This prestigious award, run in partnership with the British Retail Consortium, celebrates towns across the UK that are championing local economic resilience, innovation, and community wellbeing. Gosport was one of only six winners selected from 50 shortlisted towns nationwide, triumphing in the highly competitive Future Skills category.

Gosport’s winning submission showcased the Digital Peninsula initiative that is tackling digital exclusion in the borough, and boosting digital capability across the community. Designed in response to significant local challenges the initiative is transforming how residents and businesses engage with technology.

“We’re proud to receive this recognition for our work in Gosport to equip people with the digital skills they need for the future,” said the Leader of Gosport Borough Council, Peter Chegwyn.  “This award celebrates the collaborative spirit of our community, and the power of local innovation in bridging the digital divide.”

Key achievements delivered through the Digital Peninsula initiative during 2024/25 include:

• Four Community Digital Hubs offering free access to IT equipment and one-to-one support in areas most affected by social deprivation.
• Digital skills training for over 260 residents, helping with online essentials such as banking, GP appointments, email use, CV writing and job hunting.
• Support for 65 local businesses through training and mentoring on digital technologies, including marketing and communications skills.
• New websites developed for 34 businesses and community groups to enhance their digital presence.
• Creative digital projects engaging over 1,100 young people through music, film, and storytelling, including OMG: Oh My Gosport, Digital Youth Voice, and The Digital Music Project.
• The Solent to Space project, inspiring over 1,100 students, parents, and teachers through space-themed STEM activities and teacher training.

Gosport is rising to meet its challenges head-on by fostering a future-ready, digitally skilled community.

The £20,000 prize from Visa will be used as a contribution towards a community project, which will be submitted via a proposal to Visa for their approval.

For more information on Gosport’s Digital Peninsula initiative, visit: Digital Peninsula – Gosport Borough Council