There’s something special about walking into a room full of business leaders first thing in the morning – the buzz of conversations, the exchange of ideas, and the sense of opportunity in the air. That’s exactly what we experienced at the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce event hosted by Herrington Carmichael LLP Solicitors.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this was going to be more than just another networking breakfast. The setting was professional yet welcoming, the venue was easy to get to (and yes, the generous parking made a difference!), and the Chamber team had pulled together a programme that balanced meaningful presentations with plenty of time to connect.

Impactful Presentation from HIWCF

Step8Up HIWCF

One of the highlights of the morning was the presentation by Sarah Boardley from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF). Sarah spoke passionately about the Foundation’s work and the difference it makes across our local communities. It was inspiring to hear how business contributions can directly impact lives and drive social change. Her words were a reminder that as businesses, our role in the community extends beyond commercial growth – we also have the ability to make a lasting difference.

Behind Every Great Event is Great Organisation

Events like these don’t just fall into place. They are the result of meticulous planning and commitment. A huge thank you to Barry Smith and Julie Eckersley for organising such a smooth-running session. The morning had just the right balance of structure and flow, making it easy to engage without ever feeling rushed.

We were also delighted to receive a mention during the session – thank you to Barrie Greening, Mark Fower, and Jack Hodgkins from the Chamber for giving Step8Up a spotlight. It’s gestures like these that help new connections form and strengthen the sense of community.

Connections, Conversations, and Coffee

The real magic of Chamber events is in the networking itself. The atmosphere was vibrant – conversations sparking at every table, introductions being made, and ideas being exchanged. By the end of the morning, not only had we renewed old connections, but we had also made valuable new ones and even booked some appointments. Special thanks to Danielle Stevenson of Netshell for a productive discussion that we’re excited to take forward.

And of course, no networking story is complete without a light-hearted moment – so Rebecca McEwen, I owe you a coffee next time! ☕😉

A Warm Welcome for New Talent

Step8Up Jack

This event also marked a milestone for us. It was Day 2 for our brand-new sales apprentice, Jack Adcock, and what a way to introduce him to the world of business. He was welcomed warmly by everyone he met, and it was great to see him growing in confidence as he spoke with established business leaders. Experiences like this are invaluable for young professionals – they remind us how important it is to integrate new talent into the business community early on.

Why Chamber Events Matter

For us, events like this underline the importance of showing up and engaging with the business community. The Chamber provides a unique platform where:

  • Relationships are built – not just contacts in a database, but genuine professional connections.

  • Opportunities are shared – from collaborations to partnerships, you never know where the next conversation might lead.

  • Learning is constant – every presentation and every conversation offers a new perspective.

We encourage all Chamber members to keep attending regularly. The more you participate, the more value you’ll gain.

Step8Up: Helping Businesses Bridge Skills Gaps

At Step8Up, our mission is to help businesses close the skills gaps in their teams. We provide government-funded and low-cost training that makes upskilling practical, accessible, and impactful. Whether it’s technology, data, project management, or leadership, our programmes are designed to meet the needs of today’s fast-changing workplace.

👉 Have you explored funded training for your business yet?
👉 Want to future-proof your team? Visit step8up.co.uk to find out how.

Final Thanks & Mentions

We’d like to give a shout-out to everyone who made the event so worthwhile:
Charlie Riggs, Jade Binsted, Jaimie Harris, Jessica Encell Coleman, Marta Drozd, Richard Thompson, Zoe McLaren, Paul England (HIT Training) – thank you for the conversations and insights.

And to our extended network – Dave Davies, Renata Vincoletto, Elena Angela, Sahreen Siddiqui, David Boddy, Jason Sammon, Hampshire Growth Hub, Hampshire County Council – thank you for continuing to champion growth and opportunity in Hampshire.

Closing Thought

We left the event energised and inspired, reminded once again of the value that comes from being part of the Hampshire Chamber community. It’s not just about networking – it’s about learning, collaboration, and building a stronger business ecosystem together.

We’ll definitely be back for the next one – and we encourage you to join us.

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