Friends in high places: Hampshire Fare cultivates new partnerships with strong local ties

Fresh off the back of its new guide to the county’s finest food, drink and craft, Hampshire Fare is forging connections with local businesses.

The group recently announced a new partnership with Clarke & Son Solicitors, as well as a Corporate Friendship with Bankbrokers.

Hampshire Fare first brushed shoulders with Clarke & Son at its Local Produce Trade Show in February. Since then, the firm has held follow up meeting with members of the group, impressing Commercial Manager Tracy Nash.

Tracy Nash with Will Anderson of Clarke & Son. Credit: The Electric Eye Photography

She said: “It is of immense importance to Hampshire Fare to partner with a law firm who can provide commercial and personal advice to our members.

“Clarke & Son fits really well with Hampshire Fare. The head office is based in Basingstoke, so although they work with London and national businesses, they can provide a specific focus on the area that Hampshire Fare covers.

“We have been told that Clarke & Son are a great team who know their stuff!”

The firm works with a variety of businesses in the drinks and hospitality sectors, from bars and pubs to breweries and distilleries.

Will Anderson, Corporate Commercial Director at Clarke & Son, added: “I really enjoy working with the food and drink industry. I have met the most interesting people and worked with many exciting and creative businesses.

“For such a large industry it is also surprisingly small – everyone knows everyone else. In many industries, people are in competition and there is a general mistrust of other operators, however the food and drink sector is much more collaborative.

“It is an industry that is, by its very nature, constructed around socialising. I have been to a lot of meetings and events where people want to talk and the focus is on what people can do to help each other.”

And now from a budding partnership to a blossoming one, as long-time collaborators Bankbrokers have grown to become a Corporate Friend of Hampshire Fare.

The company offers financial brokerage services, and recently completed a project for the Institute of Hospitality national trade body.

Neil Fillbrook FCII, CEO of Bankbrokers UK&I, said: “Whilst being a global firm, we love working with companies in the Hampshire region, where our UK Head Office is based – in Bishop’s Waltham.

“We have a particular affinity with the hospitality and catering sector and are considered a trusted advisor to the industry.

“Since joining Hampshire Fare last summer, our first two payment projects yielded annual recurring savings of 17% and 30% for Hampshire companies.”

Tracy added: “We are very pleased to welcome Bankbrokers as Hampshire Fare’s Corporate Friends.

“We are also delighted by the positive results Bankbrokers have achieved for our members, many of whom are squeezed financially in the current economic climate. These savings make a substantial difference to a business’ margins and viability.”

Tracy Nash and Bekka Watts with Neil Fillbrook and Ed Fillbrook of Bankbrokers. Credit: The Electric Eye Photography