FIRMS across Hampshire are today basking in a summer heatwave bonanza.

While temperatures soar so do bookings and profits for firms hoping to take advantage of the Mediterranean-style climate being enjoyed across the south.

From ice cream factories and bike hire firms to campsites and outdoor pools – Hampshire’s businesses are booming.

Companies across the county have reported a bumper year thanks to the hot weather. And next week they are hoping for another major boost when thousands of tourists flock to New Park, near Brockenhurst, for the annual New Forest show.

It comes as weather experts forecast sunshine well into next month.

Among those reporting a boost in profits is bike hire firm Cyclexperience, with a 50 per cent increase in people hiring from them on the sunniest days and up to 20 per cent more people buying their bikes from their shop.

Daily Echo:

Lymington Sea Water Baths had the busiest day for years with more than 1,100 people visiting the lido on Thursday.

Director Hugo Ambrose said: “People now know about the lido and that it’s a good alternative to the beach. With more to do down here people are happy to get involved and come and enjoy themselves.”

And there could also be disappointment for those who just turn up at campsites in the New Forest and hope to get a pitch.

Almost all the 880 pitches at Hollands Wood and Ashurst campsites have already been booked this weekend.

The Camping and Caravanning Club has reported a surge of nine per cent more people booking their 3,107 pitches across their ten New Forest sites as families holiday at home.

Bob Hill, Camping in the Forest’s sites director, said: “Despite high demand, we do still have availability so there’s still time to book.”

Daily Echo:

Sales are also up at New Forest Ice Cream with have seen a 20 per cent increase on last year.

Director Niki Jenman said: “This demand means that our wonderful staff here in Lymington are working flat out to not just create over 40 flavours of New Forest Ice Cream, but to deliver them to hundreds of outlets across the south of England.”

And Southsea Deckchairs, Britain’s only deckchair manufacturer, has also seen a significant increase in demand.

Director Stephen Davies said: “It’s booming, normally this time of year it’s beginning to wane.”