Happy new year and welcome to the first Monthly Briefing of 2024!

Currently, the New Forest Business News monthly briefing is a short roundup of business stories and events in our area. Behind the scenes though, I am working on a few meatier stories for you.

So, if there’s an issue currently impacting you, or your business, that you’d like us to look into, please reach out editor@newforestbusinessnews.co.uk.

For now, here’s what is coming up in this edition…

How to have your say on the council’s new ‘Corporate Plan’
Foraging workshops, award wins, and how to get free PR advice
Upcoming networking and business events

Kerri L Watt
Editor

Experience Hampshire brings popular foraging workshop to the New Forest

*Pictured: Freya, expert foraging guide*

Activity booking platform Experience Hampshire have announced the New Forest is to be their next location for foraging workshops after a sell-out success in north Hampshire throughout 2023.

The Retreat in Hinton will host the five-star reviewed foraging sessions led by expert forager and qualified chef, Freya.

Roger Walker, Chief Experience Officer at Experience Hampshire, said: “Foraging is particularly popular at the moment as people want to discover more about their surroundings and learn whether any of the flora that they see is edible. Our workshops give a taste of how to forage safely and sustainably.

“The Retreat has a good amount of land for us to explore with a variety of habitats, so we are looking forward to discover what it has to offer in terms of fungi, fruits and berries and other edible plants.”

The next foraging workshop is on 28 April and costs £45 per person. For more information or to book go to: https://experiencehampshire.uk/experience/546

The Green Gram Community Shop receives national award

*Pictured: Helen Harding, The Green Gram Treasurer*

The Green Gram is beginning the new year with a national award win - The Horace Plunkett award, from the Rural Community Business Awards by the Plunkett Foundation.

The award, selected from 19 finalists, celebrates businesses outstanding contribution to their communities.

Fully staffed by volunteers, The Green Gram Community Refill Shop sells food and household items into the customers own containers to save single-use plastic packaging.

Have your say on our council’s ‘Corporate Plan’

New Forest District Council are inviting residents and business to share views on their next corporate plan.

The draft four-year plan is one document detailing the council’s priorities and commitments to the district from 2024.

NFDC Leader, Cllr Jill Cleary, said: "The plan focuses on the challenges we face, and the ambitions we have to respond to these challenges, structured around the themes of People, Place and Prosperity.

"Together we will navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring our district remains a wonderful place to live, work and thrive."

Read the plan and have your say until 26 January here: https://www.newforest.gov.uk/CorporatePlanConsultation

Free newsletter shares how to get media coverage for your business

New Forest Business News Editor and Journalist Kerri L Watt has launched a free newsletter to help businesses easily secure national, local and online media coverage.

Just click the button below to subscribe…

Subscribe (free) here

Visit The New Forest shares alcohol-free top spots to try in January

clear drinking glass with red liquid and sliced lemon — *Photo by Rirri on Unsplash*

As we enter our annual time of resolutions and detoxes, Visit The New Forest has created a list of the top spots to devour alcohol-free treats this month.

Read their roundup here: www.thenewforest.co.uk/blog/post/top-alcohol-free-spots-in-the-new-forest.

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Balmer Lawn Hotel nominated for wedding award

Upcoming business-y events

Lymington Chamber of Commerce “Chats Over Chai”
09 January - Connect with others and meet the Board, £5. Link to book.
New Forest Business Partnership
09 January - Business networking at (and sponsored by) Chewton Glen, £29. Link to book.
Girls That Golf (no golfing experience needed)
12 January - Practice your golf swing whilst networking, Christchurch, £0 for first visit. Link to book.

people laughing and talking outside during daytime — *Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash*

Lymington Chamber of Commerce
18 January - Breakfast networking and marketing talk at Rhinefield House, £29.99. Link to book.
New Forest Women in Business
22 January - St Barbe Museum, Lymington. Email emily.drew@scottbailey.co.uk for info.
Oakhaven Business Club
26 January - Backstage tour of the Mayflower theatre and networking, £15. Link to book.
Oakhaven Business Club
13 February - "Walk and work" and networking, £15. Link to book.

Get your business featured or sponsor a ‘monthly briefing’

We’re always on the lookout for great stories to share with readers so we’d love to hear from you.

Our monthly briefing is also open to sponsorship with super rates for early editions.

Email us at editor@newforestbusinessnews.co.uk.

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Foraging, council plans and award wins