13th July 2023 • The HERALD • Page 55 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SPECIALISTS v ASK A PROFESSIONAL The Bees’ Nest was “The Bee’s Knees”! The New Forest’s inaugural pitching competition, ‘ e Bee’s Nest’, took place on ursday 8th June, at Lyndhurst Community Centre, captivating the local entrepreneurial community. e event, organised by IncuHive in partnership with New Forest District Council, provided an exciting platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses and compete for a coveted £1,000 prize. e competition attracted a diverse range of talented individuals, including Caroline from Caroline Streat Clothing, Karen of Bird Media, Polly and Jan from Cornflower and Bell, Sean and Zoe representing e Other Saint, and Claudia from Studio Knoga. Each participant presented their business ideas with real enthusiasm and innovation, making the judging panel’s decision a challenging one. A er careful deliberation, the esteemed judging panel of Rob Dewing from the Federation of Small Business and the New Forest Business Partnership, former Dragon’s Den contestant Kate Bell of Zip Us In, Jane Wilkinson of New Forest Escapes, and IncuHive’s CEO George Scott-Welsh recognised Dan from Big Hand Little Hand Co ee as the winner of ‘ e Bee’s Nest’ competition. Dan’s presentation resonated with the judges, showcasing his passion, determination, and a business with growth potential. The judges were impressed by his entrepreneurial spirit and his ability to captivate the audience. Dan was delighted with his win: “What a great experience to be able to pitch to so many people at the Incuhive and New Forest District Council bees nest pitching competition. Sometimes the money isn’t what’s most valuable, it’s the experience, knowledge, guidance, and advice given by people who’ve trodden that path. This has given me so many points of note to work on and develop”. Cllr Derek Tipp, New Forest District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy and Planning, said: “New Forest District Council was very pleased to work in partnership with IncuHive on the Bees Nest competition. It was so inspiring to hear how the contestants launched their businesses and the lessons they learnt along the way. The Bees Nest competition builds on the Council’s Start Up Support programme, also delivered by IncuHive, which has provided mentoring support to over 50 New Forest start-up businesses and entrepreneurs. These fledgling businesses need this type of impartial support in their crucial first years of trading, to enable them to grow, create jobs and contribute to the local economy. The Bees Nest competition has showcased the terrific entrepreneurial spirit within the New Forest, and we congratulate the winner and all the other businesses that took part.” ‘The Bee’s Nest’ compet i t ion not only highlighted the remarkable talent and innovation within the New Forest area but also highlighted the collaborative efforts of IncuHive and New Forest District Council in supporting local entrepreneurs. New Forest District Council’s Start Up Support programme and the Bees Nest competition aim to foster a thriving e n t r e p r e n e u r i a l ecosystem, enabling businesses to ourish, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to the local economy. Left to Right: George Scott-Welsh (IncuHive), Jane Wilkinson (New Forest Escapes), winner Dan Neale of Big Hand Little Hand Coffee, Kate Bell (Zip Us In), Rob Dewing (Northerwood Web, FSB, NFBP)
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