New Forest businesses can get a boost thanks to a free programme specifically created to help them to grow and improve productivity and resilience. 

New Forest District Council are supporting the programme whilst the University of Portsmouth will deliver it. The New Forest 'Businesses Boost' Programme is also supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) within a collaborative project with the Isle of Wight Council.

New Forest 'Business Boost' will improve the productivity of businesses through a programme of short courses and mentoring support. The programme will also help prepare businesses for successful applications to other nationally funded programmes.

Local Conservative Councillor Michael Harris OBE, Portfolio Holder for Business, High Streets and Tourism said: "There is no doubt that businesses need all the help that they can get at the moment, so it is timely that NFDC are launching an exciting new package of free support for established businesses. I encourage any New Forest business owner to register their interest in the Business Boost programme with us".

To be eligible, businesses must have less than 250 employees and have an annual turnover of equal to or less than £43 million. There is no cost to participating businesses, except a commitment to attend 12 hours of workshop and mentoring sessions in their allocated cohort.

Business owners can register their interest in the programme on the NFDC website.