EHDC Economic Review 2019

Investment

Ordnance Business Park

This year has seen the completion of the first phase of the council's innovative Invest for Growth project, which aims to generate new business floorspace and increase capacity for growth and job creation.

Ordnance Business Park, in Liphook, was jointly funded by East Hampshire District Council and the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership to provide business premises in East Hampshire.

This £4.2 million investment comprises two office blocks and three industrial units which, as of July 2019, became fully occupied by Allied Healthcare, Lumi Global, Gallagher Communications & Zen Broadcast. Rental income from this project is re-invested into the local economy.

The project was shortlisted for the LABC Building Excellence Awards in June 2019 in the 'Best Commercial Project' category.

Jobs & Skills

EHDC Enterprise Apprenticeship Scheme

The council is committed to supporting businesses and residents of the district to find sustainable workforce and rewarding careers. 

The Get East Hants Working Enterprise Apprenticeship Grant scheme, launched in July 2013, has helped more than 63 residents of the district into high quality apprenticeships and provided an additional 7 work placements in the form of pre-apprenticeships, work trials and work experience jobs.

The scheme supports businesses financially, with grants towards wages and signposting to accredited training providers. The scheme is highly regarded by the business community and has been hugely successful in supporting residents into sustainable careers. 

TeenTech

In April & July 2019, the council brought TeenTech events to the young people of Whitehill & Bordon to show them the opportunities in the science, technology and engineering industries.

East Hampshire District Council and the Whitehill & Bordon Community Trust alongside TeenTech, a not-for-profit company founded by former Tomorrow’s World presenter Maggie Philbin, organised the events. Primary school pupils from the Whitehill Bordon area were asked to imagine and build their City of Tomorrow, a place where buildings could look very different from the conventional cities of today. Pupils used STEM principles to create their buildings which were constructed from recycled materials.  

In a special event at Mill Chase Academy in July, pupils showcased their buildings and presented their ideas to industry experts. They also had the opportunity to take part in activities set by STEM industry ambassadors. In total, 400 young people were engaged in the programme. Following its success, TeenTech will return to the district in 2020.

Apprenticeship Fairs

In January this year, the council brought another apprenticeship fair to Horndean Technology College for school leavers and businesses from across the district. The fair provided a perfect opportunity for pupils to learn about the types of apprenticeships available and the benefits of completing one.

After the success of last year's event, the fair will return in January 2020 and will be a joint initiative between East Hampshire District Council and Horndean Technology College.

The fair will take place at Horndean Technology College on 29 January 2020 between 4.30 - 7pm. A range of exhibitors, a mix of local businesses and training providers will be on hand offering apprenticeships to more than 200 students.

Business Development

Business Engagement

The council has continued with its business engagement programme, meeting with businesses in East Hampshire to understand the needs of employers. As part of the engagement programme, a series of case studies of local businesses have been compiled to demonstrate the strength and diversity of the business base in East Hampshire. 

If you would like to arrange a meeting please email business@easthants.gov.uk or call 01730 234053.

Google Digital Garage

In November 2019, the council brought the Google Digital Garage Bus to Petersfield to provide free digital skills training for local people. Courses included digital marketing strategy, CV building and keeping your family safe online.

Since it started in 2015, Google Digital Garage has visited more than 500 locations across the UK, and trained more than 400,000 people.

Tourism

Jane Austen 200

The council continues to support tourism in the district and the final project for Jane Austen 200 was to improve the walk to her former house.

Memorable quotes from Jane Austen’s novels have been immortalised in an underpass connecting Alton to her home village of Chawton. The quotation panels along the length of the underpass were paid for thanks to a fundraising drive by The Alton Society that included significant contributions from councillor grants from East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council.

Gilbert White 300

2020 will mark the 300^th anniversary of Gilbert White’s birth and GW300 is a partnership dedicated to raising the profile of Gilbert White. A wide range of events are planned including permanent exhibitions, activity events and talks around the country.

More information on Gilbert White 300 can be found here.