Page 20 • The HERALD • 30th March 2023 v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v This issue’s featured Waterside Network Group member is one for all you small to medium-sized business owners out there. PFMR is a New Forest-based business looking to make life easier for other New Forest-based businesses. is is achieved by simple so ware solutions that automate or simplify some of your daily tasks to give you more time to be productive and pro table. For example, many businesses struggle with the multiple ways in which customers can now get in touch. It can be a real timeeater monitoring social media posts, messenger services and phone calls. PFMR have several ways to help with this, not least of which is a communications hub on your smartphone that brings everything to one place. If you nd bookings and appointments dominate your day then PFMR can introduce an automated system that even allows for re-scheduling without your input. Customers David Ward, PFMR can see when you’re free, or how many places remain available, and can book or re-book accordingly. If you nd marketing an a er-thought, and your social media presence is too much to stay on top of, PFMR can help you automate the process for a consistent, professional presence that keeps you at the forefront of your current and potential customers’ minds. is barely scratches the surface of the possibilities that PFMR can help you with. Essentially, if it’s a repetitive task that involves a computer, tablet or smartphone, PFMR can help you free up that time so your energy can go towards what you do best. And all for an a ordable monthly subscription. But the best bit? ere’s a 30-day free trial too. David from PFMR will help get it all set up and o ers full training and guidance. It’s a win-win situation. To nd out more please contact David Ward at PFMR directly using the contact details opposite. WATERSIDE NETWORK GROUP: MEMBER FOCUS by Simon Chadwick Redbridge Woes Provide Boost for Troubled Hythe Ferry by Alan Titheridge The rush-hour delays brought about by the roadworks at Redbridge since the beginning of the year have provided a timely much needed boost for the Hythe Ferry. Whilst hundreds of frustrated commuters have spent an excessive amount of time in their vehicles crawling into Southampton, the ferry, as it always has, has o ered a more user-friendly and stress-free alternative. During January, passenger numbers showed the number of single journeys to have increased by 75% compared to January 2022, with almost 10,000 recorded, a gure surpassed during the shorter month of February. Not all are commuters of course, but the commuter tra c during January comfortably exceeded the pre-pandemic gure for 2019. It is hoped those recently taking to the water will continue to do so once the roadworks eventually nish. If you haven’t yet re-discovered the advantages the Hythe ferry present, give it a try and help to secure its future. For timetables and fare information please visit: hytheferry.co.uk Hythe Ferry (Alan Titheridge) Join Hythe Library on Wednesday mornings, 10am to 12noon, for a friendly chat and hot drink. Meet new friends who are also retired, or take along existing friends, choose books and maybe even enjoy a biscuit. No need to book, they look forward to seeing you there. ‘Chat About’ Jubilee Club
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