BUSINESS Matters – and that will be the key message at the heart of a Hampshire Chamber-led event which will provide an innovative platform and opportunities for businesses in Basingstoke.

Thursday, September 27, is the date for your diary as Business Matters is an event you will not want to miss.

In partnership with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Basingstoke Together, the chamber is bringing together a number of organisations to deliver this exciting new event.

It will be hosted at The Apollo Hotel and will see an innovative format that is expected to attract hundreds of the local companies that we know you will want to meet.

As well as our main partners, we are working with After the Military, Connecting Biz, Enterprise M3 LEP, the Federation for Small Businesses (FSB), Greenhouse Graphics, HSBC and Lamb Brooks. Many of these will be assisting businesses with round-table workshops.

Topics will include digital marketing, profile raising, growing your business and legal matters. These will be informal, with delegates able to join on the day.

As well as an opportunity to take part in these conversations, the local borough council procurement team will be in attendance to raise awareness of the ways in which local businesses can be involved in meeting their demands for supply of all types of goods and services.

The whole afternoon will revolve around identified needs, with an official opening at 2pm being followed by an interactive panel session in which we will discuss key business issues locally, nationally and internationally.

Later in the day, a second panel will be convened in order to discuss topics that have been identified by attendees on the day.

A key feature of the event will be the unique opportunity to #bringyourbanner. All attendees will be encouraged to set up their pop-up banners at the very start of the event and leave them in situ until the end. They will then be able to meet with the partners at pre-booked one-to-ones, as well as network on both an informal basis and at pre-booked facilitated sessions.

The organisers would like attendees to stay for the whole event but the format facilitates the need for some to return to work after the opening ceremony and still gain maximum profile from being ‘in attendance’ with their banner on display throughout.

Mark Baulch, head of policy and representation at Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, said: ‘I am delighted that we have been able to bring together such a strong working group to deliver this event.

“We are really looking forward to presenting a great opportunity to businesses in the town to collaborate with one another and there will be more announcements about this event in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on EventBrite for booking details and the websites of all involved for more news’.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s economy and culture manager Daniel Garnier said: “We’re delighted to be part of this exciting and innovative event. Supporting and engaging with our business community is a priority for the council to ensure the borough continues to be an attractive and thriving business location now and in the future.

“Bringing together Basingstoke’s businesses to work collaboratively and do business with each other is what Business Matters is all about. Local companies help to contribute over £5.2billion GVA to the UK economy - this staggering amount is the highest in all Hampshire districts and shows just how dynamic Basingstoke and Deane’s businesses are.”

Basingstoke Together is the management company behind Basingstoke Town Centre’s Business Improvement District (BID).

It is funded by, and works for, over 500 local businesses of all sizes and sectors. The organisation aims to bring Basingstoke together to deliver a vibrant location where our businesses thrive and our visitors are inspired.

The Basingstoke Together team is very excited to be partners of this fantastic new networking event for Basingstoke businesses.

After the Military

After the Military is a career transition services business. Once a career in the Forces is over, some veterans struggle to find the right job. They identify new career paths, write a plan, hone CVs and provide coaching to market skills, when under pressure in interviews, via their bespoke training.

Why is this important? Many exciting careers exist but are not always easy to find, and the process of transitioning often grinds to a halt. After the Military guarantees to speed up the process, helping to find a fulfilling new role that reflects skills, strengths and experience. For further details contact Matthew Sheerin at matthewsheerin@afterthemilitary.co.uk

Connecting Biz

Barbara and Sarah Payne from Digital House and owners of Connecting Biz are delighted to be supporting Business Matters 2018. They said: “Having been trading for 18 years in the ‘marketing’ world, we are well placed to be supporting this event.

"Being digital marketing experts and helping customers build their businesses through engaging websites, SEO, Google AdWords and Social Media, we also believe local business networking is a great way to make connections, build relationships and generate new customers."

Connecting Biz is a well-established organisation and we will be running the usual round-table networking on the day.

Enterprise M3

Enterprise M3 drives the economic growth of the area by working with businesses, key delivery partners and government. They translate and signpost opportunities for businesses and partners including funding. To find out more, please visit www.enterprisem3.org.uk

The Enterprise M3 Growth Hub is aimed at businesses looking to succeed in the area. The Growth Hub provides expert advice and a resource network which helps businesses achieve results through a free personal, tailored service. Delivered by the BE Group, the Growth Hub is driving impact by working in new ways based on what businesses tell us they need to fulfil their potential.

Federation of Small Businesses

As experts in business, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) offers its members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in government. Their mission is to help smaller businesses achieve their particular ambitions.

Established over 40 years ago to help members succeed in business, FSB is a non-profit making and non-party political organisation that’s led by members, for its members.

Greenhouse Graphics

Greenhouse Graphics is a multi award-winning business providing high-quality design, printing, signage, vehicle graphics and marketing solutions to local and international companies.

2018 is the company’s 25th anniversary and the Greenhouse Graphics team is delighted that we are coming together to put on this unique event.

HSBC

As one of the world’s largest banks, HSBC supports over 1 million businesses in the UK and more than 37 million customers worldwide. This year, they won ‘Best Business Banking Provider’ at the British Bank Awards 2018.

They are committed to working with UK SMEs to help them realise their ambitions and over the past three years have committed £34bn in lending to enterprises in this sector.

Lamb Brooks Solicitors

Lamb Brooks is a well-established legal practice serving the Basingstoke community for over 200 years.

For many businesses navigating legal issues can be a minefield and their experienced team of company and commercial, commercial property and Employment lawyers offer pro-active support so that company owners and directors can focus on running their businesses.

Lamb Brooks is delighted to partner with other local firms to put on such a key event in the Basingstoke business diary.