Dorset Business Focus | Jan 2025

EDITORIAL

Caroline Sharp

caroline.sharp @dorsetchamber.co.uk

Dom Arthurs dom.arthurs @dorsetchamber.co.uk

About the magazine

Dorset Business Focus magazine is the most widely read business publication in the Dorset business community with a readership of over 10k+. Packed full of great articles, it features the latest news from our diverse membership.

Dorset Chamber members can upload content for consideration by the editorial team to feature in the magazine. Visit our website and submit your news articles for a chance to feature in the next issue of the magazine: www.dorsetchamber.co.uk/news/ submit-your-news/

You can also read the digital version of the magazine on our website.

Welcome

May I wish you a very happy and successful 2025! I hope you managed to have some rest with loved ones over the Christmas break and are ready for the year ahead.

At our AGM in December, we launched our new Vision and Mission, which clearly lays out our priorities over the next couple of years. You can see the new Vision and Mission on our website. We’ll be placing a real emphasis on the value of membership in our Chamber as well as focusing on critical business issues in what we think will be a challenging year for business.

You’ll also see an increased focus on the benefits included in Dorset Chamber membership and encouraging businesses to use these, everything from health cover to our advice lines and access to a comprehensive business document library.

April 2025 will see the introduction of the new National Insurance increases and our research in this area is telling us that this is an area of significant concern for many businesses, with 60% of employers responding to our survey stating they are “very concerned” about the NI increases. We will be making sure the views and concerns are fed back to our politicians and policy makers.

Chamber House, Acorn Office Park Ling Road, Poole, Dorset BH12 4NZ T. 01202 714800 W. www.dorsetchamber.co.uk

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With a wide range of businesses and organisations in our membership, we remain totally committed to supporting our business community. If there is anything we can do to support you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Our very best wishes for 2025.

Ian Girling Chief Executive Dorset Chamber

Be part of Dorset’s leading business support organisation

Joining Dorset Chamber is a valuable and powerful investment for any business. Engaging with us and using membership to its full potential brings demonstrable business benefits.

To find out more contact paul.taylor@dorsetchamber | 01202 714818

What’s Ahead for House Prices?

Prime house prices in the south forecast to increase by 16.5% by 2029

Prime house prices in the south are expected to increase by 2 per cent in 2025, and by 16.5 per cent over the next five years to 2029, according to research by Savills.

The prime housing market is typically the top 5%-10% of the market in any region, reflecting an average property price of £1.85m. This area of the market in the south of the country saw an increase of 11.6 per cent in the five years to September 2024.

House price growth in the prime market is anticipated to be below that of the mainstream market in the coming five years, given tax changes introduced in the 2024 Autumn Budget. Savills forecasts mainstream house price growth for the South West of 2.5 per cent in 2025 and a total of 21.6 per cent in the five years to 2029.

“In a normal housing market recovery, you would expect the top-end of the market to recover first, responding quickest to a change in sentiment,” says Lucian Cook, head of residential research. “However, the additional stamp duty surcharge for second homes, changes in ‘non-doms’ taxation and VAT on school fees are likely to offset some of the impacts of future cuts in interest rates this time around.”

Ashley Rawlings of Savills Wimborne, adds: “Coastal second home hotspots are likely to remain fairly price sensitive next year. But elsewhere, prime regional housing markets are likely to benefit from some displaced demand as families look to strike a balance between house prices, commutability and access to schooling. And while increased exposure to inheritance tax is likely to mean a bit more stock comes to the market from downsizers, this is unlikely to upset the underlying balance between supply and demand.

“In Dorset, we continue to see demand for good quality family homes, including from buyers based in London and the Home Counties who are looking to relocate for the excellent schooling and lifestyle offer. Many have a connection to the area either through family, or they may have grown up and been to school here themselves.”

www.savills.com

The Private Rented Sector (PRS) in Poole is thriving, with strong rental demand providing stability and opportunity for Landlords. Here, Katie Ticehurst of Frost & Co, shares an insight on the private rented sector.

Despite proposed changes in legislation the rental community grows and the PRS is a vital part of the local housing landscape, offering flexible living solutions for residents while delivering a steady return for property owners. We have seen demand soar year on year, having a positive impact on the achievable rental and resulting in, on average 18 -24-month tenancies, providing some longevity.

Whilst changes to the industry are afoot the pending Renters Rights Bill will provide both challenges and opportunities for Landlords. The reforms, aimed at improving tenant rights and ensuring higher standards of accommodation, may require property owners to adjust their strategies and the

The Private Rented Sector Property Market Steady

costs and compliance that will come with this could prove challenging for some though, the long-term benefits are undeniable.

Navigating the changes require expect advice and tailored strategies and our Team is here to assist landlords in understanding the legislation, implementing necessary updates and positioning their properties for sustained success. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to the market, we can help you adapt to these developments while maximising the potential of your investments.

The local rental property market is evolving, but with proactive planning and professional guidance, landlords can continue to thrive in this dynamic environment. www.frostandco.net

(but Budget factors in warning flags)

According to David Errington, CEO of Goadsby, the Residential Scene 2024 has seen the return of a “traditional sale market” with a good steady level of purchaser enquiries leading to an increased level of sales with modest increases in prices.

For the Residential Scene 2024 has seen the return of a “traditional sale market “with a good steady level of purchaser enquiries leading to an increased level of sales with modest increases in prices.

Next year will see first time buyers more active in the first quarter prior to the effective increase in stamp duty. More unpredictable is the economic effect of key aspects of the recent budget (higher government borrowing / taxes on business) including a poorer interest rate outlook and reduced business and consumer confidence. A cautionary view is that the residential market will remain steady with perhaps modest/slight price increases

Commercially the property market in Dorset has also remained steady with the exceptions seen nationally of extreme difficulties in the high street for Retail and Hospitality. The Commercial scene should remain stable except for the struggling sectors mentioned who will suffer enormously from the NI penalty taxes of the budget and the inevitable costs increases of the minimum wage which disproportionally effect those sectors

Both the residential and commercial sectors will benefit from the potential growth of the larger block Build to Rent market (BTR). This sector is on a growth trajectory in Dorset as traditional 2nd home buy to let investments are hugely penalised by past government tax changes and especially by the new 5 percent stamp duty penalty. www.goadsby.com

Katie Ticehurst, Director, Frost & Co.

Get fit for Your Planning Permission

In the New Year, we’re often bombarded with fitness messages. But have you considered how ready you are to engage with our overstretched and creaking planning system?

Lester Aldridge’s planning and infrastructure teams provide proactive legal advice to help businesses succeed in development projects, diversifications and expansions.

Project management

Engaging with the planning system is more like a “Three Peaks Challenge” than a sprint. First, assemble your professional team, budget your resources and nail down your strategy.

What is the vision of your development or project? Will it create jobs, expand a successful business, or enhance the environment? Could it provide a new, warm and safe home for a vulnerable person, a young family or a senior citizen?

Planning is a human and political system operating in the public sphere; don’t let the inevitable frustrations boil over if it will sour your relationship with the decision-maker.

