Southsea sees new restaurant growth
Southsea has seen a rapid new restaurant growth since the pandemic. Research shows that since Covid-19 the UK’s casual dining fare is no longer just about big brands. Independents are stepping into the gaps left by the chains. According to the Local Data Company (LDC) which monitors 3,000 areas across England, Scotland and Wales, Southsea was the second top UK area for restaurant growth with a net increase of 42%. The number of local restaurants in the UK has increased since March 2020 – up by 3.7% or 888 more according to LDC – as cheaper rents have made it easier for entrepreneurs to start new businesses.
The losers have been big brands in particular pizza and burger chains such as Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Italian chains Strada and Carluccio’s . A net 11.4% of chain restaurants, or about 700 outlets in the UK, have disappeared since March 2020, according to the LDC.
Portsmouth Business Week returns
Portsmouth and South Coast Business Week returns for its second year on the 25th – 29th April across various venues in Portsmouth.
The week offers a broad range of inspiring events, with opportunities to do purposeful networking, gain insights on the latest business thinking and information to prioritise investment for its future success.
Across the week, a range of influential speakers will share their thoughts on funding, growing a business, creative solutions and how to develop your workforce.
Event to focus on the National Shipbuilding Strategy
Marine businesses in Gosport, Fareham and Portsmouth Harbour are invited to attend a FREE networking event looking at “What the new National Shipbuilding Strategy means for Portsmouth Harbour” on 29th April at BAR Technologies in Portsmouth.
The keynote speaker for the event will be Rear Admiral Rex Cox, CEO for the National Shipbuilding Office with other presentations from BAR Technologies, Solent LEP and MaritimeUK Solent.
The event will also provide a networking opportunity for leisure and commercial marine businesses in and around Portsmouth Harbour to get together with other stakeholders from the education sector, business support agencies and Portsmouth and Gosport Councils.
29 April 11am – 2pm at BAR Technologies PO1 2JJ
Crowdfunder for new plant-based eatery business
OFFBEET is coming to Southsea! They are running a crowdfunding campaign to raise £8000 to bring their new plant-based eatery to Albert Road. So when the opportunity came to occupy what is arguably one of the most impressive spots on Albert Road, the entrepreneurs knew they couldn’t turn it down.
This is no ordinary building project. The former Bellamys building will be completely re-engineered from the ground up, removing the above flat and creating what will be 5 areas of customer dining. The OFFBEET team need your support to help them complete their project to make this one of the best places to eat in Southsea.
OFFBEET is a restaurant which was listed in the Times top UK veggie and vegan restaurants. They make the food themselves which makes the result more wholesome, flavoursome, and less processed.
Brittany Ferries first LNG ferry
Brittany Ferries’ first LNG powered vessel, Salamanca, sailed into Portsmouth for the first time last week. Salamanca represents a huge investment is one of three cleaner, more efficient and comfortable vessels due to enter service in the next couple of years.
Salamanca is powered by LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and will serve the company’s long-distance routes connecting the UK with Spain. LNG emits virtually no sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide or particulate emissions, following combustion. In addition, because LNG burns more efficiently than diesel, there is a reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) output of around 25 percent.
The LNG ship is also smoother, quieter and benefits from less vibration with better sea handling.
LNG power promises far lower emissions in ports and while at sea, cutting particulates (PMs) and sulphur (SOx) almost completely and slashing nitrogen dioxide (NOx) by 90 percent.
Help to Grow tasters for SME’s
For senior business leader or a business owner of SME’s University of Portsmouth has FREE taster sessions of their Help to Grow Management courses running weekly on Tuesday’s.
This is a programme designed to help your business grow and a fantastic opportunity to meet other people who are on the same boat.
The Help to Grow Management Course is a practical 12 week course delivered by Faculty of Business and Law, University of Portsmouth designed to make your life easier.
Tuesdays from 5 April
