Portsmouth City Council has released new figures highlighting 2025 as a year of strong progress in supporting local businesses, boosting economic resilience, and driving investment across the city. The latest Council Business Support Report (Jan 2025–Dec 2025) demonstrates significant growth in business engagement, new support programmes, and successful initiatives aimed at strengthening the local economy.
Cllr. Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council with responsibilities for Economic Development, said:
“This report shows the scale and impact of the work happening across the city to support businesses of all sizes. From match‑funding and mentoring to major events and international partnerships, we are committed to creating the conditions for businesses to grow and for Portsmouth’s economy to thrive.”
Key report highlights:
Expanded business support reaching more than 500 firms
The Portsmouth Business Support Service (PBSS), delivered in partnership with Shaping Portsmouth, has now supported over 500 businesses across the PO1–PO6 area. Key areas of demand include funding and finance, business planning, HR and marketing advice, and start‑up support.
Practical workshops and mentoring helping businesses build resilience
Throughout 2025, businesses benefited from a wide range of fully‑funded workshops delivered by local training specialists ActionCoach and KnownFor, covering business planning and social media marketing.
The tailored mentoring programme, delivered by Shaping Portsmouth, continues to provide free expert guidance for start‑ups and growing firms, supported by a committed group of volunteer mentors from local businesses.
Portsmouth Match Fund driving investment and job creation
The Portsmouth Match Fund, supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, delivered more than £75,000 of investment to 24 businesses, matched by their own investment. Success stories include A Little Bit Extra Ltd, which expanded production, created new jobs, and moved into a larger facility at Victory Business Centre following Match Fund support.
Creatives supported through match funding and enterprise schemes
Portsmouth Creates delivered its third year of creative match‑funding, which is expected to exceed £770,000 in external investment for the city.
The Council also supported 19 creative students at HSDC through the Creative Enterprise programme, helping them launch products, gain trading experience, and establish early‑stage businesses.
Pop‑up shops creating retail pathways and new opportunities
The Portsmouth Pop Up scheme continues to give emerging retailers a low‑risk route into the high street, with businesses such as SP Collections and Jawns successfully completing placements and progressing to permanent retail spaces.
The Love Portsmouth pop‑up at Gunwharf Quays showcased more than 30 independent makers and brands, drawing thousands of visitors and spotlighting local talent. Initially planned for three months, the pop‑up was extended to six months due to exceptional demand.
Major events delivering record footfall and economic impact
Portsmouth’s events programme delivered strong results throughout 2025, including:
- Southsea Food Festival – Record 63,400 visitors, an increase of 34% on 2024, with an economic impact of £1.5 million and participation from 41 Portsmouth businesses.
- Small Business Saturday – New trading opportunities offered to first‑time market traders, supported by council promotions.
- Portsmouth City Council’s Business Networking – Monthly events sold out throughout 2025, providing a vital platform for local businesses to connect and access updates directly from the council.
- Future Portsmouth 2025 – A major partnership event with University of Portsmouth, Hampshire Chamber and Solent Growth Partnership, attracted more than 80 attendees.
Strengthening international trade and innovation
The council facilitated several high‑profile international business engagements, including:
- A visit from the UK Ambassador to Japan, bringing together more than 50 local businesses.
- Strengthened ties with Halifax, Nova Scotia, including a 100‑business maritime “speed‑dating” event.
- New sector‑focused programmes such as Eat the Island, connecting hospitality businesses with industry experts and PAMEAC, connecting advanced manufacturing and engineering businesses including Griffon Marine, Harwin and Airbus.
Enterprise centres supporting start‑ups and local employment
Portsmouth’s Enterprise Centres remain near capacity, providing affordable space and wrap‑around support for over 150 businesses across all five sites.
The newly refurbished City Buildings in Portsmouth’s city centre now houses local businesses and social value organisations, alongside Portsmouth Creates, the anchor tenant leading the city’s UK City of Culture 2029 bid.
The refurbishment of Fratton Bridge Centre was completed and is now home to 21 let retail units and 5 small offices.
Strong marketing and communications driving engagement
The council’s 2025 marketing and communications activity helped accelerate business engagement by:
- Growing the Invest Portsmouth website traffic by 57%.
- Expanding the Portsmouth Economic Development & Skills LinkedIn followers by 33% and achieving record engagement rates.
- Delivering 25 media releases generating 92 news articles and broadcasts with a reach of 42 million.
- Supporting major B2C campaigns including Christmas in Portsmouth, Support Local, and Southsea Food Festival.
The full report is available at https://democracy.portsmouth.gov.uk/documents/s61408/CRED%20report%20for%20Business%20Support%202025%20Jan%2026.pdf