What can you reasonably do to ensure your application is put at the top of the planning officer’s mountain of applications? Go the extra mile, it’s never crowded.

Have you the resources, land and knowledge required to deliver requirements like statutory biodiversity net gain (“BNG”) or highways and access improvements?

Legal input into planning or development projects

Key legal issues that may require legal advice include:

• Are you able to comply with the planning use and conditions, and will these support your business goals?

• Is there a planning obligation (known as a section 106 legal agreement) requiring a financial contribution or restriction on the use of the property or land from you? When, what and how much is required? A solicitor can negotiate a favourable legal agreement.

• Are you aware of legal constraints relating to works to or in the proximity of listed buildings or conservation areas?

• When does your liability arise to pay financial contributions or the payments under the Community Infrastructure Levy?

• Are there any outstanding planning enforcement notices relating to the land?

• How can planning permission be varied or amended effectively?

Managing risks

Occasionally, your business may face a challenge such as a planning appeal, enforcement action or a complex judicial review of a planning decision. Examples of some of the real risks here are:

• Losing the benefit of your planning permission or right to develop.

• Loss of the practical benefit of land or buildings used for your business.

• Paying a financial contribution twice.

• Involvement in a complex planning appeal or High Court hearing.

• Facing a criminal prosecution with an unlimited fine or imprisonment.

Key takeaways

• Obtain legal planning, infrastructure or environmental specialist advice immediately, as the outcome may be crucial for your business plan and objectives.

• Act fast – for adverse decisions, the timeframe to appeal or file a legal challenge is often short—28 days to six weeks.

As with any New Year’s resolution, success in planning relies on preparation, determination, and the proper support. You can turn challenges into opportunities by getting “fit” for the planning process—assembling your team, staying proactive, and seeking expert advice.

Matt Gilks, Partner Planning & Environment Team, Lester Aldridge. www.lesteraldridge.com

What is the vision of your development or project? Will it create jobs, expand a successful business, or enhance the environment?

Strong demand as work starts on Magna Park units

Construction work has started on two highspecification, energy-efficient distribution and production units at Magna Park in Poole, Dorset. Long-established developer Jade-Aden Services, of Holton Heath, near Wareham in Dorset, has been appointed to build the scheme, totalling 54,000 sq ft, off Magna Road. Magna 20 and Magna 30 are due to be completed in April 2025; both are set to have solar power providing one third of baseline energy, targeting the delivery of two carbon-neutral buildings.

Property consultancy Vail Williams, acting alongside Lambert Smith Hampton, on behalf of landowner WH White, is in advanced discussions with a potential occupier for Magna 20. This detached unit will be just under 22,000 sq ft (2,040 sq m), with fitted offices, 240 kVA power supply, 36 parking spaces and a secure 36m yard depth. Neighbouring Magna 30 will be a shade under 31,500 sq ft (2,925 sq m), with fitted offices, 340 kVA power supply, 51 parking spaces and a secure 46m yard depth.

Bryony Thompson, Partner in Vail Williams’ Bournemouth office, said: “We

are excited to see construction start on site as there has been limited speculative industrial development in the BCP conurbation over the past couple of years.

“WH White pushing ahead with this development is testament to the demand for high-specification, energy-efficient industrial/ warehouse buildings. Seeing the steel frame going up is a huge milestone in the process.

“We are already experiencing strong interest in both these units and we are in advanced discussions with an occupier for Magna 20. With construction advancing, we anticipate further interest to be generated.

“Occupiers wanting to relocate from under-performing, older properties are increasingly seeking new-build commercial units with impeccable environmental credentials – and developments such as Magna Park fit the bill exactly.

“There is inevitably some risk involved in building on-spec units but the general shortage of high quality, energy-efficient warehouse premises in strategic locations in this area means we are likely to witness high demand.”

Occupiers are increasingly seeking newbuild commercial units with impeccable environmental credentials - and developments such as Magna Park fit the bill exactly.

The two self-contained warehouses are being constructed to a Very Good rating under BREEAM sustainability certification and each has a targeted EPC rating of A, the highest energy-efficient rating. As well as photovoltaic panels, there will be energyefficient heating and cooling, opening windows, greywater harvesting, electric vehicle charging points, cycle parking and landscaping.

Magna Park lies north of the Bournemouth/ Poole conurbation, in between West Howe Industrial Estate and Ferndown Industrial Estate, and within minutes of the A31 which provides access to Southampton and the national motorway network to the east and the A35 to the west. Wider development on the site includes Poole-based property developer Fortitudo’s commercial development of 48 starter units and independent food product supplier Country Fare’s brand new 40,000 sq ft warehouse, also built by Jade-Aden. Vail Williams, Lambert Smith Hampton and Howell Commercial are the scheme’s joint letting agents; quoting rent available on request. Vail Williams’ full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy.

www.vailwilliams.com

Greendale Construction Bring Newbery Steps at Dean Park Cricket Ground Back to Life

Chartered Builders, Greendale Construction Limited has successfully completed a 34 week project to fully restore the Newbery Steps building at Dean Park Cricket ground, Bournemouth. The dilapidated timberframed building, which had only been used in recent years for storage, has been rebuilt in the spirit of the original design re-using a number of its existing elements, including some of the original floorboards being used as external timber cladding, existing sarking board being reinstated, re-using tongue and groove panelling, and the original timber shutters being installed as a decorative feature. An adjoining lean-to toilet block has been removed, which was added to the building and is non-original.

Greendale Construction also installed new features including a striking timber glulam structure with a curved roof finished in zinc, which replaces the original bitumen roofing. This design, created by

Footprint Architects of Bournemouth, reflects the Newbery Steps’ original barrel-vault structure, bringing modern enhancements to improve the building’s structural and environmental performance.

The Newbery Steps building has also benefited from new finishes throughout, and new mechanical and electrical installations, including an air source heat pump for under floor heating.

Peter Ward, Managing Director, Footprint Architects, commented: “We love working on listed buildings and this project was particularly challenging as halfway through the build process we discovered we were unable to salvage the original timber barrel vaulted structure. This presented an exciting opportunity to re-use a significant amount of salvaged materials and blend them with the replacement timber structural elements in the spirit of the original design. We feel the design is a great reflection of

Greendale has brought this once rundown building back to its historical look and finish, whilst bringing it up to date by incorporating more environmentally friendly aspects into the rebuild

its cultural heritage. Challenging projects like this can only succeed with the support of a brilliant client and collaborative design and construction team that have delivered a project which we’re all really proud of.”

Murray Smyth, Director, Dean Park Limited, commented: “We are delighted that Footprint Architects recommended Greendale Construction. The quality of building work has been excellent - very pleased.”

Chris Kane, Director, Greendale Construction, commented: “Greendale has brought this once rundown building back to its historical look and finish, whilst bringing it up to date by incorporating more environmentally friendly aspects into the rebuild.  We are delighted to have worked with Footprint Architects again, turning the Newbery Steps vision into a reality which will benefit the many visitors to Park Cricket Ground.”

www.greendaleconstruction.com

The inside of the stunning Newbery Steps building completed by Greendale Construction.

