Support for businesses in specific sectors

New Forest is home to a diverse range of businesses. There are many sources of support and information relevant to each particular business sector.

As a result of national, regional or local policy priorities, some of these sectors benefit from specific support mechanisms. These include grants and financial support, and local trade bodies that provide advice to their members.

Find out more about accessing grants and loans for existing businesses.

We also publish information on organisations to support existing businesses

Marine sector

Businesses in New Forest's marine sector, and those in their supply chains, are well placed to access world-class facilities and support based around the Solent.

The National Maritime Autonomy Centre provides test facilities for the research, development and demonstration of autonomous systems and technologies. With facilities and expertise available to hire on a per-day basis, it provides real-world operational environments to businesses and organisations.

Find out more on the National Maritime Autonomy Centre website.

The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) in Southampton is a world-leading research institution in oceanography and ocean measurement technology innovation.

Find out more on the NOC website.

Business Hampshire helps businesses access the right funding support and connects them to networks that deliver business opportunities and growth.

Find out more about Business Hampshire support in the marine and maritime sectors. 

The Solent LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) includes marine and maritime as one of its key strategic sectors.

Further information and strategy documents can be found on the Solent LEP website.

Tourism sector

New Forest has a vibrant visitor economy, which is worth in excess of £491 million per year and provides approximately 9,000 local jobs.

The New Forest National Park Authority has a downloadable factsheet on tourism and recreation.

Go New Forest is a not-for-profit community interest company (CIC) that delivers marketing and promotional support for the district, including the New Forest National Park, and its visitor economy businesses.

Find out more on the Go New Forest website.

Tourism South East is a partnership organisation providing services and expertise to support the performance and growth of tourism businesses and destinations. There are networking and training events in Hampshire and New Forest, including customer care training courses.

Find out more about Tourism South East's services and support.

Manufacturing and engineering sectors

The New Forest has a diversity of engineering and manufacturing businesses. Visit the GOV.UK website for support and advice for the manufacturing sector.

The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) helps UK manufacturers and engineering firms looking to improve productivity, develop capabilities, enter new markets or become leaders in their field. They can also advise on grants and finance, and connect you to specialist patent advisers to help protect your IP.

Find out more on the MAS website.

Food and drink sector

Food and drink producers benefit from both a local membership organisation as well as a county-wide food group.

New Forest Marque is a local food and produce scheme set up by New Forest Produce Ltd. It champions businesses that produce food, drinks and craft with clearly defined New Forest provenance.

Find out on the New Forest Marque website.

Hampshire Fare is the county-wide food group. It provides a directory of some of the best places to eat, stay, buy and learn across the county.

Find out more on the Hampshire Fare website.

Film and TV sectors

We have partnered with Creative England on the Film:New Forest project. This allows owners of local premises to offer their facilities for filming locations. It also aims to deliver a network of businesses within this sector to share best practice and opportunities.

Find out more about filming in New Forest or visit the Film:New Forest website.

Land managers

The Land Advice Service is an independent service for land managers in and around the New Forest and Avon Valley. The service supports landowners, farmers, New Forest commoners, equine owners, graziers, community groups, and town and parish councils.

Find out more on the Land Advice Service website or email enquiries@nflandadvice.org.uk.