As we look forward to the year ahead we thought it might be useful to pull together the ultimate business bucket list. Whether you run a micro business or work for a large organisation, we hope this provides you with some inspiration.

1. Sign up to our business bulletin

If you haven’t already signed up then this is an easy one! Get local business news, training, events and funding opportunities straight to your inbox once a month. Sign up here.

2. Share your business news

Pop our email address in your press contact list and we can help you share your business news across our socials and in our newsletter. Or tag us in your social media posts!

Facebook - @BasingstokeBiz 
Twitter - @BasingstokeBiz
LinkedIn @Basingstoke and Deane Business Team

3. Do something different with your lunch break

Whether you are in the office or work from home, it’s always good to take a break from the screen and take some time for yourself at lunch. Whilst your break is primarily for grabbing a bite to eat, there are other ways to spend your lunch hour. Take a look at our blog for some inspiration.

4. Make the most of local promotional opportunities

Have you heard of The Borough Basket? It’s a directory for small and independent businesses that sits within the Love Basingstoke website. If you offer a product or service directly to the public, you can join and get your business listed for free. Find out more here. The Love Basingstoke team also run campaigns around Plastic Free July, Small Business Saturday and other awareness days. To get featured drop them an email.

5. Connect with other businesses

Can you collaborate with another business? Support local and employ the services of a Basingstoke and Deane-based business? Or perhaps you just want to meet others within the business community. In May, the B2B Growth Expo is a low cost way to help your business grow. You'll find a useful list of regular local networking events here.

6. Invest in yourself and your staff

Training and development doesn’t need to cost a lot of money with some Basingstoke businesses offering free training for staff. Just keep an eye on the business bulletin for upcoming opportunities. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is offering local businesses and employees access to a free online learning platform with SEEDL. You'll find courses in areas such as sales, customer service, Office 365 and wellbeing.

7. Bring the team together

There are lots of opportunities throughout the year to do a bit of team building. Perhaps organise a company bake off or host something to raise money for charity like Brew Monday, Macmillan coffee morning or Children in Need. For some team time together away from the office, check out our team away days blog for ideas.

8. Think about your green credentials

The FSB has a small business sustainability hub which features resources, tools and information to help you to go green and become more sustainable or visit the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council website for a business climate change toolkit. Small businesses can get free advice from Basingstoke and Deane’s Green Team.

You can offer free green skills training to your staff with the Innovation South campus.

9. Spend some time putting back into the community

If your company offers volunteering days, are you making the most of them? For ideas on how to spend the time, get in touch with Basingstoke Voluntary Action. For a group volunteering day, spend some time with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s ranger team. You can enjoy the great outdoors at the same time!

10. Consider accessibility and inclusivity

Think about how inclusive and accessible your business is. You can find resources online to help your journey. The CIPD has a number of guides on its website. VisitEngland has launched its new ‘Accessible and Inclusive Toolkit for Tourism Businesses’ in England. Purple Tuesday also has some free resources.

11. Inspire future generations

Can you help inspire the workforce of the future? EBP South provides links between education and business. Your company can get involved and play a part in inspiring the next generation by allowing your staff to support with a one-off morning, afternoon or day at a local school, attending a careers fair or providing work experience opportunities. Hear from Frontpage Advantage on its experience in this blog!

12. Enter awards

There are plenty of opportunities to enter awards and get the recognition your business deserves including the Inspire Business Awards, Muddy Stiletto’s Awards, Hampshire Business Awards and the Place to be Proud of Awards to name a few. Keep an eye out for the ones that are best for your business.

If you need any business help or advice the Economic Development team are on hand. Find out how they can help here.

January 2024, updated April 2024