Photo credit : Richard Chivers

The striking curved roof finished in zinc

President’s Column

by Tony Brown

New Year, New Opportunities with Dorset Chamber!

January is the perfect time to shake off the festive glitter and dive into fresh opportunities. Whether you’re aiming to scale your operations, network with like-minded professionals, or simply find a reason to leave the office for a good coffee, Dorset Chamber has your back. Challenges, like navigating economic uncertainties and adapting to regulatory changes, will require resilience and creativity. But if the past years have taught us anything, it’s that businesses are more adaptable than ever.

2025 is also set to be a year of connection. With hybrid working models here to stay, businesses will need to focus on building robust, inclusive cultures and fostering strong relationships with customers and partners. Dorset Chamber is here to help, offering guidance, resources, and a network of like-minded professionals to help businesses thrive.

So, dust off your planner, check out our calendar, and join us in making this year your best yet. And remember: the only thing more powerful than a New Year’s resolution is the Dorset business community backing you every step of the way. Let’s make it a cracker of a year!

Do you inspire, employ, train, lead, manage, work to retrain and retain a workforce and celebrate your staff?

This SOLUTIONS event is for you!

Nicola Newman, Chair of the Dorset Skills Board and Project Lead for the Dorset Local Improvement Plan, a Dorset Chamber, Government-funded project, explains why.

Dorset’s working people are very important people! That’s you, me and the people you lead, manage, work alongside and know. Our skills and knowledge drive and grow our local economy, fund public services and create a society and environment we are proud to be part of.

Dorset Chamber sits at the heart of this community to support and drive the developments and changes that are constantly required in business. Keeping up with ‘what works now’ or ‘what needs to be done differently’ is a challenge for all. The whole ‘People’ landscape has changed faster than ever in the last 5 years, yet they are the core of every successful team and business. Finding and keeping people with skills is the biggest reported issue, challenge, and complaint. There are solutions.

At last year’s Dorset Skills Day we learnt employers most want to hear from others who have had challenges and met them. This year 90% of the content will be employer to employer stories. Big, small and micro business will share how they have built and kept a workforce, while the world has swivelled and swirled around us all. How they use AI, how they embed and develop digital skills at all levels, how they create a culture staff want to be part

of – even a 2-person business that enabled 4 work experience students for 2 weeks! We also have a panel of legal experts, a panel of employees of all ages to share their differing expectations of work today, and a range of employer led seminars on ‘how to…’ so you can get specific advice to meet your current needs. Work experience, T levels, neurodiversity, older workers, finding leaders, recruitment, will all be covered by employers who have made it work.

Nicola Newman, Dorset LSIP

From Risk to Opportunity: The legal blueprint for thriving in modern agriculture

Farmers and their businesses are currently under unprecedented pressures: rising costs of production, loss of subsidies and family members leaving the industry to name but a few. On the other hand, land and building values remain high and the capital taxes regime continues to favour farmers. Yet, opportunities persist. There is growing potential for diversification and IT based mechanisation. Notably, the industry has also seen a significant increase in female participation.

Every successful farming enterprise needs to have a business strategy and a viable legal framework. There should be clarity as to who is in control and the structure underpinning the business. In many cases, farming enterprises operate on informal arrangements that have evolved over decades. For example, a senior family member may own and manage the land while younger generations contribute significant labour, yet remain excluded from key decisions. A tailored partnership agreement or reallocation of land ownership could rejuvenate the business and provide a clear structure for its future.

The Importance of Succession Planning

Effective succession planning remains critical to the long-term success of farming businesses. With the average age of farmers steadily increasing and younger generations showing less interest in farming, open communication between family members is vital. Clear discussions about the future, facilitated by HK Law Agri specialists and professional advisors, can create a plan that meets the needs of all stakeholders. Each farm is unique, and a “one-size-fitsall” approach is rarely appropriate. Business owners, land owners and those who farm the land frequently differ. To avoid future

To avoid future legal complications, it is essential to align business and land ownership through updated partnership agreements, company structures, or tenancy agreements.

legal complications, it is essential to align business and land ownership through updated partnership agreements, company structures, or tenancy agreements. Too often, these agreements are neglected until disputes arise, leading to costly and time-consuming legal challenges.

Maximising Value from Farm Assets

Farm dwellings and other buildings often present valuable opportunities for planning and diversification. Through appropriate and properly documented ownership and use, dwellings and other buildings can attract maximum Inheritance Tax agricultural and business reliefs. Reallocating properties to different family members can also help protect the tax breaks which apply to them. There may be scope for diversification, such as generating rental income from existing buildings or other business use. Diversification is another key opportunity. Existing buildings can be repurposed to generate rental income or for other business uses, increasing the farm’s financial resilience.

Protecting Assets Through Trusts and Agreements

Formal business structures are not the only way to hold farming assets and to manage them. Trusts established during a lifetime or upon death can safeguard assets for future generations and preserve beneficial Inheritance Tax reliefs. Trusts can also provide a level of protection against relationship breakdowns, such as a divorce involving a family member. Additional security can be achieved through nuptial agreements for children or grandchildren involved in the business.

Disputes within farming families or with others involved in the farm are another significant risk. Well-drafted agreements can help resolve conflicts or provide an exit strategy for dissatisfied parties A growing legal challenge in the sector is Proprietary Estoppel where a person has been led to believe that they will get a benefit down the line and where they have “acted to their detriment “ as a result. For instance, a child who works on a farm for minimal or no pay with the understanding that they will inherit it may not have their expectations fulfilled if the will states otherwise. Proactive legal advice and thorough documentation can prevent Proprietary Estoppel disputes from arising.

Planning for the Future

Ultimately, every farming business must address one fundamental question: “What documents do you have to tell the right story when you are not here to tell it?”

HK Law’s agricultural law specialists can help ensure your farm, business, and estate is legally robust, future-ready, and equipped to overcome challenges while seizing new opportunities.

By Merlin Lewis, HK Law. www.hklaw.uk

Dorset Businesses Back Jobs Foundation

Support is growing from companies in Dorset for the national Jobs Foundation charity which champions ‘business as a force for good‘.

An independent and non-partisan organisation, it advocates for business of all kinds for the valuable role they play in society – including job creation, training, lifting people out of poverty, advancing social mobility and providing funding for public services through tax.

Simon Boyd, managing director of Christchurch-based REIDsteel, a founding member of the Jobs Foundation’s business council, said: “The Jobs Foundation is not a trade organisation nor is it a politically biased lobby group.

“It is a much-needed organisation that recognises the important role that businesses and those who run them play in society.

“Businesses are often seen by many as vehicles of good fortune for those who own or run them and as such, the vital role they play in society sometimes gets ignored.

“Business should be celebrated for their achievements and role in creating employment and taking people from welfare into work.”

Simon, who is a trustee of the foundation, added: “I urge every business to join the foundation.

“Having a grouping of businesses across the spectrum, no matter their size or sector, will help us realise change and promote the positive impact every business makes on society.”

