New President for Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce
The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce has a new President. Jonathan Thornton, the managing director of PC Consultants, was formally sworn into the role at the Chamber’s AGM on Friday 7th October 2022 at the New Holmwood Hotel in Cowes. Jonathan succeeds John Allen in...
Business confidence declines significantly – Quarterly Economic Survey Q3 2022
Four in ten (39%) businesses believe their profitability will reduce over the next 12 months Fewer businesses are reporting increased sales; only 33% of firms reported increased domestic sales, down from 41% last quarter. Measures for inflation remain at record...
Island businesses support Project Seagrass
Project Seagrass: Island businesses back environmental research and restoration effort Project Seagrass is building momentum on the Isle of Wight, with the support of major sponsors and keen volunteers from the business community. Project Seagrass is a non-profit...
Don’t let the temperatures mean soaring energy usage for your business
Don’t let the temperatures mean soaring energy usage for your business This summer we faced scorching temperatures across the UK and Europe. The heatwave had a real impact on businesses who have seen energy usage increase with the need for additional air conditioning...
IW Lottery supports Brightbulb Design
“The IW Lottery loan gave us the confidence to step up” Brightbulb Design’s new era of rapid growth and expansion was kickstarted by a £20,000 loan from the Isle of Wight Lottery in 2019 At the start of 2019 Brightbulb Design was definitely a small business. Founded...
How Firms Can Tackle The Rising Cost of Doing Business
How Firms Can Tackle The Rising Cost of Doing Business We’re all now familiar with the cost of living crisis - how households are struggling to keep up with bills and afford the rapidly rising cost of food, fuel and other essentials. But there’s another crisis,...
BCC welcomes bold growth plan
Commenting on the Chancellor’s Fiscal Statement, Shevaun Havilland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Businesses will welcome many of the measures announced today that should boost economic growth, relieve cost pressures and encourage...
Mermaid Gin’s success story continues
DRINK UP! MERMAID GIN GETS EVEN STRONGER The Island’s boutique gin is now an international concern – with an expanded product range and global distribution. Isle of Wight Distiller co-founder Xavier Baker talks to Tom Stroud “When Conrad Gauntlett and I started the...
IW Lottery helps Robin’s new business
Smile! The IW Lottery helps the Island Photo Company to grow with a £15,000 interest free loan Island photographer Robin Crossley is expanding his business. He’s launched the Island Photo Company, investing in an innovative mobile studio, described as an “open air...
New Prime Minister must take immediate action to support businesses
Reacting to the announcement of the new Prime Minister, Sarah Howard, Chair of the BCC, said: “We would like to congratulate Liz Truss on running a successful campaign to become the UK’s new Prime Minister. “She must now take immediate steps to support the...
Island Business July / August 2025
