Hampshire Chamber of Commerce has produced a draft report for the LSIP Refresh for 2026, shaped by businesses and strengthened by partners coming together across Hampshire. Through key stakeholder engagement, sector-specific research and close collaboration with local authorities and HE/FE providers, we produced a body of work designed to understand current and future skills needs. The draft report is now in final production, with a release date for all LSIPs across England in early July to be confirmed nearer to the time.
The research brought together fifteen partner organisations spanning the full breadth of Hampshire’s economy – from maritime, aviation, defence and agri-technology, to construction, health and care, creative industries and the tech sector. Partners also ensured that the voices of smaller businesses, young people, and those facing barriers to employment were central to the findings. Together, these contributions ensured the LSIP reflects the full spectrum of Hampshire’s business community, from our smallest enterprises to our largest employers, across all sectors and demographics.
With the report moving towards publication, our focus has now turned to developing the delivery framework for the next three years. We look forward to sharing more on this as plans progress.
Our 15 partner organisations were:
Maritime Solent is leading an important piece of work on Maritime Skills and Careers Teaching CPD, strengthening the pipeline of talent for our crucial maritime sector.
New Forest Business Partnership is deepening our understanding of the area’s business skills needs, particularly around apprenticeship demand, engagement and take-up.
Silver Trowel is helping to map the skills gap affecting construction businesses.
FSB is focusing on the unique challenges faced by micro-businesses.
Youth Options is providing essential perspectives on young people’s experiences—particularly those not in education, employment or training (NEETs)—in accessing entry-level employment.
Business South is examining skills gaps impacting our larger employers.
Tech Solent is shaping innovative methods for improving our understanding of technical skills needs as articulated by the regional technology community.
Solent Growth Partnership is exploring AI skills needs through an early adoption study.
Treloar’s is undertaking crucial work on closing the disability employment gap in Hampshire, helping us build towards a truly inclusive future for all.
Fareport Training is conducting essential analysis of future soft skills needs and strategic planning, and
Sparsholt College is examining agri-technology skills in sustainable land management.
CHLLNGR is working on a defence project, aligning with the Industrial Strategy’s emphasis and Hampshire’s recognised strengths in this vital sector.
Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) is analysing the skills needs in the Aviation sector.
Creative Network South is reporting on the skills needs within film and related industry sectors.
Cornerstone Consulting is looking the skills needs in the Health and Care sectors.
About Hampshire Chamber of Commerce
Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is the independent voice of local business across the county and one of the largest regional business networks in the UK. With a strategic vision to ‘unlock Hampshire’s potential’, Hampshire Chamber brings together the combined influence, strength and expertise of the county’s three former major chambers. It works with over 2,000 individual firms spanning all sectors and sizes of business. Member services include training, advice, international trade documentation, events, networking opportunities and lobbying to policymakers on issues affecting business. Hampshire Chamber’s business network is designed to help any employer to grow and thrive irrespective of their stage on the enterprise journey.