The Jobs Foundation launched in 2023. Nearly 1,000 business have already joined as members of its business council – covering a broad range of sectors, sizes and regions – with many from Dorset.

Jobs Foundation president Lord Matthew Elliott, who was one of the keynote speakers at the Dorset Chamber’s Business Festival conference in October, said: “Businesses deserve thanks and recognition for all they do.

“There is growing support for the foundation in Dorset where businesses of all kinds continue to join and help us show that business is a force for good.” www.thejobsfoundation.com

Merlin Lewis, HK Law

L-R: Lord Matthew Elliott, The Jobs Foundation, Simon Boyd, REIDSteel, Ian Girling, Dorset Chamber

Over £30,000 Raised as Frettens Sponsor Second Annual MYTIME Ball

Frettens were proud sponsors of MYTIME Young Carers’ second annual Ball in November, which raised over £30,000 for the charity. The event saw the charity’s closest partners, volunteers and sponsors gather for a night of fun and fundraising at the Hilton.

The money is set to fund MYTIME’s Operation Christmas, an initiative where the charity delivers more than 1,500 festive goody bags to young carers across Dorset every year.

Managing Partner Matthew Fretten delivered a speech on the importance of charity partnerships, saying a few words about how Frettens have helped MYTIME through volunteering, fundraising and sponsorship, and encouraging more businesses to do the same. Lewis Barr played host for the evening, presenting the much-anticipated auction, which alone raised a whopping £14,000. www.frettens.co.uk

Avon Marina Christchurch Becomes Home to Sebino Yachts

Avon Marina announced they have been officially appointed the home and headquarters of Sebino Yachts, the authorised UK dealer of Bellini Yachts.

Founded exclusively for the sale of Bellini Yachts to UK clients, Sebino Yachts embody the spirit of the original Sebino boat brand founded by Battista Bellini in 1960, uniting those with a passion for the sea and a strong sense of commitment to deliver exceptional quality for clients. Sebino Yachts are motivated by an enthusiastic team of specialists with immense marine industry experience.

When asked why Avon Marina would be the best choice for Sebino Yachts, Oliver Lanza answered, ‘It was immediately clear that Avon Marina was the perfect fit for us at Sebino Yachts. Business is about people, and the team at Avon Marina are passionate, experienced and offer a fantastic facility which we look forward to sharing with our clients. These characteristics fit beautifully with our own passion for the product and aims for high customer satisfaction. Together with Avon Marina, Sebino Yachts is excited to bring a new and fresh approach to the yacht purchase experience, offering a world class product with the Bellini Yachts brand.’

The Sebino Yachts customer lounge facility and showroom will be situated on site at Avon Marina in Christchurch and referred to as ‘Casa Bellini.’ Casa Bellini will offer clients the opportunity to see and feel the material choices, colours and options available on this unique boat, providing our clients with an immersive and unique product experience.

The first Bellini luxury yacht will be the Astor 36, arriving at Avon Marina in Spring of 2025, being available to view and test, as part of the Casa Bellini experience. The Astor 36 combines an elegant design with functionality, for sailing the waters with the beauty of a simplistic yet exquisite form. A modern silhouette together with intelligent storage solutions makes every journey an extraordinary yachting experience. www.avonmarina.com

Ecosafe Group Secures BCP

Voids Refurbishment Contract

BCP Council and Ecosafe Group are proud to announce their successful collaboration on the Voids Refurbishment contract. This partnership emphasises a shared commitment to ensuring that residents have access to healthy, safe homes they can truly take pride in.

BCP Council is dedicated to making sure that all social housing properties provide a safe and comfortable living environment. Through this partnership with Ecosafe Group, a leader in construction and maintenance services, the council will work to refurbish vacant properties efficiently, ensuring they are ready for new residents as soon as possible.

The contract encompasses two key areas; Bournemouth and Poole, with the flexibility to address properties across the wider BCP region. Ecosafe Group will carry out comprehensive refurbishment services, making sure that empty homes are safe, compliant, and ready for residents to move into, significantly enhancing the living conditions within these communities.

Dan Hacker, Repairs Manager at BCP said; “We are delighted to be entering into a long-term contract with our existing contractor Ecosafe and look forward to working in partnership to carry out improvements and continue to deliver a high-quality voids service.” “We are incredibly pleased to collaborate with BCP Council on the Voids Refurbishment contract,” said Richard Bull, Head of Operations at Ecosafe Group. “This partnership reflects our shared dedication to delivering high quality property refurbishments and continuing to provide a community-focused service. We look forward to delivering outstanding results for the residents of Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.” www.ecosafegroup.co.uk

Wessex Internet Celebrates its 10,000th Customer

Dorset-based full fibre broadband provider

Wessex Internet has hit a major landmark with the connection of its 10,000th customer. The lucky customer, Dan Phillips from Bisterne, Hampshire was delighted to hear he has won 10 years’ free gigabit broadband as part of the company’s celebrations.

The pioneering and award winning ruralfocussed ISP is on track for 60 percent customer growth this year as it rolls out its network in a disciplined and focussed way, recently also surpassing 30,000 properties ready for its gigabit service.

The company focuses on delivering network to hard-to-reach communities across Dorset, South Somerset, Wiltshire and the New Forest and has four government Project Gigabit contracts worth £71m delivering full fibre broadband to over 53,000 properties in the next four years.

2024 has been a year of significant progress as Wessex Internet continues to scale its ultrafast network and customer base

in a targeted way. The company has taken a record-breaking 5,000 orders in the year to date and is now regularly installing 500 new customers each month.

Hector Gibson Fleming, CEO of Wessex Internet, said:

“We’re thrilled to welcome our 10,000th customer to Wessex Internet. We are passionately focussed on expanding our services to places where we deliver real social value, and working with our Project Gigabit contracts is enabling us to do that faster and more consistently than ever before. Our continuing trend of a 30% network wide take-up proves that our targeted strategy is paying off.

“We’ve never aimed to be the biggest business in the industry, but we understand our rural niche and 2024 has been an incredible year so far. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of everyone in our team we are installing

more customers than ever before. Having hit this milestone, we’re now just looking forward to the next 10,000!”

www.wessexinternet.com

Carly Gray, Ecosafe Group | Russell House, BCP Council | Tina Robbins, Ecosafe Group | Fallon Sweetman, Ecosafe Group | Daniel Hacker, BCP Council

In coming months, Dorset Chamber will be sharing insights, practical tips, simplifying the jargon and supporting you on your Net Zero journey. From the opportunities and risks, to the significance and benefits, effective carbon reduction management and reduction is a key consideration for organisations of all sizes. In this article, Mark Sherwood of Auditel Carbon Solutions considers whether Net Zero targets really matter….

Do Net Zero Targets matter?

Net Zero targets don’t necessarily require immediate action from all SME’s, there is both a short term financial and opportunity cost involved, that is often a concern. For many Senior Leadership Teams it sits outside their knowledge zone and that lack of certainty gives understandable reason to delay. The UK government has made a commitment that all of the UK must meet net zero by 2050. That’s a long way off, so do business’s need to do anything now?

