New figures reveal the impacts of a digital programme across Gosport helping residents, businesses and community groups get or grow online.

The Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) funded projects over 2 years that have supported the Council’s ambition to create a Digital Peninsula. This has included a range of projects to upskill and provide resources to local businesses and communities.

Among those that have since benefitted from the programme were:

Boosting Gosport businesses and community groups

• 47 businesses received focussed support and mentorship on digital technologies that could elevate their productivity, including AI
• 477 hours of digital marketing support given to 110 organisations in the form of workshops and 1-2-1 training
• 34 businesses and community groups received a new, custom-designed website, with maintenance costs paid for a year – including Gosport Road Runners, Easy Drive Hire, and the Gosport Society

Richard Cook, Chairman of the Gosport Society said: This initiative organised through Gosport Borough Council will certainly help local businesses promote themselves and subsequently help the local economy, also, encouraging the promotion of Gosport Borough’s tourism.

Helping residents get online

Over 260 people have received training and support through three new digital hubs helping them access online services like banking, GP appointments, and emails, writing CVs and job hunting, online security and learning to use their devices like phones and tablets.

‘CC’ learned to read and write in his 50s and began writing his life story for his adult children and others to enjoy. With support through one of the digital hubs, he developed his typing and word processing skills, and even bought himself a new laptop. By March 2025 he’d finished, typing up 132 pages of his story, which he has now had printed. With the skills he’s learned he’s now begun writing a novel of his own.

Inspiring young people

• Over 800 young people in the local music scene were reached by a new ‘Scene+Heard‘ music magazine, social media, podcast, and a monthly student night to promote and celebrate local young talent. This also included a cohort who have received mentoring, training and support from industry experts.
• Over 300 young people were reached by or given a platform and skills to tell their stories about Gosport through the Unlocked youth voice project
• Over 1100 students, teachers and parents have been inspired by the University of Portsmouth’s cosmology team about opportunities, skills and careers for young people in the space sector.

Nicki Craven, the Head of Careers and Futures at King’s Academy Bay House, commented: The activity was a really good opportunity to introduce 300 students to both satellite imagery and historic mapping, whilst also considering how the local area has changed over time. Throughout the session students used transferable skills such as communication, listening and teamwork, and developed a greater awareness of digital skills. With the rapid pace of technological change, embracing digital skills is essential for success, now and in the future.

Next steps

Gosport Borough Council has received further funding for the 2025/26 financial year to boost Gosport’s digital presence, and support residents and businesses. More details about the projects this will include will be shared shortly.

Councillor Peter Chegwyn, Leader of Gosport Borough Council said: Huge numbers of people have benefitted from this programme – whether it’s older people learning how to keep in touch with family and friends online, or businesses getting the tools and support they need to compete in a digital marketplace.

Gosport has so much potential to grow, adapt, and attract new visitors – and these digital skills and resources are vital to make the most of these opportunities.”

It’s also a testament to the work of our team and delivery partners that the Government is extending the funding for our projects. We look forward to continuing to make an impact across the borough for the year ahead.