v BRINGING THE GOOD NEWS TO YOU SINCE 1994 v 3rd April 2025 • The HERALD • Page 63 ASK A PROFESSIONAL LJM Bookkeeping Services I provide a range of accounting and business services to individuals, partnerships, charities and small businesses. I am licenced through the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers for the following services. Bookkeeping, Computerised Accounting Software, Final Year End Accounts, Payroll Management, CIS, VAT, Self Assessment Tax for Individuals and Construction Industry Scheme, Statutory Accounts for Small Businesses including Corporation Tax and related submissions, Holiday cover can also be provided for, hourly rates charged. Please contact Lynda McIntyre Email: ljmbookkeepingservices@gmail.com Telephone: 07774 790543 Venturefest South Hosts The Southern Innovation Catalyst 2.0 - A Strategic Event for Business Leaders Driving the Region’s Growth Venturefest South (VFS) proudly hosted The Southern Innovation Catalyst 2.0 on ursday 27th February, bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators for a collaborative event designed to help shape the future of the innovation ecosystem in the South. This workshop-style networking meeting, held at the University of Southampton, marked the second edition of the event and served as a vital platform for fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and strengthening the region’s innovation landscape. e Southern Innovation Catalyst 2.0 attracted influential decision-makers who explored how businesses can thrive through collaboration, contribute to the region’s growth, and enhance the collective capabilities that fuel long-term success. Attendees had the unique opportunity to discuss in detail how their individual contributions could help shape the future of innovation in the South. e packed agenda included sessions about economic climate with Sue Elliott from the British Business Bank, the ‘blue economy’ with Mark Hamson from the National Oceanography Centre, and university and commercialisation presented by Jo Stark from the University of Winchester. Attendees were also briefed on the overall Venturefest South mission by Ed Gould from Carswell Gould, which centres around harnessing the forces of innovation, investment and collaboration to help shape the future of the South’s economy. Everyone was invited to contribute ideas on how the 2025 Venturefest South programme can drive meaningful bene ts for both their organisations and the broader community. ere were several key themes that arose during the workshops, including: how best to leverage and use AI across the business landscape; the environment and sustainability; the need to form stronger relationships between businesses and educational institutions, as well as between di erent sectors, to help foster innovation; and a desire for more business community collaboration to help retain and attract even more innovation and investment to the region. e event served as an important reminder of the collective power of business leaders in developing the future of the region’s economy and included a call to arms to encourage more businesses, government bodies and knowledge bases to get involved and support Venturefest South’s annual programme of activities, which is funded by partners and sponsors. Each year the not-for-pro t organisation runs a yearround programme of events, initiatives and support packages designed to drive shared growth and opportunities for new and scaling businesses. Ed Gould, Creative Director at Carswell Gould and Venturefest South Partner, said, “We would like to thank all attendees, speakers, and partners for their contributions in making this event a resounding success. As the region’s innovation, business and political landscape continues to evolve, Venturefest South remains committed to providing a platform that drives collaboration and meaningful progress for start-up and scaling businesses across the South.” Ed Gould leads the collaborative discussion session at the Southern Innovation Catalyst
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