The new Labour government has already

Do Net Zero Targets Matter?

passed three pieces of climate related legislation. They have an interim carbon budget that requires a 52% reduction in emissions by 2027, the Paris Agreement commits the UK to a reduction of 68% by 2030 and at COP 29 Kier Starmer committed the UK to reduce emissions by 81% by 2035. A little closer to home, Dorset Council is implementing a strategy to cut the counties emissions by 36% by the end of 2025. Multiple changes to legislation are being introduced to drive operational change within both the public and private sector at local and national level. Pressure is also mounting from companies who have committed to Net Zero, for their suppliers to provide verified carbon data.

Achieving Net Zero, involves reducing your carbon footprint to the point where its almost at zero. It doesn’t mean buying Carbon Credits to offset your emissions or paying someone to certify you as Carbon Neutral. Carbon Neutral is not Net Zero.

Implementation of a carbon reduction plan over a series of years, generally reduces operational costs, improves the business profile, increases both staff retention and recruitment rates whilst increasingly forming a key requirement of tender documents.

Net Zero involves operational change. It takes time to achieve and requires cooperation from your stakeholders. It means measuring all of the operational Green House Gas (GHG) emissions of your business and both your upstream and downstream supply chain. Then creating a carbon reduction plan and measuring the ongoing reduction in emissions, throughout the life of the plan. Implementation of a carbon reduction plan over a series of years, generally reduces operational costs, improves the business profile, increases both staff retention and recruitment rates whilst increasingly forming a key requirement of tender documents. We are now seeing companies judged on their actions not their commitments.

This series of short Articles are designed to help inform your decision making process. Next month we will explore What is a Carbon Footprint?

If you have a question relating to Net Zero or Carbon or would like us to address a specific topic in a future article, please email me at mark.sherwood@auditel.co.uk

2024 Dorset Groundsperson of the Year

The Dorset County Football Association has announced Mark Bailey of Lyme Regis FC as the Dorset Groundsperson of the Year 2024.

The Groundsperson of the Year Awards are open for all clubs operating at Step 7 and below of the football pyramid, and were set up to recognise the contribution of these unsung heroes of the grassroots game and encourage the development of groundsmanship. The majority of football in this country is played outside the Football League. Quality pitches are therefore essential for the development of football at every level.

The club nominated Mark for the countless hours that he spends tending to the pitch and for all his hard work and dedication to improving the quality of the playing surface.

Mark was presented with his award by Kath Purnell, Dorset FA Facilities & Investment Lead and Simon Moore, Area Sales Manager from Fleet Line Markers.

Kath Purnell, Dorset FA Facilities & Investment Lead, said: “Mark has done an amazing job improving the pitch at Davey Fort by putting in place a maintenance programme that has delivered a pitch of a high standard and he should be commended for all his hard work.

“On behalf of the Dorset County Football Association I would like to thank all the grounds people around the county that do such an amazing job to keep their pitches in tip top condition, sometimes under the worst conditions possible.”

1st Place: Mark Bailey (Lyme Regis FC)

2nd Place: Paul Scard (Portland United Youth FC)

3rd Place: Mark Young (Handley Sports FC) www.dorsetfa.com

Aura Technology Continues Partnership with Public Sector

IT managed service provider Aura Technology has been named a supplier on Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) G-Cloud 14 framework.

The framework, which replaces G-Cloud 13, enables public sector organisations to purchase various cloud-based services, including cloud hosting, cloud software, and associated support.

Aura Technology has been included in the G-Cloud framework for several years and is also an approved supplier of the NHS SBS Framework for the public sector.

This has enabled the business to work with various public sector organisations, including Avon Fire & Rescue Service, where Aura simplified the current infrastructure while providing a fully resilient system.

Tim Walker, Managing Director at Aura Technology, said: “We are proud to have been named a supplier on the G-Cloud 14 framework.

“Working with the public sector has always been a key part of our business,

and we look forward to continuing and strengthening those relationships.”

This latest success for Aura Technology follows its recent partnership with Oxfordshire-based claireLOGIC, a

deal which brought the two companies together to continue their growth, strengthen their technical expertise and expand into new markets.

www.auratechnology.com

L-R: Mark Bailey, Lyme Regis FC | Simon Moore, Fleet Line Markers

L-R: Richard Flanders, Peter Hughes, Tim Walker, Steve Stokes, Aura Technology

3 Predictions for AI in 2025

Luke Williams, Campfire trainer and Group Head of AI @ Intergage.

#1 AI integration everywhere.

AI will increasingly be integrated into more and more things. From software to mobile phones, smart speakers to cars expect to see “now with AI” badges on everything.

On mobile both Apple Intelligence and Google Gemini AI features will continue to be added as the year evolves – Google and OpenAI have recently launched real time camera use, meaning you can chat to AI on your device while showing it things, opening up all kinds of tasks and use-cases to the average consumer.

In existing software from Windows CoPilot to Adobe Firefly, Hubspot Breeze to Autodesk AI, new AI enabled features are fast becoming a part of existing tools we use. While that will mean adoption grows, having a plan in place to pilot and evaluate these tools becomes more important. Training and guidelines for the use of these tools will be essential to every business in 2025.

#2 Organic Search traffic to your website starts falling.

As an ever-greater share of the population use AI chatbots to answer common questions, Google AI overviews

and specific AI based research tool like Perplexity AI traffic to websites from organic search will drop.

SEO and Paid search will need to reconsider how to create content and ad campaigns into these new places to counteract the impact.

And finally…

#3 The first notable AI content scandal. As the quality of AI generated images and video continues to improve, and people are less able to distinguish these from the real thing I think it’s likely we’ll see the first big legal case in the coming year.

This could be in the form of a Celebrity suing a news organization for publishing fake content or a corporate scandal based on a deep fake. Imagine a modern Gerald Ratner scenario, except the video isn’t real!

Get Prepared

Join us for an in-person half-day AI foundation workshop, where you can address these challenges with other business leaders and make a practical plan for action. Learn about a simple AI adoption framework, how to develop a roadmap for piloting and using AI in your business and see real world use-cases and examples. Go to: dorsetchamber.co.uk/campfire/ for more information.

Lighthouse Development Ambassadors Meet

United by their love of Lighthouse and passion for its work in the community, the venue’s board of Development Ambassadors met for the first time last week.

The group, chaired by MT Rainey OBE, Chair of Poole Arts Trust, has come together to ensure the business community is fully informed about the range of facilities, services and opportunities available to it at Lighthouse.

“Lighthouse is incredibly grateful to our Development Ambassadors,” says Head of Development Sue Lloyd.

“They have offered their expertise so readily because they understand the vital role Lighthouse has as a cultural leader in our community through its artist support and creative engagement work.”

www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

L-R: David Coleman, DAL Strategy | Lynn Coleman, DAL Strategy | Liz Willingham, Liz Lean PR | Hollie Newton | Ian Girling, Dorset Chamber | Matt Evans, Garden Room Living & Landscape.

