Council backed more than 500 Portsmouth businesses last year
Portsmouth City Council supported more than 500 businesses in the city last year, a new report finds.
The council’s 2025 Business Support Report report sets out how many businesses were supported, how funding was used and what activity took place across the city.
The report shows that more than 500 businesses across the PO1–PO6 area received support through funding, business planning, HR, marketing advice and start-up guidance.
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader leader of the council said: “This report shows the scale and impact of the work happening across the city to support businesses of all sizes. From match-funding and mentoring to major events and international partnerships, we are committed to creating the conditions for businesses to grow and for Portsmouth’s economy to thrive.”
The Portsmouth Match Fund, backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, provided more than £75,000 to 24 businesses, with each business matching the funding.
The report notes that some businesses expanded, created jobs and moved into larger premises, including A Little Bit Extra Ltd at Victory Business Centre.
In the creative sector, Portsmouth Creates delivered its third year of match funding, expected to bring more than £770,000 of outside investment into the city.
The Creative Enterprise programme also supported 19 students at Havant and South Downs College to help them start trading.
Retail support continued through the Portsmouth Pop Up scheme, which helped businesses test trading on the high street. Some, including SP Collections and Jawns, later moved into permanent shops.
The Love Portsmouth pop-up at Gunwharf Quays featured more than 30 local makers and brands. It was extended from three to six months due to demand.
The council’s events programme included the Southsea Food Festival, which attracted 63,400 visitors, a 34 per cent increase on 2024. The council estimates the event generated £1.5 million for the local economy and involved 41 Portsmouth businesses.
International work included a visit from the UK Ambassador to Japan, involving more than 50 local businesses, and a maritime business event with Halifax, Nova Scotia, involving 100 businesses.
Residents can visit the council website to learn more about business support on the council website: www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/business/business-support/