Word of mouth is excellent small business advertising – but it’s slow, and may be hard for new businesses. If you want to grow your customer base more quickly, you have to advertise. With your small business to effectively reach your target market and attract new customers you have to been SEEN. If your not on the website if your not in the paper or magazine how will people know to call YOU !!! Don’t spend on a big advert choose a mid size one and book for 2/ 3 issue and ask for discounts.

When you do make up an advert just listing a phone number or website URL and adding your logo isn’t enough. I’m consistently amazed by the number of advertisements I look that lack any  offer if clear information on what they have to offer. Change your advert a little each time you place an advert it looks new it looks fresh……..

Make your business grow The Family Directory

www.thefamilydirectory.co.uk 01983 872191

Small business advertising is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

The Earl Mountbatten Hospice 2012 Calendar

The Earl Mountbatten Hospice is the only Hospice on the Island caring for

over 1300 patients a year. In order to give this special care to our patients

we have to raise over £2 million each year. We are continually fundraising

and one way is by selling a Hospice Isle of Wight Calendar.

The Isle of Wight Photographic Calendar 2012 is now available, with

stunning Island views taken by acclaimed local photographer Chris

Boynton. Chris has worked with the Hospice for many years raising

thousands of pounds for our patient care by producing a yearly calendar

and donations from the sale of his Photo cards. This year’s calendar has

been redesigned for 2012 with larger photos and a lot more writing space.

These beautiful calendars are priced at just £4.50 each and are available

at many retail outlets across the Island including the Hospice Charity

Shops in Newport, Cowes, Wootton, Ryde, Freshwater and Ventnor and the

Hospice fundraising office on 528989.

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The Earl Mountbatten Hospice 2012 Calendar is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Personalised letter from Father Christmas or Santa is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

OPEN MORNING

Observing a busy, active and engaged class of children can tell you far more about a school than simply browsing a website or reading a prospectus, which is why Hordle Walhampton School in Lymington encourages parents to come along to their Open Morning (Monday 3^rd October) to see for themselves pupils at work and at play.

Guided by senior pupils, who are encouraged to describe their experiences of life at Hordle Walhampton, visitors view a wide variety of lessons, sports and activities as well as visiting the boarding house, the large, purpose-built sports hall, the performing arts centre and the riding stables.

Hordle Walhampton is proud of its strong association with Island families. Many of our pupils travel across daily, we escort the Lymington/Yarmouth ferry, whilst others make good use of our highly flexible boarding arrangements.

Hordle Walhampton has an outstanding record of achievement in Scholarships and Common Entrance examinations, plus strong associations with many of the well-established and popular senior schools. Further details of the Open Morning are available from Mrs Suzanne Wright on 01590 672013 or by e-mailing: registrar@hordlewalhampton.co.uk

Open Morning For Hordle Walhampton School in Lymington is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Shalfleet CE Primary School and Little Explorers, Nursery and Pre-school

Ready for the future!

Located only 10-15 minutes out of either Newport/Carisbrooke or Totland/Freshwater, just off the Yarmouth Road at the Horse and Groom Pub, Shalfleet CE Primary School and Little Explorers pre-school have had a make over and are now ready for the future, welcoming children as young as 3 months in the baby room all the way up to 11 year olds in Horizon Class / Year 6.

On Wednesday 25th May, Shalfleet CE Primary School and Little Explorers Nursery and Pre-school held an official opening, performed by Romilly Weeks and welcomed over 50 visitors to view the exciting new facilities which following extensive building works feature;

• a brand new Early Years Unit (for 0-5 year olds)
• re-organised classrooms including a fantastic new facility to accommodate older children in Year 6
• a new Entrance and Lobby area for parents and visitors. This modern, fresh new space successfully incorporates the beautiful old doorway to the school which has been used by generations of local school children.

The school and pre-school were buzzing with excitement as all the visitors were shown around by pupils. Visitors saw the teachers in action with lessons such as ‘Write a persuasive essay to increase our all weather playground‘ for literacy, ‘Stop the Clock’ for numeracy, ICT and French as well as taking in the fantastic new Early Years Unit that has been created and the new Year 6 classroom ready and waiting for it’s pupils including 21 netbooks sponsored by the school’s PTFA.

