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...
BCC Economic Forecast: New PM must act as UK economy set for recession before year end
The BCC expects the UK economy to plunge into recession before the end of 2022, with inflation spiking to 14% and lingering weakness in growth expected to continue into 2024 UK Economic Outlook – 2022 The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has again downgraded its...
Businesses to benefit as Hampshire Chamber wins skills improvement contract
Hampshire Chamber of Commerce has won a major government contract designed to equip businesses with the skills they need to grow and prosper. Ministers have designated the independent business membership organisation as the ‘employer representative body’ to lead a...
Government is running out of time to support businesses in urgent need
BCC proposes five-point plan to offer businesses immediate support Measures include Covid-style support by introducing Government Emergency Energy Grant for SMEs Government urged to give Ofgem further powers to strengthen regulation of the energy market for businesses...
IW Chamber Business Expo is back!
Join us on Wednesday 14th September at the Lakeside Park Hotel in Wootton Doors open at 10am and entry is free for everyone – don’t miss the opportunity to take part in the Island’s biggest business networking event Sponsored by WightFibre, with supporting sponsors...
Island Business September / October 2025