Dorset’s Victory in US Attraction Challenge

Dorset-based Inspiring Heritage Ltd, was chosen from eighty-two worldwide entries as the winners of a competition run by the global experience design and strategy firm, Storyland Studios. The international competition was held to inspire storytellers from around the globe to share their creative talents and design an immersive Location Based Entertainment (LBE).

The winning submission, Portal Riders, was announced at the Storyland Studios’ IAAPA Expo booth in a live event in Orlando, Florida, on 20th November, where Richard and Amy Hale of Inspiring Heritage Ltd were presented with a cheque for $25,000. Their concept combines a thrilling dark water ride with a seamless, immersive, and interactive digital experience, taking riders to unique fantasy and adventure landscapes.

Ben Thompson, Storyland Studios, said, “We were honoured to have a distinguished panel this year, bringing expertise from top organisations in the attraction industry. We’re excited to announce our grand prize winner, whose innovative concept has captivated our judges with its bold vision and imaginative storytelling, setting a new standard for the future of location-based entertainment experiences.”

Amy and Richard were flown to Orlando to present their concept at the IAAPA Expo

2024, and will collaborate with Storyland Studios to develop their proposal into a marketable product for the LBE sector.

Richard and Amy Hale, Inspiring Heritage Ltd said: “Designing a new immersive experience and ride for Storyland Studios

took us on an incredible journey. What made it even more amazing was receiving feedback from some of the top professionals in the attractions industry, who then confirmed that we had done it right!”

www.inspiringheritage.co.uk

New Commercial Property Partner

Joins Steele Raymond

Law firm, Steele Raymond, has welcomed Luc Algar as a partner to the firm’s expanding Commercial Property team.

Luc brings nearly 20 years’ experience in all aspects of commercial property, having advised and assisted a diverse range of clients including property investors, lenders, developers and occupiers across various sectors.

Luc’s appointment enhances an already talented and accomplished commercial property team at Bournemouth-based Steele Raymond, which is one of the largest in the region. The team boasts some of the region’s top talent and was ranked Tier 1 in this year’s Legal 500 guide for the 20th consecutive year. Luc himself is also a ranked lawyer in the Legal 500.

Jennifer Rogerson, Managing Partner at Steele Raymond, said: “We are delighted to welcome Luc to Steele Raymond. His appointment is a significant addition to our team and underscores our ongoing commitment to building a team of outstanding lawyers dedicated to supporting our clients achieve their ambitions. www.steeleraymond.co.uk

Creating New Healthy Habits for 2025

by Rachel Williams, Zest Lifestyle

The New Year offers a fresh start to embrace healthier habits and a more balanced lifestyle. But let’s be honest – ambitious resolutions often fade before February.

The secret to lasting change is focusing on small, sustainable habits that fit into your life, rather than trying to change everything overnight.

Start by setting small, achievable goals. Simple actions may seem minor, but consistency is what makes habits stick, such as walking for ten minutes each day, adding one extra portion of vegetables to your meals, or drinking an extra glass of water. Over time, these small steps lead to big results.

Make your goals clear and specific. Instead of “I want to be healthier,” try something like “I’ll go for a 20-minute walk after lunch three times a week.” Having a plan makes it easier to stay on track.

Routine and repetition are key. Try linking a new habit to something you already do. For example, if you have a morning coffee, use that time to write down one positive intention for the day. When you clean your teeth, why not do some squats or stand on one leg to improve your balance?

Keep track of your progress to stay motivated. Whether it’s a habit tracker, a journal, or an app, recording your wins – no matter how small – helps you stay on course. Remember, setbacks are normal. Don’t let them derail you – just pick up where you left off.

Finally, find support. Share your goals with a friend, join a group, or team up with a family member. Encouragement makes the journey more fun and keeps you accountable.

This year, focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate every small win, and watch those tiny changes transform your life. A healthier, happier you starts now!

www.zestlifestyle.com

The BEACH Appeal Hits £500,000

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity is looking forward to The BEACH Appeal, their fundraising initiative to enhance the new BEACH Building, which has officially hit the milestone of £500,000.

With a fundraising goal of £1.5 million, The BEACH Appeal will help fund additional items and exciting enhancements – above and beyond NHS funding – for the services moving into the BEACH Building at Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

These projects include funding for an additional CT scanner in the heart of the future Emergency Department; electronic items to help children engage in education while receiving treatment in the Children’s Health Department; a beautiful outdoors space for critically unwell patients and NHS staff on the Critical Care Unit; and more.

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity fundraising manager for The BEACH Appeal, Jessica Tyler, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to reach this fantastic £500,000 milestone just seven months after launching The BEACH Appeal. The support from our community groups, individuals, charitable trusts, and local businesses has been truly inspiring. It demonstrates our community’s commitment to supporting the NHS services at University Hospitals Dorset, which care for our loved ones.”

www.uhd.nhs.uk

Tarlu Supports Local Talent on the International Stage

Luis Johnson, founder of Tarlu, a Poolebased third-party fulfillment company, recently demonstrated his commitment to the local community by supporting an inspiring young talent from West Howe. Harvey Chester, a rising star in UK powerlifting, had earned a national title and was selected to represent England at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in South Africa in September 2024.

Earlier this year, Harvey faced significant financial barriers to making this dream a reality, as his participation required selffunding. Moved by his story, Luis met with Harvey and his family to offer support. Tarlu stepped in to sponsor the trip, covering Harvey’s travel and competition expenses, ensuring he could seize this life-changing opportunity. The trip was also the first time Harvey had been on a plane.

The connection between Luis and Harvey runs deeper than their shared Poole roots. Over a decade ago, Luis himself was coached by the late Paul Rees, the same mentor who guided Harvey to national success

before his passing earlier this year. “Paul was more than a coach—he was a pillar of our community. Supporting Harvey feels like continuing his legacy,” Luis shared.

Both men also share personal experiences with visual impairment. Luis has a daughter who is visually impaired, while Harvey cares for his visually impaired mother. This shared understanding of overcoming challenges made Tarlu’s involvement even more meaningful.

As a member of the Dorset Chamber, Tarlu continues to lead by example, showing how businesses can create a tangible impact. “At Tarlu, we’re not just about fulfilling products; we’re about fulfilling opportunities,” Luis said. Harvey’s Commonwealth journey proved to be a landmark event. Competing on the international stage, he brought home three bronze medals for England, making his community proud and leaving a legacy of determination and achievement.

www.tarlu.com

Luis Johnson, Tarlu.

Work Begins on £15.6m Facility Converting Food Waste Into Energy

Work has started on building a £15.6 million anaerobic digestion (AD) plant in Dorset which will convert local food waste and other organic material into renewable energy and bio-fertiliser.

The project is the largest to be undertaken in the 29-year history of Eco Sustainable Solutions, based at Parley near Christchurch, and is its second AD facility.

The new plant will accept leftover food and peelings from the local area and convert them into green gas which will be supplied directly into the gas grid.

Eco is also converting its fleet of trucks, which transport waste to and from the facility, from diesel to green gas.

The gas will also come from the AD plant and result in an 85 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to diesel.