Romilly Weeks said; ‘I am delighted to open Shalfleet Primary School’s new buildings. Having got to know the school and some of the staff over the last 9 months and felt thoroughly welcomed into the school community, I am so happy to see the school have the sort of facilities it deserves. It would be a lovely school without the new buildings but I have seen for myself what a difference the lovely light filled spaces – the new early years unit, the new classroom and entrance – have made. And I take my hat off to the drive and vision of those who have made it all happen!

Lisa Nicolson, Headteacher said; Our open day was a fantastic celebration of the partnership between Shalfleet School and Little Explorers. We are committed to giving children a great start to their education and it was lovely to share this with parents, the community and friends of the school’.

Anyone who didn’t have the chance to visit on the day and would like a tour of the facilities, please ring 760 269 for an appointment. Come along and see how a great education starts!

Note: Little Explorers offers care for children from 3 months to 4 years, 50 weeks of the year as well as

Breakfast, After School and Holiday Club for children up to the age of 14.Shalfleet CE Primary School and Shalfleet Little Explorers

Station Road

Ningwood

PO30 4NN

Tel: 01983 760 269

www.shalfleetcepri.iow.sch.uk and www.shalfleetlittleexplorers.co.uk

Shalfleet CE Primary School and Little Explorers, Nursery and Pre-school is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

AT MAYVILLE WE KNOW EDUCATION ISN’T AN EXACT SCIENCE

While parents and teachers are bombarded everyday with the latest research to help their children learn, we at Mayville rely on a system that has been getting results for more than a decade. Do girls and boys learn better in different temperatures, maybe, but what we do know without a doubt is that teaching them separately in the core subjects works for pupils, parents and teachers.  Year 1 teacher Helen Tudgay says, “Without stereotyping, boys and girls learn completely differently. All lessons are tailored to reflect the interests of each gender, boys are engaged in more practical activities, and small class sizes mean we can meet the individual needs of each child.”  Mayville sets high standards in all areas, academic, creative, physical and social and the school prides itself on offering a broad based curriculum. While we wont be insisting girls put on another jumper or boys wear a short sleeve t-shirt we will continue to do what we do best, look at each child on their own merits, continue looking at HOW  children learn and educating separately but together. For more information or if you wish to take a look around the school  go to http://www.mayvillehighschool.com/

Mayville High School Southsea. is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Prince Harry marks the next milestone in the history of the Mary Rose Prince Harry has today (Friday 18th March, 2011) visited the Mary Rose Trust, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to mark the next milestone in the history of the Mary Rose. The Prince was given a tour of the current museum and its collection before taking part in the foundation stone ceremony for the new Mary Rose museum.

In the foreword to the commemorative programme Prince Harry says: “I am delighted to be able to mark another milestone today in the extraordinary history of the Mary Rose. This Foundation Stone in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard moves us a step closer to turning the vision and hard work of so many over the past 30 years – some might say 500 years – into reality. This will be a special place of celebration and learning for future generations, and one of commemoration for the English sailors and soldiers who lost their lives in the disaster on 19th July, 1545. I would like to acknowledge the longstanding support for this project of my father, The Prince of Wales. I am so pleased to be building – quite literally – on his good work of so many years. I wish every success to the volunteers and world leading experts, who are working towards the completion of the new Mary Rose Museum.” During his tour of the museum the Prince met with current staff and volunteers, including four divers from the 1982 excavation who are still working for the trust. He handled some of the artefacts recovered from the wreck before meeting with students from the Mary Rose School and then moving into the classroom to meet pupils from St John’s Catholic Primary School. He was then put through his paces by Crookhorn College of Technology when he helped them take part in a Tudor gun drill. Prince Harry then arrived in Victory arena where he met with other staff and supporters and those involved with the construction of the new museum. During the official ceremony, John Lippiett, Chief Executive of the Mary Rose Trust presented the Prince with one of the Mary Rose £2 commemorative gold coins produced by the Royal Mint.

