New MD for new rail operator
FirstGroup and MTR have appointed Andy Mellors as Managing Director of the new South Western rail franchise which includes Island Line. Although not officially the operator until 20 August 2017, the team from FirstGroup and MTR has been busy meeting with key partners...
BCC: Repeal Bill must deliver continuity, certainty for business and trade
BCC: Repeal Bill must deliver continuity, certainty for business and trade Commenting ahead of the First Reading of the Repeal Bill, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Business communities across the UK tell us very...
Wight AID supports more Island charities
The Wight AID Foundation has granted £7,685.50 to local charities in its latest round of grant applications. Thanks to donations from IFPL, Westridge Limited, Rouse Limited, Glanvilles and public donations, Wight AID is pleased to announce a grant of £1,200 to the IOW...
New MP will be ‘relentless ambassador’
Bob Seeley, the newly elected Conservative MP for the Isle of Wight says he is committed to securing the sustainable growth of the Island’s economy by working to attract inward investment, apprenticeship training and the growth of existing businesses. “The Isle...
Red Funnel sold to pension scheme consortium
Red Funnel is to be sold to a consortium of UK and Canadian pension schemes led by the West Midlands Pension Fund and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of the Province of Ontario. Infracapital, the infrastructure equity investment arm of M&G Investments,...Island Business September / October 2025
Events
Current Month
december
Mental Health First Aid (Ofqual regulated) – Delivered by Good Skills Training
-
YMCA
- Winchester House, Sandown Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 6HU
01dec9:00 am5:00 pmMental Health First Aid (Ofqual regulated) – Delivered by Good Skills Training
Event Details
Monday 1 December 2025 Unit S5 Branstone Business Park, Branstone Farm Lane, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 0EQ 9.00am – 5.00pm IW Chamber members - £99 +vat per person With an increase in poor
Event Details
Monday 1 December 2025
Unit S5 Branstone Business Park, Branstone Farm Lane, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 0EQ
9.00am – 5.00pm
IW Chamber members – £99 +vat per person
With an increase in poor mental health it is important that individuals understand their own mental health and how common mental health concerns can be identified in themselves and others, with strategies to reduce the risk. The QNUK Level 2 Award in Mental Health at Work is the ideal introduction to understanding mental health in the workplace. The qualification covers the most common mental health conditions, how to identify potential mental health concerns in colleagues and then how to discuss their needs and assist them to access suitable services and support.
£99 +VAT per person (this includes the certificate and manual)
This course is delivered by Good Skills Training.
To book your place please email carl.joyce@iwchamber.co.uk
Time
(Monday) 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location
YMCA
Winchester House, Sandown Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 6HU
03dec1:00 pm3:30 pmGo for Growth - Automation & productivity tools
Event Details
Go for Growth - Automation & productivity tools Join Gemma Pybus on Wednesday 3 December
Event Details
Go for Growth – Automation & productivity tools
Join Gemma Pybus on Wednesday 3 December from 1pm-3.30pm for the ‘Automation & productivity tools’ course, at Building 41, as part of the Go for Growth programme.
Courses cost just £2.50, but IW Chamber members get 3 courses for FREE!
In this hands-on session, you will:
Spot your best opportunities to automate – identify repetitive marketing and admin tasks that are draining your time.
Explore time-saving tools – explore email marketing platforms, social media planning & scheduling solutions, and AI assistants.
Discover powerful AI tools – including Keyword Strategy Tool from Digital Groundwork Ltd., ChatGPT, Napkin.ai, Lumen5, Pop.AI, and more.
Master smart integrations – see how Zapier can connect your apps and eliminate manual steps.
Evaluate free vs. paid options of a range of automation tools – understand where to invest for the best return on investment
Create your own automation plan – outline 3–5 tasks or processes you’ll streamline in the next 90 days (and how you’ll do this!), knowing the right tools to help you achieve this.
You’ll also receive:
· A handout of top tips for automation and productivity.
· Free tokens for the Keyword Strategy Tool.
· A free copy of my book “Unlocking Search Intent – Your Key to Online Relevance”
· Practical examples you can adapt immediately for your own business
· Time during the workshop to design your personal automation roadmap
By the end of the session, you’ll have:
· A clear picture of where automation can make the biggest impact for you.
· A shortlist of tools (free and paid) that suit your goals and budget.
· Confidence to start using AI and automation without feeling overwhelmed.
