy will be winging its way to each Hampshire Ambassador.

The directory is your essential guide to the county's most delicious secrets and includes details of 200 food, drink and craft producers from farm shops to hospitality and caterering.

The guide also contain details of Hampshire Fare events and farmers markets taking place across Hampshire in 2008.

If you can't wait for your guide to come through the post visit www.hampshirefare.co.uk for more details about Hampshire Fare and local producers and to get the recipe for the delicious Smoked Trout & Watercress Tart featured on the front cover!