Photo – Ross Young with children from St John’s Catholic Primary School Portsmouth

Prince Harry marks the next milestone in the history of the Mary Rose is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

MP – Tourism Strategy will Boost Island Economy

The recent publication of the Government’s Tourism Strategy will free up local businesses from red tape and ensure the tourism industry is central to helping rebuild the UK economy according to Island MP Andrew Turner.

The Government’s proposals include a consultation on moving the first Bank Holiday in May to create a new St George’s Day holiday in England or a Trafalgar Day Bank Holiday in the autumn half term. Either of these proposals would have the effect of extending the holiday season.

The Government is also embarking on a £100m marketing campaign to attract visitors to the UK, co-funded by the private sector. This is designed to attract 4 million extra visitors to Britain over the next 4 years, leading to £2bn more spending in the economy and creating thousands of new jobs. The

campaign will build on events such as the Royal Wedding, the Diamond Jubilee, the Olympics and theCommonwealth Games – when the eyes of the world will be on Britain.

.

Commenting on the new strategy, Andrew Turner said,

“The new Tourism Strategy will have a huge impact on the local

economy on the Isle of Wight, encouraging visitors all year round to experience the Island’s natural beauty and everything we haveto offer. The importance of tourism to the country’s economy has been ignored for too long and the industry has been stifled withred tape. The Government recognises that this needs to change.“I particularly welcome the idea of consulting on moving the Mayday Bank Holiday to extend the season. I hope that Island tourism businesses will consider the strategy carefullyto make sure we make the most of the opportunities it presents.

Andrew Turner Tourism Strategy will Boost Island Economy is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Made on the Isle of Wight is the only one-stop shop for all Island products.  With a focus on quality, the shop stocks produce and products from more than 130 different suppliers working on the Island. Nothing in the shop travels more than 21.5 miles from supplier to shelf.  There is a good range of wholesome local food, including Dunsbury Lamb and the Island Bacon Company’s bacon and sausages; free-range Brownrigg eggs and a freezer full of Island made ice cream and puddings.

As well as feeding the family, Made on the Isle of Wight is a brilliant place to buy presents, with gifts starting at £2.25 for a decorated notebook.  Ideas include scented candles, bags, ceramic bowls, chopping boards, jewellery, paintings and photographic prints.  Very popular in the children’s range are the Isle of Wight colouring maps, £1.95 and Rooby’s colouring skirts, £14.95.  There are seasonal items, for instance hand-made nesting boxes, £17.95 and locally grown plants will be on sale from the spring, together with planters, trugs and obelisks.

Most of the products are also available in Made on the Isle of Wight’s online shop: www.madeonisleofwight.com <http://www.madeonisleofwight.com>

Made on the Isle of Wight is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

‘Nova Lifestyles is delivering a FREE Wellbeing Day for employees whoare at risk of or facing Redundancy Nova Lifestyles is delivering a FREE Wellbeing Day, specifically targeted atemployees who are at risk of or facing Redundancy but also open to the generalpublic, including those currently unemployed and seeking work. The day will include a diverse range of services – from advice on Financial Matters,information on personal Health and Lifestyle choices, including Emotional Wellbeing– to some interesting Career Opportunities and Options. In addition, a number of practitioners from the Island’s Wellbeing Sector will beon hand, providing information and ‘taster sessions’ in a variety of therapies andservices to help and support people in dealing with the anxiety and stress relatedwith these difficult times. Every effort has been made to provide a broad range of information and activities tomeet individual needs of anyone affected by redundancy or unemployment issues,both within the private and public sector. Jobcentre Plus and the IW Council will be supporting this event by ensuring thatpublic sector employees and relevant job seekers are aware of the opportunityprovided. Sara Mousley, Director of Nova Lifestyles said ‘We hope as many people as possiblewill take advantage of what is being offered and will pass this information on tofriends, family or work colleagues who might benefit by visiting us on the day’ This event is to be held at the Riverside Centre, Newport on Friday March 25thfrom 10.00am – 4.00pm’ www.novalifestyles.co.uk

‘Nova Lifestyles is delivering a FREE Wellbeing Day is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Government merely tinkering with tourism’s potential, says FSB

The Government is merely tinkering with tourism’s potential at a time when tourism development looks set to be halted locally, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said in a new report. Launching its tourism strategy, which is expected later this week, the Government is set to suggest that the May Day bank holiday will be moved to the autumn, and the UK should adopt a double summertime in an effort to boost the tourism sector. The FSB is, however, extremely concerned that this is mere meddling at a time when crucial tourism funding is being lost locally following the dissolution of Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and the creation of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs).