· A 90-day action plan you can put into practice immediately.
Book here: https://luma.com/calendar/cal-XIiid1vkfKJTdiZ
Time
(Wednesday) 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
04dec10:00 am12:00 pmMaximise Your Membership
Event Details
Thursday 4 December 2025 IW Chamber of Commerce Office, Branstone Business Park 10am-12pm IW Chamber members – FREE Want to unlock the full value of your Chamber membership? We’re here to help. Based on feedback from our
Event Details
Thursday 4 December 2025
IW Chamber of Commerce Office, Branstone Business Park
10am-12pm
IW Chamber members – FREE
Want to unlock the full value of your Chamber membership? We’re here to help.
Based on feedback from our members, we’re introducing monthly “Maximise Your Membership” sessions – an opportunity to meet the Chamber team, ask questions, and discover how to get the most out of your membership.
Time slots: 10.00 – 10.30am | 10.30 – 11.00am | 11.00 – 11.30am | 11.30am – 12.00pm
Format: Each half-hour session can host up to 4 businesses, ensuring discussions stay focused and relevant.
Whether you’re new to the Chamber or simply want to refresh your understanding of what’s available, this is the perfect chance to explore benefits such as networking, advice services, savings, and promotional opportunities.
To book your slot, email Rich or Carl
Time
(Thursday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
05dec7:30 am9:30 amFestive Networking Breakfast at The Royal Hotel
Event Details
Friday 5 December 2025 The Royal Hotel, Ventnor 7.30 - 9.30am IW Chamber Members - £18 per person Join us for a festive networking opportunity at The Royal Hotel, with a hot breakfast and
Event Details
Friday 5 December 2025
The Royal Hotel, Ventnor
7.30 – 9.30am
IW Chamber Members – £18 per person
Join us for a festive networking opportunity at The Royal Hotel, with a hot breakfast and a great start to the business day, networking with other Chamber members.
After breakfast, Dale Howarth will be talking to us about how to get the most out of your award applications!
Book here
Time
(Friday) 7:30 am - 9:30 am
Paediatric First Aid (2 Days) – Delivered by Good Skills Training
-
YMCA
- Winchester House, Sandown Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 6HU
Event Details
Monday 9 December - 10 December 2025 Unit S5 Branstone Business Park, Branstone Farm Lane, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 0EQ 9.00am – 4.00pm IW Chamber members - £92 +vat per person
Event Details
Monday 9 December – 10 December 2025
Unit S5 Branstone Business Park, Branstone Farm Lane, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 0EQ
9.00am – 4.00pm
IW Chamber members – £92 +vat per person
The Paediatric First Aid Course is a comprehensive, two-day course designed for those that work with children in an early-years setting. This first aid course is the one required under the Early Years Framework, to meet the legal requirements of settings for first aid provision. Under this legislation you must have a paediatric first aider available whenever children are present and, on any trips, or outings. On successfully completing this course, attendees will be confident, safe, prompt and effective paediatric first aiders.
Instructions
£92 +vat per person (this includes the certificate and manual)
This course is delivered by Good Skills Training.
To book your place please email carl.joyce@iwchamber.co.uk
Time
9 (Tuesday) 9:00 am - 10 (Wednesday) 4:00 pm
Location
YMCA
Winchester House, Sandown Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 6HU
10dec1:00 pm3:30 pmGo for Growth - Business Model Canvas
Event Details
Go for Growth - Business Model Canvas Join Gavin McWhirter on Wednesday 10 December from
Event Details
Go for Growth – Business Model Canvas
Join Gavin McWhirter on Wednesday 10 December from 1-3.30pm for the ‘Business Model Canvas’ course, at Building 41, as part of the Go for Growth programme.
Courses cost just £2.50, but IW Chamber members get 3 courses FREE!
Want a clear, simple way to plan your business growth without drowning in detail?
Join Gavin for a practical, interactive workshop where you’ll learn how to use the Business Model Canvas to capture your entire business strategy on a single page.
