Goat yoga, break ins, Lymington in the press (and our birthday!)
July’s ‘monthly briefing’ with New Forest Business News.
Welcome to our anniversary special! New Forest Business News officially launched two years ago this week.
The past two years have been interesting. The website, the format, the stories, everything has changed. And I have BIG plans for the future too. More standalone stories, writing about more than just business, and with that… a lil rebrand.
I also have a new reporter working with me over the summer, so we’ll have the (wo)manpower to investigate and write more. I honestly cannot wait!
Coming up in this edition…
Ringwood residents vote for neighbourhood plan
Podcast: how NFBN got started and the journey so far
Lymington in the press
Locals support cafe after vandalism and break in
Winner of entrepreneur pitching competition
Editor’s favourite stories from the last two years
Upcoming business-y events (and goat yoga!)
Kerri L Watt
Editor
Ringwood residents vote for neighbourhood plan
As well as our general election on 04 July, Ringwood residents voted on a referendum regarding a neighbouring development plan.
The turnout was 58.93% and 83.2% of those voted in favour of the plan.
As more than half of voters said ‘yes’, the Neighbourhood Plan will be adopted by New Forest District Council and New Forest National Park Authority, and the Plan will become part of both planning authorities’ development plans.
More information on the plan and supporting documents can be found here: newforest.gov.uk/ringwoodplan
Podcast: How ‘New Forest Business News’ started and the journey so far
Listen or save for later here (45 minutes):
Lymington in the press
Lymington has been named the ‘best high street in the UK’ by The Times and ‘best dog-friendly holiday spot’ by Petsure, both sparking local and national media attention on the town.
New businesses
Nova Forest Kitchen opening second site on July 26 at Vibrant Tap, Lyndhurst.
The Love of Dog Professional Dog Grooming opened new self-service dog wash outside their Lymington salon. Open 24 hours a day.
Seashells bar and restaurant in Hythe has reopened after a refurbishment.
DW Plastering & Decorating wins pitching competition and £1,000 prize
Incuhive Group hosted ‘Bees Nest’, their version of Dragon’s Den, in partnership with New Forest District Council. The event was a platform for six aspiring entrepreneurs to present their business with one winner claiming a £1,000 cash prize.
Debra Watkins of DW Plastering & Decorating in Bartley was thrilled and surprised to win the competition.
She said: “Winning was more than I could have dreamed of, especially considering the strong competition.
“The event provided a wealth of useful information from the speakers, and I've already implemented some of their advice.”
NFBN Editor Kerri L Watt was a speaker at the event, and it was attended by many businesses supporting new local entrepreneurs.
NFBN birthday special - editor’s favourite picks from the last two years
General election results - writing this at 6am after an all-nighter was a blast.
Business-related crime - my first standalone story for NFBN in a while.
Paralympian opens all-inclusive play area at Longdown - being a part of this event was so special.
Dibden Purlieu roadworks - I really enjoyed speaking to businesses local to me about their businesses, and hopefully helped them raise awareness of the issues they were currently facing.
Locals support cafe after vandalism and break in
Adam’s Cafe in Hythe recently fell victim to vandalism and a break in but thanks local residents for their kind words and support.
They were forced to close for a weekend to clean up after the incident and locals came in to spend money in support, one even dropped off flowers for staff.
On social media, the cafe owner said “People here have been wonderful to us, thank you. Adam’s Cafe open as usual. Show must go on.”
Looking to get your business name ‘out there’?
Has the Cost-of-Living crisis impacted your job or business?
What impact will our new Labour government have on the (still very Tory) New Forest?
Are you attending or exhibiting at The New Forest Show?
Is there something in your area that is impacting your business?
Email us: editor@newforestbusinessnews.co.uk.
New Forest on Google
‘New Forest Show 2024’ - searches up 4,150% in the leadup to the upcoming event.
‘New Forest marathon 2024’ - searches up 1,600%
‘New Forest food festival’ - searches up 110%
*Stats from Google Trends as of July 18, 2024.
Upcoming business events
Oakhaven Business Club
08 August, 5.00-7.00pm. Moore Barlow, Lymington. £15. Click to book.Oakhaven Business Club
13 August, 9.30-11.30am. “Walk and work” networking. Rhinefield House Hotel, Brockenhurst. £15. Click to book.Lymington Chamber of Commerce
15 August, 7.15-9.00am. Networking breakfast. South Lawn Hotel, Milford-on-Sea. £20. Click to book.Launch of New Forest Brilliance in Business Awards & LinkedIn Local New Forest Gathering
29 August, 5.00-7.00pm. Balmer Lawn Hotel, Brockenhurst. Click to book.Total Business Network
Many local events. Click to book.Oakhaven Business Club
03 September, 1pm-3pm. Lunch on Private Yacht, Mad Moment. £20. Click to book.Oakhaven Business Club
10 September. “Walk and work” networking. £15. Click to book.
Goat yoga ‘Goga’ comes to Marchwood
After selling out previous events, Mucky Bucket Farm are hosting a new goat yoga ‘goga’ session for all abilities next month. The one-hour class on August 03 in Marchwood and costs £25.
For more information and to book: muckybucketfarm.co.uk/book-now