Segensworth Business Forum takes off

16 May 2006:

A group of local companies at Segensworth have seized the initiative to try and combat transport, security and environmental issues which hinder their day to day business activities.

With the support of Hampshire County Council, the occupiers have by consensus formed the Segensworth Business Forum to represent the interests of the resident companies on the estate.

Whilst Segensworth is no worse off than many surrounding business parks, the attitude of local occupiers is to identify the problems, find practical and realistic solutions and put them into action. Michael Foote, elected Chairman of the SBF comments, “a collective body like the Segensworth Business Forum was needed to represent the 250 or so businesses located here to provide one voice on issues of concern; this way we can make a real difference”.

Specific topics to receive priority attention and investigation will include improvements to public transport, tackling road congestion, security and surveillance, provision of cycleways and footpaths, and general company interaction on training, car sharing, trading etc.

It is hoped to secure funding to implement the initiatives and ensure the long term operation of the SBF and the next stage is to appoint a project manager to prepare for Business Improvement District status (BID) which will enable SBF to raise funding through the business rate. If successful at the ballot of local companies, SBF would be Hampshire’s first industrial estate to become a BID. The initiative is supported by HCC, Fareham Borough Council and Winchester City Council all of whom have worked with SBF to obtain start up funding, some of which will come from the Area Improvement Framework and be used to prepare for the BID application.

For further information on the Segensworth Business Forum please contact:



Contact: Robin Dickens, Young & Butt
Tel: 01489 579579
Web: [http://www.yandb.co.uk]