Kicking off the 2025 Cruise season

Earlier this month we launched our 2025 Cruise Passenger programme with our amazing meet-and-greet volunteers. How fantastic to host our 2025 launch event at The Mary Rose museum with so many of our volunteers in attendance. Since 2019, cruise arrivals in Portsmouth have grown by an impressive 115%, highlighting the city’s rise as a key […]
Introducing our new PBSS Programme Leads

Shaping Portsmouth are pleased to welcome two new members to the team in the form of Tim Rampton and Andy Derrick, volunteer co-leads of our Portsmouth Business Support Service programme. With over 40 years in financial services and personal development, Tim has coached and led numerous teams and individuals to achieve success. Andy is an […]
Episode 99: Rachel Lowe MBE

Charla Grant talks to Rachel Lowe MBE, Creator of the Destination Board Game Series, about coming up with the idea for the game while driving a taxi as a student at the University of Portsmouth, developing it from the initial idea to releasing a final product, growing up playing games, her experience on Dragon’s Den, and launching a special edition as part of Portsmouth’s centenary celebrations.
Episode 100: Jane Lamer

This week we’re celebrating our own Portsmouth centenary… Episode 100 of the Shaping Portsmouth Podcast! 🥳🎉
In this special episode, Dave Humphries and Charla Grant welcome Portsmouth icon Jane Lamer! Dave and Charla chat with Jane about growing up as a Pompey girl, her role at Portsmouth City Council, why Portsmouth is the best city to do business in, the community spirit within the city, Portsmouth100 and the City of Culture 2029 bid, and all of Jane’s local recommendations!
HTP Apprenticeship College and Southern Water join Shaping Portsmouth

Shaping Portsmouth are pleased to welcome two new Patrons to the organisation as we are joined by HTP Apprenticeship College and Southern Water. For 25 years, HTP Apprenticeship College has delivered tailored Apprenticeship solutions for businesses and their staff, alongside expert career support and guidance. Rachael Randall, Founder and Chief Executive of HTP Apprenticeship College, […]
Episode 102: Southern Motor Contracts

In this episode, Charla Grant talks to Mark Baumfield, Managing Director at Southern Motor Contracts, about how the business was founded and evolved into its current form, the benefits of leasing vehicles, how he came to join and then take ownership of the business, becoming a partner of Shaping Portsmouth and how it inspired them to take on an apprentice, and what’s next for the business.
Hovertravel Re-Awarded Highest Accreditation for Inclusive Transport

Hovertravel is proud to announce that it has once again been awarded ‘Leaders’ status in the UK Government’s Inclusive Transport Leaders Scheme. This marks the second consecutive time the company has received the highest possible accreditation, reinforcing its dedication to providing an accessible and inclusive transport service for all customers. The accreditation is valid until […]
Episode 104: The Marketing Agency

Charla Grant chats with Hannah Jeffrey about joining the Shaping Team supporting our social media, how she got into Marketing and completing a Digital Marketing Masters at the University of Portsmouth, her role in The Marketing Agency which provides free marketing support and guidance to local businesses, and Harry Styles!
Business support events launched for 2025

We are delighted to announce the successful completion of our recent business support workshops, delivered as part of the Portsmouth Business Support Service. These free sessions continue our commitment to empowering local enterprises in Portsmouth, providing invaluable insights and strategies to help businesses flourish in today’s competitive landscape. Group Business Coaching: Empower Your Business On […]
Portsmouth Grammar School offer marquee for summer corporate events

The Portsmouth Grammar School is excited to introduce a unique opportunity to host a corporate event at our stunning marquee, set within our picturesque Hilsea playing fields. For the first time, The Portsmouth Grammar School is offering the opportunity for local businesses to hire this exceptional space over the summer months. The traditional marquee is […]