Test Valley Borough Council’s Rural Net Zero Business Service, empowers rural businesses for a sustainable future

The Test Valley Rural Net Zero Business Support Programme included business support, grants and a Regenerative Farming Pilot Demonstrator, facilitated by Test Valley Borough Council in partnership with The IncuHive Group, have supported nearly 100 rural businesses and farms on their journey towards sustainability through offering free business advice, grants, and innovative agricultural trials.

The initiative ran from November 2023 to March 2025 with funding from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund. It has helped to provide crucial financial and advisory assistance to businesses dedicated to reducing their carbon footprint.

There were two major programmes delivered, the first programme being a business support and small grants programme with £85,000 investment in rural businesses.

Nearly 100 businesses benefitted from business support and were provided with a comprehensive Net Zero advisory programme, which included:

• One-on-one consultations to assess sustainability goals,
• site visits for energy audits and improvement plans,
• interactive online workshops with industry experts,
• tailored decarbonisation reports outlining actionable steps,
• follow-up support to ensure long-term benefits.

To support the improvements identified in the decarbonisation reports, a total of 24 capital grants were awarded, each worth up to £3,750, that helped small businesses implement energy-saving and sustainable solutions. These grants funded projects such as:

• LED lighting installations,
• energy-efficient chillers and heaters,
• EV chargers,
• solar panels,
• composters and waste management solutions,
• improved insulation and thermal blinds.

The second programme, the Regenerative Farming Pilot Demonstrator, involved a £25,000 investment in sustainable agriculture. Launched in early 2024, the Test Valley Pilot Demonstrator Project allocated these funds to two farm partnerships to explore innovative regenerative farming techniques.

Michelmersh Manor Farm tested a method called HumiCert foliar fertilisation on a rye grass crop. This technique involves spraying nutrients directly onto the leaves of the plants. By using this method, they were able to reduce the amount of nitrogen fertiliser needed by over 70%, while still maintaining the same quality and yield of the crop. Excessive use of nitrogen fertiliser can lead to water and air pollution, soil degradation, and health risks due to contaminated drinking water. While it boosts crop yields, its overuse has significant environmental and health impacts.

Goddards Farm trialled MAD Moisture technology in maize, showing long-term benefits for the treated plots. MAD Moisture technology in maize is a system that helps farmers control and monitor the moisture levels in maize (corn) crops. This technology uses sensors to measure the humidity and moisture content in the maize, providing real-time data. This information helps farmers make better decisions about watering and drying their crops, ensuring optimal growth and reducing waste.

These trials have set a precedent for future initiatives, helping farmers adopt low-carbon, efficient, and environmentally responsible practices. Both farms will continue monitoring results and provide valuable information to share with other farms in Test Valley.

To document the project’s successes, IncuHive produced a report and a short film, which can both be found on Test Valley Borough Council’s website – www.testvalley.gov.uk/RuralNetZero. The documentary, ‘Growing the Future’, showcases the challenges and achievements of participating businesses and farms, and premiered at Gambledown Farm in Romsey in an event attended by local farmers, sustainability advocates, industry experts, and key stakeholders.

Test Valley Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Climate Emergency, Councillor Alison Johnston, said: "This initiative has not only provided essential support to our local rural businesses but has also demonstrated the power of collaboration in driving sustainable change. By working together, we have helped our rural economy take significant steps towards a greener future. The success stories from this initiative are a testament to the dedication and innovation of our local businesses, and we look forward to continuing this journey towards sustainability."

George Scott-Welsh, CEO of The IncuHive group, said, "At IncuHive, we are passionate about supporting businesses on their journey to sustainability, and the Test Valley Rural Net Zero Business Service has been an incredible example of what can be achieved through collaboration. Working closely with local businesses, Test Valley Borough Council, and industry experts, we’ve helped drive real, measurable progress toward Net Zero. Seeing these businesses take action, through energy-efficient upgrades, innovative farming techniques, and sustainable business strategies has been truly inspiring."

The Test Valley Rural Net Zero Business Service has set a strong foundation for future sustainability initiatives. By equipping businesses with both financial support and expert guidance, the project has played a crucial role in reducing carbon footprints, lowering energy costs, and fostering resilience in Test Valley’s rural economy.

 

Notes:

More information and the short film can be found here: www.testvalley.gov.uk/RuralNetZero

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

The IncuHive Group is a comprehensive provider of business support, co-working spaces, and serviced offices with nine strategically located centres. Our offerings encompass a wide array of services, including Net Zero and business support, mentoring, startup investment guidance, networking opportunities, training programmes, and flexible office and desk spaces.

 

Last Updated: 08 May 2025