Episode 85: Sohaila Sophia Coaching

In this episode Charla Grant talks to Sohaila Sophia about what led her to a career in coaching, the various types of one-to-one coaching and group talks she offers across lifestyle, therapeutic style, and corporate & business, the importance of wellbeing, and being Co-Lead for Shaping’s Workplace Health & Wellbeing programme.

Partners gather for our exclusive networking event

Earlier this month, our Partners Only Networking Event at The Portsmouth Grammar School was a night to remember. We celebrated our ever-growing partner network and reflected on how strong and supportive our community truly is. A key highlight of the evening was announcing that we have generated £500,000 in social value since January 2025; a […]

Episode 86: Mark Waldron

Dave Humphries talks to Mark Waldron, Editor in Chief of The News, about his career in journalism, the importance of local journalism and the changes it has gone through, the Business Excellence Awards, and being Co-Chair of Shaping Portsmouth.

Looking at historical mental health on our Walk & Talk

Our July Mental Health Walk & Talk in Old Portsmouth, led by the brilliant John Grant from Solent Original Walks, was a powerful blend of local history and mental health awareness. We wandered past iconic Portsmouth landmarks like the Horatio Nelson Statue, the Royal Garrison Church, Governor’s Green and The Dolphin pub (Portsmouth’s oldest pub!). […]

Announcing our new Member: First Steps First Aid

The Shaping Team are pleased to welcome First Steps First Aid as our newest Member. First Steps First Aid Ltd delivers accredited and engaging Paramedic-led first aid and compliance training across the south coast, and is also leading our Workplace Health & Wellbeing programme’s Business First Aid Training sessions. Jack Boaden, Co-Founder of First Steps […]

Episode 89: Airbus

Dave Humphries talks to Sam about his role at Airbus, the history of Airbus and what they do in Portsmouth and around the world (and in space!), managing sustainability and their Portsmouth initiatives, and their apprenticeship scheme.

Episode 91: Burnout

Charla Grant talks to Chris West, Co-Lead of our Workplace Health & Wellbeing programme, about Burnout, what it is and what you can do about it, the difference between burnout and stress, as well as the importance of looking after your mental health and wellbeing in general.

A new collaboration launches The Marketing Agency

One of the most frequent requests for support we get from businesses approaching Portsmouth Business Support Service is around marketing. So, we are excited to say we have now signed an agreement to set up a new collaboration between Portsmouth City Council, the University of Portsmouth and ourselves to help local small businesses. We’re working […]

Episode 92: CP Robinson

Charla Grant talks to CP Robinson about his first few weeks in the Chief Operations Officer role, why he joined the team, his management and leadership style, some of his other roles across the city, and his plans for Shaping Portsmouth.

The Shaping Team continues to grow!

Shaping Portsmouth are pleased to announce that Chloe Ashby has joined the team in the role of Office Administrator, and Becca Mott has come on board as our Social Media Co-Ordinator. Chloe first joined us in July last year on a Supported Internship from HSDC, assisting us with IT-related tasks, from basic troubleshooting to CRM […]