In a new report, ‘Tourism – a passport to growth’, the FSB is worried that the funding RDAs used to promote domestic tourism has disappeared and that this will have severe consequences on tourism revenue in local areas. This comes at a time when the Government has said that it wants more Britain’s to holiday at home. The FSB is urging the Government to provide LEPs with the tools they need to promote tourism throughout local areas and reinstate the level of funding RDAs gave to the sector.

The FSB also believes that local authorities need incentives to encourage tourism. Currently, many are put off doing so because they have to spend money on maintenance, such as beaches and cleaning pavements.  The FSB is calling for a tourism Business Increase Bonus – a mechanism which allows local authorities to keep a percentage of the business rates they collect. This would help raise additional funds and would help local authorities to drive regeneration.

The Government must introduce further measures to boost domestic and international tourism. The FSB is urging the Government to:

• Pass responsibility for tourism policy from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to give tourism the clout it deserves
• Reduce the level of VAT in the tourism sector to help stimulate the market
• Reduce the regulatory burden on tourism businesses
• Focus on growing inbound tourism from growth economies such as Brazil, Russia, India and China

By introducing these measures, the UK economy will benefit from the knock-on effects in the retail sector, see a boost in job creation, as well as the regeneration of local areas – all key if the economy is to fully recover.

Ken Moon, Chairman of the FSB’s Wessex Region, said:“The UK is going to play centre stage in the coming years with events such as the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Champion League Final and the Rugby Union World Cup all being hosted on these shores. This gives us a prime opportunity to up our game within the tourism sector and generate much needed growth for the UK economy – especially in rural areas. However, the Government is merely tinkering with tourism and has yet to unlock its true potential. The tourism sector needs a real boost and we need to ensure funds remain where they are truly needed. Tourism really can be a passport to growth, – creating jobs and growing our local areas. But we need the Government to put the right measures in place to unlock the true economic potential of the sector.”

Government merely tinkering with tourism’s potential, says FSB is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

40th Anniversary event At The Isle of Wight Steam Railway. is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Increase in VAT thresholds could create up to 35,000 jobs in small firms

Up to 35,000 additional jobs could be created if the threshold at which small firms start to pay VAT was increased, said the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) today.

An FSB commissioned report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research shows that increasing the VAT threshold to £90,000, from the current rate of £70,000, could save up to £162 million per year from the reduction in red tape surrounding VAT compliance, as well as saving just over £700 million in VAT payments.

This money could then be used to create up to 35,000 jobs if on an average wage. While this will affect the amount of money the Treasury receives in VAT receipts, it will be more than offset by the potential £13 billion which will come from the increase in VAT to 20 per cent, due to come into force on 4 January 2011 as well as revenue from the jobs created.

For a small firm, an increase in the threshold would help to provide much needed cash-flow, allowing them to invest back into the business through lower prices or taking on more staff. It would also help to kick-start a much needed Small Business Programme for Growth following Government spending cuts announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Small firms will be hit hard by the 2.5 per cent rise in VAT as unlike big businesses, they can’t absorb the increase. This will mean that small firms will have to pass the full cost on to customers, reduce stock levels or find cost savings elsewhere – potentially costing jobs and undermining the Governments private sector led recovery.

A Programme for Growth is even more important given that latest FSB research shows that 10.4 per cent of firms expect to decrease employment over the final quarter of the year, as business confidence in future prospects and revenue growth weakened over the July to September period.

