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.

Hampshire Flag Company partners with Portsmouth Pride for UK Pride 2025

Shortly after Portsmouth was announced as the host city for UK Pride 2025, Hampshire Flag Company (HFC) was contracted as the event’s official Print Partner, set to play a pivotal role in transforming the city for the celebrations. Winning the bid to host UK Pride was a significant accolade for Portsmouth, and testament to their […]

The Royal Maritime Hotel joins Shaping Portsmouth

We are pleased to announce that the Royal Maritime Hotel has partnered with Shaping Portsmouth at the Member level. The Royal Maritime Hotel is also one of the sponsors for our Armed Forces Community programme’s Shaping Forces event. The Royal Maritime Hotel is a registered charity, steeped in naval heritage and just minutes from the […]

Frank HR Solutions partners with Shaping Portsmouth

Shaping Portsmouth are pleased to welcome Frank HR Solutions, who have joined us as our newest Associate Patron. Frank HR Solutions is an Independent HR Consultancy supporting businesses to manage, develop their people and transform their working practices. Bev Collins, HR Consultant at Frank HR Solutions, said “As an independent HR consultancy, Frank HR Solutions […]

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!

Wintercomms partners with Shaping Portsmouth

The Shaping team are delighted to welcome our new partner Wintercomms, joining us at the Member level. Wintercomms are a local provider specialising in communication technology for business use; Virtual Landlines, Telephone Systems, Business Mobile & Fibre Internet. Based in Portsmouth, their aim is to provide professional advice and consultation through industry experience. Stuart Radcliffe, […]

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.

Episode 106: Creative Clique

CP Robinson takes the host’s chair for the first time to chat with Jo Alexander, Managing Director of Creative Clique, about starting and growing the business over the last 20 years and their roots in Portsmouth, the changing world of marketing and the rise of AI, working with Shaping to rebrand the annual conference as the Shaping Summit.

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, […]

HSDC Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week 2025

HSDC had an amazing five days celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2025 (NAW25)! It was incredible to look at the value of apprenticeships and explore the diversity of apprentice opportunities at the College. One of the main highlights of NAW25 was the Business Breakfast, hosted at HSDC South Downs in the student restaurant, 74 South. The […]