The AD facility will be capable of handling over 50,000 tonnes of food waste annually, producing around 60GWhs (Gigawatt hours) of biomethane, equivalent to the energy needs of 5,300 medium-sized homes.

Hurn-based Mildren Construction is the main building contractor for the new Parley AD plant which is expected to be fully operational by January 2026 and create five new jobs.

The lion’s share of funding for the new plant – £8.715m – is from Lombard, the UK’s largest asset finance provider and part of NatWest Group.

Henry Bragginton, Relationship Manager at Lombard, said: “The mission of the team at Eco Sustainable Solutions is to create a more sustainable environment for everyone and to encourage people to recycle as much as possible.

“We were very pleased to be able to support the business in putting this into action with its new anaerobic digestion plant.

“It’s exciting to work with a business putting sustainability at its core.”

Andy Moore, Eco’s Financial Director, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Lombard for their support, including guiding us through a complex process over many months.

The mission of the team at Eco Sustainable Solutions is to create a more sustainable environment for everyone and to encourage people to recycle as much as possible

“What was particularly impressive was that they were able to leverage the right people within the bank at the right time, making the transaction smooth and hassle-free for us.”

Eco’s existing AD facility at Piddlehinton, near Dorchester, has already prevented over 240,000 tonnes of carbon emissions and generated 91,000 MWhs (Megawatt hours) in full green electricity.

Eco recycles over 230,000 tonnes a year of organic waste from Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire into green energy and high-quality landscape products.

The family-owned business, which has a third site at Weymouth, has an annual turnover of £17 million and employs 49 people.

From 1996 until 2023, Eco’s operations have prevented 1.9 million tonnes of CO2 from being emitted to the atmosphere.

This has been achieved through the recycling of over 1.2 million tonnes of green waste, 1.2 million tonnes of soil, 0.92 million tonnes of waste wood and 0.62 million tonnes of food waste.

It brings the total tonnage of waste recycled since Eco opened its gates to over 3.94 million tonnes.

www.thisiseco.co.uk/

New Initiative for Armed Forces Entrepreneurs

Businesses and guests celebrated the success of a new initiative to support entrepreneurs within the Armed Forces community in Dorset.

The Dorset Armed Forces Community Business Support Networking Group event was held at the West Hants Club in Bournemouth with sponsorship from regional law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council’s Economic Development Team and Veteran Entrepreneurs launched the exciting initiative earlier this year to

foster collaboration and business growth among the Armed Forces community.

It is aimed at those who have started their own businesses, including active service members, veterans, reserve forces, cadets and their families.

The group provides networking and business opportunities and support to help members to raise their profile and grow, as well as create jobs and strengthen local entrepreneurial ecosystems and support businesses at all stages of their development

to start, sustain, grow and innovate.

Ellis Jones Solicitors, which is a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and recently received a gold award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, sponsored the event – the last of six held this year.

Nigel Smith, Managing Partner, said: “The Armed Forces community makes a valuable contribution to society and the economy.

“It is a privilege to stand alongside the Armed Forces and the many people and businesses connected with them, and help them receive the recognition and support they so richly deserve.”

BCP Council launched the Dorset Armed Forces Community Business Support Networking Group during Armed Forces Celebration Week in June.

Ellis Jones – with 178 staff including 24 Partners in seven offices - has a number of staff with regular, reservist and cadet force connections.

It is a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

In 2025 the Dorset Armed Forces Community Business Support Networking Group’s networking events will be held on the last Tuesday of every month.

Chamber collaboration as Polyhose partners with Mar-Key Group

Polyhose UK, an energy conveyance products wholesaler in Christchurch, has partnered with fellow Dorset Chamber member Mar-Key Group on its warehouse expansion project.

From their dedicated warehouse and distribution site in Christchurch, Dorset, Polyhose supplies customers all over the UK with world-class Thermoplastic, PTFE, Rubber Hydraulic, Industrial, Composite, Stainless Steel, Flexible hoses and Fluid Connectors.

Mar-Key Group designs, manufactures and builds structures for commercial clients and events. A champion of British manufacturing, their flexible, modular, reusable designs can be delivered and installed quickly on any surface, enabling companies to adapt to changing business needs.

As part of its growth strategy, Polyhose needed to create additional warehousing space to accommodate a wider range of products and increase the depth of its stock holding. A temporary structure offered the fast, flexible and

cost-effective solution they required.

“We were delighted to find a suitable supplier right on our doorstep,” commented Marc Whibley, Managing Director at Polyhose UK. “Mar-Key Group have been so easy to deal with from the start and have made the whole process so simple. We can’t wait to get in and start using our new space.”

Hannah Field, Head of Group Brand & Marketing at Mar-Key Group, added, “We are very excited to be working on this build with Polyhose and collaborating with a fellow Dorset Chamber member. The installation is literally around the corner from our manufacturing facility, and we are eager to see the project come together.”

Polyhose UK has been a member of the Dorset Chamber for over 30 years. It is also a member of the British Fluid Power Association (BFPA), the UK’s only trade body for the Hydraulic and Pneumatic Industries.

With customers in Dorset and across the UK, Polyhose products are used in all kinds of fluid transfer applications, including hydraulic systems in manufacturing, construction,

agriculture, automotive, marine, rescue equipment and industrial applications such as water jetting, sewer cleaning, high pressure blasting and painting and fire suppression systems, as well as LPG and high-pressure industrial gas transfer. Their culture of excellence means highly engineered fluid conveyance products that industries can trust to perform every time.

www.polyhose.com.

PICTURE: LEADING THE WAY: The Dorset Armed Forces Community Business Support Networking Group is making a difference in the business world. Pictured at its latest meeting are, from left, Ellis Jones Solicitors Managing Partner Nigel Smith, BCP Council Economic Development Officer Amy Walton, Ellis Jones Solicitors Senior Associate Solicitor Diane Pearce and Mick Betteridge MBE QGM from Veteran Entrepreneurs

Chamber Fights Corner of Business

Dorset Chamber vowed to ‘stand by the side’ of businesses as it urged them to ‘stay positive’ despite a tough economic climate.

Its chief executive Ian Girling said the chamber’s leadership would be vital over the coming year when he spoke at its annual meeting.

Members also heard of a landmark 75th anniversary year in 2024 and of exciting new initiatives for 2025 as well as the launch of a new vision and mission.

President Tony Brown, of Y-Not Finance, was elected for a second term as president and Gareth Sherwood, chief executive of YMCA Bournemouth, will continue as vice-president. The chamber, with nearly 700 members representing 37,000 employees, is the county’s leading business support organisation and its voice of business.

Ian, marking his own 11th anniversary at the chamber, said: “After our 75th anniversary year, as we look to the future, we will continue to strand by the side of business. We will always seek to do our very best to support the business and foster a vibrant and prosperous community that really enhances the quality of life of all in the area.”

He added: “It is a tough economic climate out there at the moment and trading conditions are hard. Employer National Insurance increases are going to be a huge

challenge for business in Dorset and across the country. The leadership of the chamber is really important and positivity within business is crucial. As a chamber we really try to unite the business community and help push it forward.”