Ken Moon, Chairman of the FSB’s Wessex Region, said:“The smaller the business, the higher the cost of VAT compliance; this is why the FSB is calling for the Government to increase the threshold at which a business must register for VAT. If the Government is truly committed to a private sector led recovery, then it must implement a Small Business Programme for Growth to allow small firms to grow and invest – and this would be a great start. The potential loss to Government in VAT receipts by increasing the threshold to £90,000 would be more than outweighed by the VAT rise due to come into force in January and would help to put £900 million back into small firms with the potential to create up to 35,000 jobs.” ENDS

VAT thresholds is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Quay Arts – Thu 30 Dec 10am – 1pm

Perfect for a rainy day, Quay Art’s New Year Family Drop-in workshop will be as popular as ever with families from all over the island.

What better way to enjoy a free family drop-in workshop as 2011 approaches!  Join island artist Tim Johnson to create a seasonal calendar for 2011 inspired by the Isle of Wight landscape.

The sessions were organised so that families could drop in for a short time and make something special to take home.  This workshop is being run by Island artist Tim Johnson and others who volunteer their time to help, making these special family events possible.

This workshop will be set up in the spacious Seminar Room adjacent to the Café, giving hungry families easy access to much needed cups or tea, cakes and special kid’s lunchboxes.

The next Free Family Drop-In Workshop, ‘Paper Dragons’ with Jo Hummel-Newell is scheduled for Sat 26 Feb 10am – 1pm. All welcome to come along and make paper Chinese dragons to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Quay Arts

Sea Street

Newport Harbour

Isle of Wight

IW PO30 5BD

Tel 01983 822490

www.quayarts.org

Family Drop-in Workshop – create a seasonal calendar for 2011 FREE is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

MP defends local pubs The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner has spoken out in defence of local pubs. In a Westminster Hall debate, Mr Turner highlighted the large numbers of pubs closing down across the country – with a reported 52 pubs a week closing down last year alone. Mr Turner said: “What we are seeing is the decline of the traditional British way of life. In rural Britain, in villages and small towns, the pub is the focal point. It is the heart of the local community. It is a place where people go to meet friends, neighbours and have a pleasant drink after a hard days work. “This decline in the number of local pubs is effectively killing off village life. With further to travel, many community members are put off going to the pub, especially if they are not within walking distance. It therefore comes as no surprise to hear that as a nation, we are drinking less in pubs. “The main cause of this problem is that too many pubs are being bought not by pub landlords or breweries, but by property investors, seeking to turn a pub into numerous flats and make some quick money. On the Island, the popular pub The Partlands, closed down and turned into flats, is a recent example of this occurring and it is prevalent across the country. “The real concern I have is that this will lead to a loss in community strength, with people having less and less to do with their local community. In the worst case scenario we could be heading to problems that many modern cities now face, where people have very little contact with their community and don’t even know the names of their neighbours.”

MP defends local pubs is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Made on the Isle of Wight

A new company, Made on the Isle of Wight, has brought together the work of about 80 growers, producers and craftsmen under one roof.

“We have created the Island’s first one-stop-shop selling the best of absolutely everything that is grown or made here,” says the company’s founder and managing director, Robin Courage.

“Our stock will come from all corners of the Island and will range from fresh vegetables to sculpture. There are areas of the shop dedicated to food, cosmetics, wood-work, textiles, ceramics and jewellery.”

The Made on the Isle of Wight shop is in Bullen Road, outside Ryde. It is a stunning space with a nautical feel to it, created by talented local builder and yachtsman, Richard Parr.

The shelves are stocked with some of the Island’s best known names, among them The Isle of Wight Cheese Company and Molly Attrill. But suppliers also include craftsmen working on a smaller scale, like Frank Heap who whittles decorative pencils, dibbers and bird-feeders from wood coppiced on his own land. And there will also be products made by young Islanders just starting out in business, including Ruby Jane who set up her company making colouring-in skirts and retro-inspired cushions earlier this year, and Tracy Stockdale of The Isle of Wight Truffle Company who will be delivering her first handmade chocolates to Made on the Isle of Wight at the beginning of December.

“I believe we are the only outlet on the Island that is solely devoted to selling Island produce and products,” says Courage who will also be launching an online shop.

“And I hope it will become a favourite with local people and a new and inspiring destination for visitors.”

www.madeonisleofwight.com

Made on the Isle of Wight new shop opened in time for Christmas! is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk