What Shaping Portsmouth does

Shaping Portsmouth is an independent UK charitable organization and private/public partnership headquartered in Portsmouth Guildhall, established in 2010 (originally as "Shaping the Future of Portsmouth") to deliver the city's Regeneration Strategy. The organization operates as a convening body across three programmatic pillars — Business, Education, and Community — and is the named key partner in writing and delivering the 2019-36 Portsmouth Economic Development and Regeneration Strategy alongside founding partner Portsmouth City Council. Its service portfolio includes the Shaping Portsmouth Conference (annual), the Shaping Portsmouth Podcast (weekly, 100+ episodes), Apprenticeship Bus (800 students reached across 10 schools in 2026), Explore Your Future, Shaped By Solent (SEND programme), Portsmouth Ambassadors (volunteer programme, 120+ hours contributed), Armed Forces Community Programme, Choose Employability, and Charity Support, plus the Shaping Portsmouth Foundation (separate charity, Charity Number 1197593, established 2022) which channels grants to education and community initiatives.

Revenue is generated through two primary streams: annual patron/membership fees from 40+ patrons spanning business, education, and community sectors (pricing not publicly disclosed), and conference/event revenue from the annual Shaping Portsmouth Conference plus exhibition and sponsorship income. Go-to-market is relationship-driven and membership-based, leveraging the patron network as both distribution channel and customer base. The organization employs 1-10 staff organized around pillar leads (Business, Education, Community) plus a CEO, Operations Manager, Office Administrator, and Non-Executive Director, supported by volunteer ambassadors. Patron rosters span major employers and institutions including Airbus, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth City Council, Blake Morgan, Biscoes, Mountjoy, Portsmouth Aviation, Wightlink, Portsmouth Water, Southern Water, South Western Railway, Gunwharf Quays, Spinnaker Tower, and Portsmouth Football Club. Marketing channels include LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, MailChimp email, podcast, annual conference, and website content. The geographic footprint is single-city (Portsmouth, United Kingdom), with no disclosed expansion plans beyond that scope.

Name

Shaping Portsmouth

Legal name

Shaping Portsmouth

Website

https://shapingportsmouth.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Portsmouth

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Patron/Membership Fees: Organizations become patrons of Shaping Portsmouth, providing financial support in exchange for association with the city's economic development initiatives and access to networking opportunities. Patrons include major employers, educational institutions, and local businesses.
2. Conference and Event Revenue: The organization hosts annual conferences (Shaping Portsmouth Conference), exhibition bookings, and various events that generate revenue through delegate fees and sponsorship.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Shaping Portsmouth is a nonprofit civic partnership organization that delivers business support, education programmes, and community development initiatives across Portsmouth, UK. It operates as a private/public partnership with 40+ patrons and members, running programmes such as the Apprenticeship Bus, Explore Your Future, Portsmouth Ambassadors, and the annual Shaping Portsmouth Conference, alongside a weekly podcast and the Shaping Portsmouth Foundation charity.

Product overview

Shaping Portsmouth is a community organization that operates as a collection of interconnected programmes organized across three pillars: Business, Education, and Community. The portfolio includes annual events (Shaping Portsmouth Conference), media content (Shaping Portsmouth Podcast), a charitable foundation (Shaping Portsmouth Foundation), and specific initiatives such as the Apprenticeship Bus, Explore Your Future, Shaped By Solent, Portsmouth Ambassadors, Armed Forces Community Programme, Choose Employability, and Charity Support. The programmes work together to deliver the organization's mission of making Portsmouth the number one UK city in which to invest, live, learn, work, and visit.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Shaping Portsmouth Foundation: A charitable foundation dedicated to education and community sector support, providing access to specific grants

Quantifiable outcome

• 800 students reached through Apprenticeship Bus in 2026
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

39 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• AirbuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAirbus is a patron of Shaping Portsmouth, at the forefront of satellite manufacturing and innovation reinforcing the UK's position as a global leader in satellite technology. Claire Foster serves as Portsmouth Site Operations Manager.
• BiscoescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiscoes Solicitors has existed in Portsmouth since 1864, now a full service law firm employing over 140 local people with 7 offices. They are a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and Gold Award holder for Employer Recognition Scheme.
• Blake MorgancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlake Morgan LLP is a UK law firm with strong roots in Portsmouth, providing legal advice to individuals, businesses, not-for-profit and government organisations. Mike Wilson is Managing Partner.
• Carrington WestcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA technical recruitment company working with private and public sector organisations in the UK built environment sector. Simon Gardiner is Co-Founder.
• Citrus Facilities ManagementcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA family business delivering expert IT, security, cleaning and facilities management solutions across the UK. Daniel O'Brien is Managing Director. Headline sponsor of Shaping Forces event.
• City of Portsmouth CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFormed by merger of Portsmouth College and Highbury College, providing routes into higher education, employment or apprenticeships. Katy Quinn is Principal and CEO.
• ComservcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides high quality responsive repairs and maintenance solutions across Portsmouth for Portsmouth City Council and social landlords. Employs around 200 locally-based staff serving over 8,000 homes.
• Fair WayscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA leading Portsmouth based children's services charity delivering Fostering, Education, Residential, Health and Family services in Southern England and Wales. Mac McHugh is CEO.
• FerryspeedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProviding primary lifeline logistics services to and from the Channel Islands from Portsmouth home for almost 40 years. Nick Green is Group Executive Director.
• GRP SolutionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe UK's leading glass reinforced plastics distributor providing composite solutions to marine, construction, automotive, leisure and wind energy industries. Brian Harpur is Managing Director.
• Guildhall TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManages Portsmouth Guildhall as a Concert and Conferencing venue, delivering inspirational community opportunities. Andy Grays is CEO. Also organizes Portsmouth Comic Con and Dance Live! competition.
• Gunwharf QuayscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA unique outlet shopping and leisure destination with over 90 stores on Portsmouth waterfront, offering up to 60% off original retail prices.
• HAHA (Hampshire Apprentice Hairdressing Academy)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAward-winning training provider specialising in Hairdressing and Barbering apprenticeships, having trained over 1000 young people. Lisa Campbell is Operations Director.
• Hampshire Flag CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOver 40 years experience manufacturing flags, banners and signage promoting brands through visual marketing. Rod Sessions is Sales and Marketing Manager.
• HSDC (Havant & South Downs College)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFurther Education College with three campuses at Alton, Havant and South Downs. Mike Gaston is Principal and CEO. Live Stream Sponsor for Conference 2025.
• HTP Apprenticeship CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFor 25 years has delivered tailored Apprenticeship solutions for businesses and staff. Rachael Randall is Founder and Chief Executive.
• Inspire FuturescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovative organisation redefining recruitment industry by delivering social value through employment opportunities for priority groups. Darren Burnett is Founder and MD.
• Mary RosecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAward-winning exhibition housing Henry VIII's ship and thousands of objects. Dominic Jones is Chief Executive Officer.
• Millstream ProductionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSouth coast creative video production agency employing 12 local video creatives, offering photography, animation and podcast creation since 2011. Ben Cloud is Co-Founder & Managing Director.
• MountjoycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides professional construction, refurbishment, building maintenance and facilities management services. Headquartered in Portsmouth since 2006 with over 300 staff. Simon Ingram is Managing Director.
• PMC ConstructioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuilding relationships and developing communities, having worked with Portsmouth City Council for 39 years creating employment for 500+ people. Steve Cripps is Director.
• Portico ShippingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPortsmouth's cargo terminal operator at International Port handling all types of sea freight. Lewis Wilson is General Manager. Sponsor of Shaping Forces event.
• Portsmouth AviationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFamily-run business with legacy since 1929 offering bespoke engineering solutions. Simon Escott is Managing Director.
• Portsmouth City CouncilflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerResponsible for running the city on behalf of residents and businesses. Founding partner of Shaping since 2010. Councillor Steve Pitt is Leader. Community Award sponsor.
• Portsmouth Football ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAndrew Cullen is Chief Executive. Formal partnership with Pompey in the Community. Freda Swain Lounge sponsor at Conference 2026.
• Portsmouth Grammar SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading co-educational day school renowned for excellent teaching and pastoral care. David Wickes is Headteacher.
• Portsmouth Historic QuartercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTakes responsibility for long-term preservation of historic south-west corner of Portsmouth Naval Base released under 1982 Defence Review.
• Portsmouth WatercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupplies high quality water from chalk of South Downs to over 324,000 homes and businesses in Portsmouth, Chichester, and Bognor Regis areas. Bob Taylor is CEO.
• SLR RecruitmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConnecting marine and industrial tradespeople to employers in shipbuilding and refit business around the UK. Sarah Roads is Founder and CEO.
• South Hampshire College GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvider of technical and professional training, newly merged group of three FE colleges from Fareham, Eastleigh and Southampton. Anoushka Ottley is Executive Director of Business & Civic Partnerships.
• South Western RailwaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOperating over 1,500 services each weekday across SW London, southern counties and Isle of Wight. Amy Dickinson is Head of Sustainability.
• Southern Motor ContractscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndependent, family-run leasing company and provider of flexible fleet management, vehicle rental, and finance solutions. Tracy Ramsey is Fleet Executive.
• Southern WatercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommitted to high-quality water and wastewater services while protecting communities and environment. Joanne Wood is Partnership Delivery Manager for Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force.
• Spinnaker TowercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIconic 170-metre landmark of Portsmouth's skyline offering panoramic views stretching 23 miles. Tony Sammut is General Manager.
• The NewscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier source of trusted news and information for Portsmouth since 1877. Mark Waldron is Editor.
• University of PortsmouthflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerA new breed of university making positive difference, closely involved with local community. Professor Graham Galbraith is Vice-Chancellor.
• Victorious FestivalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMost beautifully located festival in the UK featuring world-class artists. Terri Ralls is Head of Community Development.
• Vivid HomescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading provider of affordable homes in Portsmouth with vision of creating 'more homes, bright futures'. Mike Shepherd is Director for New Business & Development.
• WightlinkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConnects Portsmouth with Isle of Wight through car ferries and FastCat passenger craft. Keith Greenfield is Chief Executive. Refreshments Sponsor for Conference 2025.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Locality: UK national network supporting community-led organisations, social enterprises and community groups with resources and advocacy. Comparable membership/patron-style support model for community-sector organisations.
• Business in the Community: UK charity convening businesses to address social and community issues through responsible business practice. Directly comparable as a UK-wide civic convening organisation bridging corporates with community programmes.
• Groundwork UK: Federated UK charity delivering community regeneration, environmental and youth programmes in partnership with local authorities and businesses. Comparable as a multi-pillar (environment, community, education) partnership-driven organisation.
• Heart of the City: UK charity that helps small and medium businesses develop their corporate social responsibility and community engagement. Directly comparable convening model linking local businesses to civic impact.

Emerging players

• Centre for Cities: UK think tank focused on the economic performance of UK cities, producing data and policy advice. Comparable in city-level economic development focus, though operates as research/policy rather than a delivery organisation.

Broad incumbents

• British Chambers of Commerce: UK-wide accreditation network for chambers of commerce serving businesses across the country. Comparable as a business membership organisation but operates at a national rather than single-city level.
• CBI (Confederation of British Industry): UK's premier business membership organisation lobbying on behalf of companies across sectors. Comparable business-member convening model but at national scale with policy advocacy rather than community delivery.
• Federation of Small Businesses (FSB): UK's leading membership organisation for small businesses and self-employed. Comparable membership-based business support model though it spans the entire UK rather than a single city.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/shapingportsmth
• YouTubeopen.spotify.com/show/7HeoX44hkdM2WPmtoidErK
• Facebookfacebook.com/ShapingPortsmouth
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/shaping-portsmouth
• Instagraminstagram.com/shapingportsmouth
• TikToktiktok.com/@shapingportsmouth

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Shaping Portsmouth