10,000 New Forest constituents join 3m calling for election, Hythe Pier sold, and social media helps Police
December monthly briefing
Hello and happy holidays!
Before the world switches off for the festivities, and myself to consume my body weight in Pringles (daily!), I wanted to say thank you for being a part of the New Forest News journey this year!
As we grow, I’m now opening up sponsorship for the publication as well as organising a rebrand and diving into some investigative stories. I have big plans, and I couldn’t do it without you wonderful readers.
Here’s what is coming up in this edition…
What’s happened in the New Forest recently
Social media helps local Police catch shoplifters
Trending in the New Forest
Over 10,000 New Forest constituents join the 3-million signatures to call a general election
Brilliance in Business Awards
Upcoming business-y events
As ever, send your stories, enquire into sponsoring NFN, or say hello on editor@newforestbusinessnews.co.uk.
Kerri L Watt
Editor
What’s happened in the New Forest recently…
A Waterside school was evacuated and bomb squad called after child brought potential explosive to ‘show and tell’ - making local and national headlines… all from NFN Editor’s initial tip-off.
Hythe Pier has been sold to local business owner Ashleigh Mutimear-MacMillan
Deer rutting season has come to an end
Exactly what our interview last edition on National Insurance rises and employers rethinking hiring has indeed happened and now making headlines - link to story
Lymington Police had 105 reported crimes in October 2024, 8 of those were shoplifting offenses
Tickets to the New Forest Show on 29th – 31st July 2025 went on sale
Fish and chip shop Chip n Tails in Hythe is for sale
The Crown Stirrup pub in Lyndhurst reopened December 14 under new management
Mums Mean Business company launched in Hythe
Image: Claire Knowlton and Chernice Thompson, Mums Mean Business launch event
Social media helps Police catch shoplifters
Police forces are utilising social media to help identify and catch those involved in criminal activity caught on camera.
New Forest police regularly share photographs with full details of the crime asking followers to identify shoplifters.
A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said: “We do often receive further information from the public off the back of these appeals, helping us to progress our investigations and identify suspects.
“There was a recent case in Fordingbridge where the suspects themselves got in touch with us to identify themselves and admit their responsibility, which further demonstrates their effectiveness.”
Trending in the New Forest
New Forest Academy school had the biggest increase in Google searches with users who’d previously searched New Forest. NFN believe this could be due to the recent secondary school application season.
New Forest fencing also saw the biggest ‘query’ increase in searches, no doubt due to last week’s storm.
Over 10,000 New Forest constituents join the 3-million signatures to call a general election
A recent poll petitioning for a general election has hit almost 3-million signatures, believing Labour have “gone back on promises” laid out during the July election.
In the New Forest, 10,431 people have signed the petition so far (5,287 in New Forest East, 5,144 in New Forest West).
Sir Desmond Swayne, MP for New Forest West, told NFN: “If only!
“I have come across many severe cases of ‘buyer’s remorse’. I spent weeks on the doorsteps telling people exactly what would happen, sadly, many voters had simply stopped listening.
“I’m afraid there is no relief to be had however many signatures are collected. The Government will simply respond to affirm the real petition took place on 4th July.”
Once the petition hit 2-million signatures, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer shared statements with the media ruling out a new election and told television show This Morning viewers this “isn’t how our system works”.
It has been confirmed Parliament will debate the petition on January 06.
Brilliance in Business Awards
New Forest Business Partnership hosted its annual Brilliance in Business Awards at Brockenhurst College in November with 260 attendees gathered for the 18-award celebration.
Lymington-based New Forest Escapes won the prestigious New Forest Business of the Year award, as well as the Sustainable Business of the Year award.
Matthew Lawson, Chairman of New Forest Business Partnership, said: “The awards shine a light on the entrepreneurs, the innovators, the job creators who are writing the next chapter of our local economy.
“Whether you're a solopreneur just starting out, a family-owned business that has weathered decades of change, or a larger enterprise driving regional growth, your stories inspire us all.”
Other winners included New Forest Hamper Company, New Milton Sand and Ballast, Impress Travel, Camping New Forest, FLYTE Creative Media, and Furzey Gardens.
Upcoming business-y events
Lymington Chamber of Commerce
19 December, 7.30pm. Christmas party. Lanes of Lymington. £45. Click to book.New Forest Business Partnership
14 January, 7.30-9am. Business breakfast. Chewton Glen Hotel and Spa, New Milton. £32. Click to book.Lymington Chamber of Commerce
16 January, 7.15-9am. Breakfast and 2025 “goal-setting for business success”. Rhinefield House, Brockenhurst. £19.50. Click to book.
New Forest Business Partnership
21 January, 5-7pm. LinkedIn Local New Forest Gathering. St Barbe Museum, Lymington. £20. Click to book.Oakhaven Business Club
21 January, 10am-12pm. Coffee and cake networking plus guest speaker. Rhinefield House Hotel, Brockenhurst. £12.50. Click to book.Oakhaven Business Club
27 February, 10am-12pm. Coffee and cake networking plus guest speaker. Rhinefield House Hotel, Brockenhurst. £12.50. Click to book.New Forest Business Partnership
30 January, 9.30-11am. Marketing masterclass on brand strategy. SpudWorks, Sway. £19. Click to book.
Sponsor New Forest News!
As part of our rebrand and focus for more investigations in 2025, I’m looking for businesses or organisations looking to promote themselves and partner by sponsoring NFN.
Find out more or share your interest at editor@newforestbusinessnews.co.uk.