We’re looking for Business Mentors and welcome a new Programme Co-Lead
We’re looking for volunteer mentors to join the Portsmouth Business Support Service programme. Small businesses are the lifeblood of Portsmouth. They create jobs, drive innovation, and strengthen our local economy. But starting and growing a business isn’t easy. Many entrepreneurs face challenges that can feel overwhelming. That’s where you come in. By sharing your experience […]
Episode 55: Podcastiversary!
It’s our Podcastiversary! Podiversary? In this extra-special episode, Dave Humphries and Steff Jones look back at our first year of podcasts, chat about how it got started, pick some clips from their favourite episodes, and even tease our Conference in January 2026.
Episode 56: Gunwharf Quays
CEO Dave Humphries chats with Yvonne Clay about her career, the history and future of Gunwharf Quays, and the upcoming Clipper Race, which starts from Gunwharf on 31st August.
Announcing our newest Members
The Shaping Portsmouth Team are pleased to welcome Creative Clique, Drayton Medical Services, Headway Portsmouth & SE Hampshire, and Sohaila Sophia Coaching as our newest Member organisations. Creative Clique is an award-winning full-service design, web and marketing agency. Jo Alexander, Director of Creative Clique, said “We are proud to have joined Shaping Portsmouth. Being part […]
Episode 59: Bailey’s Buses
Dave Humphries speaks to Steve Bailey, Managing Director of Bailey’s Buses, about how the family business was founded, the challenges they’ve faced as they’ve adapted to the changing cruise industry to grow into their role in the city, their plans for the future, working with the Portsmouth Ambassadors for the Cruise Meet & Greets, and celebrating their 25th anniversary.
Meet our new Chief Operating Officer!
Shaping Portsmouth are delighted to announce that CP Robinson will be joining the team as our new Chief Operating Officer. CEO Dave Humphries made the announcement at the end of the Shaping Portsmouth Conference on Friday 15th January at the Portsmouth Guildhall. CP said “I’m not from Portsmouth, but Portsmouth became home to me. Portsmouth […]
Episode 60: LocalLinked
Dave Humphries speaks to Luca Frederick about founding and launching LocalLinked, linking students to their community, getting support through the Portsmouth Business Support Service, volunteering at Spark Community Space and being beaten at Scrabble!
Southern Motor Contracts joins us as a Patron
Shaping Portsmouth are pleased to welcome Southern Motor Contracts as our newest Patron. Southern Motor Contracts is an independent, family-run leasing company and provider of flexible fleet management, vehicle rental, and finance solutions. Tracy Ramsey, Fleet Executive at Southern Motor Contracts, said “Joining Shaping Portsmouth is a great opportunity to support the city’s growth. We’re excited […]
The Apprenticeship Bus gets a fresh new wrap!
The 2026 Shaping Portsmouth Apprenticeship Bus has finally landed and from today is in service across the city. Our very eye catching 2026 wrap was designed by City of Portsmouth College student Anya Velex and celebrates apprenticeships and the city’s centenary. We are enormously grateful to Stagecoach Group Limited for continuing to support our Apprenticeship […]
Portsmouth launches City of Culture bid
Portsmouth has announced its intention to bid for the prestigious UK City of Culture 2029 title to showcase the city’s creativity, heritage and ambition on a national stage. The announcement comes as Portsmouth prepares for Portsmouth100, a year-long celebration in 2026 marking a century since Portsmouth achieved city status. Portsmouth100 will bring together communities, organisations […]