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Hampshire Chamber Partners On ‘Behind-The-Scenes’ Air Festival



Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the organisers of the county’s newest airshow on a ‘behind-the-scenes’ networking opportunity for members and other businesses.


The inaugural Hampshire Air Festival is an aviation-themed, family-friendly weekend designed to celebrate 'The Age of Flight' through flying displays, static and heritage aircraft, pyro aerobatics, drone displays, fireworks and a STEM learning area.


It takes place at Thruxton Aerodrome near Andover on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026.

On the eve of the show, Friday 11 September, Hampshire Chamber will host a behind-the-scenes networking day at the aerodrome starting at 10.30am.


Ross McNally, Chief Executive and Executive Chair of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, said:

“This is a prime opportunity for representatives from our members and other businesses to meet, connect, have fun and potentially collaborate on business ideas in an atmosphere that breaks away from the usual."

“It is networking with a real difference, bringing the business community together in a unique aviation setting. We’ll be surrounded by aircraft, equipment and aviation industry themes that reflect the power of engineering, scientific insight and innovation. There will be a keynote speech, topical business presentations, scope to ask questions of pilots and other aviation experts and the chance to see aircraft landing. We hope it will inspire fresh thinking and new connections.”


Festival organiser Jonathan Moore, founder and Chief Executive of owner Montserrat Events, said:

“Thanks to our exciting new partnership with Hampshire Chamber, we anticipate business professionals from across the region will attend what promises to be a meaningful and enjoyable networking day with an aviation theme.”

Joining members from Hampshire Chamber for the networking day will be representatives from fellow event partners Omni Business Development Network and Total Business Network.


Thruxton Aerodrome began as a Second World War airfield, built in the early 1940s for fighter, transport and glider operations. When the war ended, flying activity shifted to training and general aviation, and the airfield moved into civilian hands.


Motor racing arrived soon after. In 1950 motorcycles began using the old runways and perimeter roads, followed by car racing in 1952. The wartime surfaces didn’t hold up for long, so the site was redeveloped during the late 1960s into a purpose-built circuit. The new track opened in 1968 and quickly became known as one of the fastest circuits in Britain.


Today Thruxton carries both histories. The aerodrome continues to operate for aviation training and private flying, while the circuit remains a major fixture in British motorsport.


For more information on the Hampshire Air Festival visit here.


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  • Jul 14, 2023
  • 3 min read

A record number of Leeds College of Building students have been selected for the national final of SkillBuild 2023 - the largest multi-trade skills competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices.


Delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), SkillBuild showcases some of the brightest talent. Highly skilled learners and apprentices go head-to-head to be crowned winner of their chosen trade.


Scores were tallied following the conclusion of the regional qualifiers and nine Leeds College of Building students selected for the national competition. This is the most finalists the College has ever had shortlisted and is the largest cohort from any single college in the UK.


Fifteen regional qualifiers took place across the UK, with Leeds College of Building hosting the final West Yorkshire regional event across North Street and Southbank Campuses on 29 June. Competing trades included Bricklaying, Bricklaying Level 1, Roof Slating & Tiling, Carpentry, Joinery, Painting & Decorating, Plastering, Plastering & Drywall Systems, and Wall & Floor Tiling.


Competitors were tested on their technical abilities, time management, problem-solving, and skills working under pressure. The prestigious competition is proven to improve competitors’ technical and employability skills, as well as advancing career options.


Over 45 learners participated in the West Yorkshire heat representing 11 regional colleges and seven independent employers. The College put forward 20 of its own students across a range of disciplines.


Mark Sims, Leeds College of Building Lecturer and Competition Coordinator, said:


“Every one of our learners worked so hard and certainly carried the Leeds College of Building name forward as an institution to be reckoned with. Of the 27 top three spots across trades in the West Yorkshire heats, Leeds College of Building secured 18 places, which is an incredible achievement for our students and their tutors."

“When the successful competitors were finally announced for the national finals, I was absolutely gobsmacked by the results. Our learners have secured a massive nine finalist places, which is the biggest number the College has every secured.”


Following the regional qualifiers, the top eight scoring competitors from each trade category across the UK will now participate in the national final. The Leeds College of Building students selected for the finals are:

Brickwork - Archie Kitching (1st place in West Yorkshire regional qualifier)

Plastering & Drylining Systems - Daniel Fairclough, Nathan Richards (1st and 2nd places respectively)

Plastering - Newton Robinson, Wesley Proud (1st and 2nd places respectively)

Roof Slating & Tiling - George Jewitt-Knott, Aeron Murray, Daniel Sperry (1st, 2nd, and 3rd places respectively)

Wall & Floor Tiling - Sam Cowgill (1st place)

Mark continued:

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody at the college for their hard work in making our Yorkshire Regional such a success - from support staff welcoming guests to lecturers helping and encouraging students with their training preparations.”

For the first time, this year’s national final will take place at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes on 21, 22 & 23 November 2023. The arena has previously played host to the National Badminton Championships, darts tournaments, and various music concerts.


Nikki Davis, Leeds College of Building Principal & CEO, added:


"Everyone at Leeds College of Building is delighted with the performance of the students who took part in the regional finals. Those progressing to the national finals have the opportunity to test their skills against the best in the country and we wish all of them every success."


“All those who took part in the regionals demonstrated exceptional commitment and professionalism, and we were very proud of every one of our students. SkillBuild is a fantastic opportunity for students to really showcase their skills, push them to the limit, and possibly go on to represent their country at WorldSkills.”


Leeds College of Building has an exceptional track record in SkillBuild competitions. Three Leeds College of Building students took medal positions at last year’s national final. At a special award ceremony presented by Steph McGovern in her Packed Lunch studio, apprentice Zara Dupont received gold in the Plastering and Drywall Systems category.

Fellow students Kyron Sharlotte and Aaron Brady also took bronze positions in Roof Slating & Tiling and Wall & Floor Tiling respectively, while Aeron Murray received Highly Commended in Roof Slating & Tiling.


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