In this hands-on session, you will:
• Get clear on your value: define what makes your business unique and why customers choose you
• Understand your customers: identify your key audiences and the problems you solve for them
• Map your business model: break down your activities, resources, partners, and costs into clear sections
• Focus on what matters most: spot the areas that will have the biggest impact on your success
• Link your goals to actions: turn your business model into a practical plan for growth
• Test and adapt: learn how to use your one-page plan to make confident, informed decisions
You’ll also receive:
• A Business Model Canvas template to complete during the workshop
• Examples to inspire your own plan
• A clear, visual roadmap you can use to communicate your strategy to others
• The confidence to plan without feeling overwhelmed or stuck in detail
Book here: https://luma.com/calendar/cal-XIiid1vkfKJTdiZ
Time
(Wednesday) 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
11dec10:00 am3:00 pmRide x Drive with Tesla and Vehicle Consulting Solent
Event Details
Take the wheel! Test drive the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y The IW Chamber is teaming up with Tesla and Vehicle Consulting Solent to offer a
Event Details
Take the wheel! Test drive the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y
The IW Chamber is teaming up with Tesla and Vehicle Consulting Solent to offer a special test drive experience right here at the Chamber office. Join us on Thursday 11 December, between 10am and 3pm, and get behind the wheel of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.
What to expect
-
Test drive the latest Tesla models
-
Meet the Tesla team and ask your EV questions
-
Chat with Paul Thorley from Vehicle Consulting Solent about electric vehicles, business leasing, and more
-
Enjoy festive treats, handmade by Mr Yummy, for a donation to WightAID.
Book your test drive now to secure your slot:
https://www.tesla.com/en_gb/event/join-us-for-a-ride-x-drive-at-the-iow-chambers-of-commerce
Time
(Thursday) 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Emergency First Aid at Work Course – Delivered by Good Skills Training
-
YMCA
- Winchester House, Sandown Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 6HU
15dec9:00 am4:00 pmEmergency First Aid at Work Course – Delivered by Good Skills Training
Event Details
Monday 15 December 2025 Unit S5 Branstone Business Park, Branstone Farm Lane, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 0EQ 9.00am – 4.00pm IW Chamber members - £78 +vat per person This one-day course is designed
Event Details
Monday 15 December 2025
Unit S5 Branstone Business Park, Branstone Farm Lane, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 0EQ
9.00am – 4.00pm
IW Chamber members – £78 +vat per person
This one-day course is designed to give delegates the knowledge, skills and confidence to help those that have become unconscious, and those with minor injuries. The Emergency First Aid at Work Course also looks at the responsibilities of the Emergency First Aider. On successfully completing this course, attendees will be confident, safe, prompt and effective emergency first aider.
£78 +vat per person (this includes the certificate and manual)
This course is delivered by Good Skills Training.
To book your place please email carl.joyce@iwchamber.co.uk
Time
(Monday) 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location
YMCA
Winchester House, Sandown Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 6HU
Emergency First Aid at Work Course (3 Days) – Delivered by Good Skills Training
-
YMCA
- Winchester House, Sandown Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 6HU
Event Details
Monday 15 December - 17 December 2025 Unit S5 Branstone Business Park, Branstone Farm Lane, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 0EQ 9.00am – 4.00pm IW Chamber members - £180 +vat per person The First
Event Details
Monday 15 December – 17 December 2025
Unit S5 Branstone Business Park, Branstone Farm Lane, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 0EQ
9.00am – 4.00pm
IW Chamber members – £180 +vat per person
The First Aid at Work Course is a comprehensive, three-day course designed to give learners the knowledge, skills and confidence to help in most first aid situations found in the workplace. The First Aid at Work Course also looks at the responsibilities of the first aider. On successfully completing this course, attendees will be confident, safe, prompt and effective first aiders.
£180 +vat per person (this includes the certificate and manual)
This course is delivered by Good Skills Training.
To book your place please email carl.joyce@iwchamber.co.uk
Time
15 (Monday) 9:00 am - 17 (Wednesday) 4:00 pm
Location
YMCA
Winchester House, Sandown Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 6HU
18dec10:00 am12:00 pmIsland Business Drop-In
Event Details
Thursday 18 December 2025 IW Chamber of Commerce Office, Branstone Business Park 10am-12pm FREE to attend We want to meet you! On the final Thursday of every month, the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce is
Event Details
Thursday 18 December 2025
IW Chamber of Commerce Office, Branstone Business Park
10am-12pm
FREE to attend
We want to meet you!
On the final Thursday of every month, the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce is opening its doors to Island businesses. These are casual drop-in sessions where you can come and network with us and learn more about the Chamber and what we do. Whether you are an IW Chamber member or not, this is the perfect way to start your networking journey.
Booking is not required – just drop in!
Time
(Thursday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
