Chairman’s Welcome

All businesses in the New Forest will have felt the effects of the global downturn to some extent. Whilst some industries and indeed some businesses have felt this to a greater extent than others it has however demonstrated one clear truth: the need to work together.

When the NFBP was originally set up in 2001, its main remit was to enable closer working between the business community and local government. Whilst this principle still sits at the heart of the partnership, the focus is now broader with the partnership offering a range of events, networking opportunities and information as well as bringing together a wide variety of partners and stakeholders. The New Forest Business Partnership is now ideally placed to bring together numerous aspects of working in the New Forest. Over the coming months NFBP will be looking to develop and enhance its relationships with partner organisations which will broaden the connections of members as well as increasing the partnership’s ability to influence matters affecting businesses in the local area.

NFBP has recently provided a key voice for businesses in the New Forest National Park Plan Consultation process and New Forest District Council’s Core Strategy. The Partnership has also been inflectional in changing NFDC’s procurement policy to suit the needs of smaller businesses. With the input of our members we continue to provide this influential voice to ensure that The New Forest is a prosperous and pleasurable place in which to do business.

As a partnership we are only as effective as our members and for this reason we very much look forward to working with you in the future.