Among the highlights of 2024 were a 75th anniversary ball and the Dorset Business Festival, which attracted more than 1,000 people.

The chamber unveiled its new vision for ‘a vibrant and prosperous Dorset business community that enhances the quality of life for all’ and mission ‘to drive the growth and prosperity of businesses as the county’s leading business support and representative organisation’.

Plans for 2025 include leadership and sales programmes, continued development of such initiatives as its Future Leaders Forum, and such programmes as its Campfire initiative with the Intergage Group to help businesses harness the power of AI.

Tony said: “It has been a fantastic year and I am thankful for the opportunity. I am honoured to be continuing as your president. It is a privilege to work alongside such an amazing group pf professionals at the chamber and its members who

care deeply about supporting each other and making Dorset a better place in which to live and work.”

Other board appointments at the annual meeting included Caron Khan as Past President, Helen Stacey as chair of the council of ambassadors, Matthew Fretten as honorary solicitor, Lesley Fox as honorary treasurer, Future Leaders Forum chair Toni Taylor along with Simon Boyd, Nicky Busst, Lesley Keets and Gail Polkinghorne as non-executive directors.

Dorset Chamber is also encouraging businesses to complete its survey about the impact of forthcoming increases in employer National Insurance at www.surveymonkey. com/r/VYMZMCY

View the new mission and vision >>

Ian Girling, chief executive, Dorset Chamber introduces new vision and mission.

Dorset Chamber Board 2025

Dorset Chamber Ambassadors 2025

International Trade Updates

Customs Compliance Audit: Ensuring UK Companies Meet HMRC Standards

All UK companies engaged in international trade should prepare for the possibility of an audit from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). As part of UK customs legislation, businesses that import or export goods are subject to audits covering a threeyear period. This review helps ensure the UK’s borders are secure and that all taxes are properly paid to HM Treasury.

For companies found not to meet HMRC’s requirements, an audit can be timeconsuming, stressful, and potentially costly. However, businesses can take proactive steps to ensure they are compliant with customs regulations and avoid penalties.

The Importance of a Customs Compliance Audit

An HMRC customs audit is designed to verify that your company is fulfilling its obligations related to the import and export of goods. This includes ensuring the accuracy of customs declarations, adherence to security protocols, and proper tax payment. HMRC expects businesses to have adequate procedures in place to control these elements effectively. Without these controls, companies could face substantial fines or other consequences.

To assist businesses in preparing for this, we offer a comprehensive customs compliance audit program that ensures your company is fully compliant with UK regulations.

Our Audit Program: How We Can Help You

Our customs compliance audit includes the following key components:

• Review of Customs Exposure: We assess your business’s customs activities to identify areas of risk or potential non-compliance.

• Site Visit: Our experts will conduct an on-site visit to evaluate your company’s knowledge and processes in relation to customs declarations and procedures.

• Tailored Action Plan: Based on our review, we provide a customized program that includes necessary actions or training to ensure compliance with HMRC standards.

By working with our team of experts, your business can prepare for any HMRC customs compliance check and address any gaps in your current systems. This proactive approach ensures that your company is both prepared and compliant with all legal requirements.

Benefits of Our Compliance Review Service

Our compliance review service helps protect your business by providing valuable insights and guidance on customs procedures. With our assistance, you will be able to identify areas of concern where our experts will pinpoint any weaknesses or gaps in your company’s customs controls or knowledge that may leave you vulnerable to non-compliance. They can implement corrective measures, offering practical recommendations and training to fill these gaps, ensuring you meet the standards required by HMRC. With the right procedures in place, your company can avoid the costly fines and penalties associated with customs violations.

The review can be offered as a standalone service or as part of a broader

international trade consultancy package, which may also include services like documentary and compliance support, staff training, and strategic planning.

What Does the Service Cost?

The cost of the customs compliance review includes the site visit, an assessment of your existing procedures and controls, identification of compliance gaps, and a detailed report with our findings and recommendations. This report can then be shared with your senior management team to drive necessary changes.

Investing in a customs compliance audit today can save your company from significant risks down the line. By identifying and addressing potential issues early, you ensure that your business remains compliant with UK customs laws, safeguarding its reputation and financial health in the process.

For companies engaged in international trade, a robust and thorough approach to customs compliance is not just important—it’s essential. Let us help you navigate the complexities of customs regulations and ensure your business stays on the right side of the law.

Mastering Global Markets: How International Trade Training Can Transform Your Business

In today’s global economy, the ability to navigate international trade is not just a competitive advantage—it’s a necessity. With businesses expanding beyond borders, having a team equipped to handle the intricacies of importing and exporting can unlock new opportunities and safeguard compliance. The right training doesn’t just prepare your workforce; it transforms your business.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is at the forefront of supporting businesses in mastering international trade through their nationally accredited training programmes. Delivered by the Accredited Chamber Network, these courses equip professionals with the essential skills needed to succeed in the complex world of global commerce.

Why Invest in International Trade Training? International trade is a maze of regulations, documentation, and procedures. Mistakes can be costly, leading to delays, fines, or lost opportunities. Businesses that prioritise training can enhance their compliance, streamline operations, and boost their bottom line.

But it’s not just about compliance. Training helps teams unlock the potential of global markets. Whether it’s identifying the right trade partners or negotiating with confidence, the right skills empower businesses to think big and act decisively. One business leader shared their experience:

“The bespoke training organised by Dorset Chamber and delivered by International

Trade Matters was excellent. The training was delivered by a true subject specialist who applied the content to real-world scenarios relevant to our business. Internal feedback was so positive that we’ve rolled it out to other departments.”

The Foundation Award in International Trade For those looking to formalise their expertise, the Foundation Award in International Trade offers a comprehensive introduction to global commerce. The programme, a hallmark of the BCC, is built around 11 key modules designed to provide actionable knowledge for businesses of all sizes.

Each module can be taken individually, with certificates awarded for achieving a Pass or Merit. Candidates who complete six modules earn the nationally recognised Foundation Award.

The modules include Import Procedures, Export Documentation, Preference Rules of Origin, Methods of Payment, Documentary Letters of Credit, Inward & Outward Processing, Understanding Commodity Codes.

For those seeking a broad foundation, the most popular modules include Understanding Exporting, Incoterms, and Customs Procedures & Documentation. “The course was very informative and tailored to our business needs. The training and booking process was seamless, and the Chamber ensured everything was stress-free. We were impressed by how adaptable and responsive they were.”

Beyond the Basics: Tailored Training for Specific Needs

Every business is unique, and so are its training needs. For companies dealing with specialised processes, bespoke training sessions are available. These can address niche topics like using Letters of Credit or working with Agents and Distributors, offering your team hands-on solutions tailored to your operations.

One attendee explained:

“I had a great time on the course. It was engaging and gave me confidence in handling Commodity Codes on my own. The knowledge I gained has been a tremendous support in my day-to-day work.”

The Chamber Advantage Training through the Accredited Chamber Network ensures businesses receive support at every step, from booking to execution. Bespoke sessions offer flexibility in scheduling, and discounts are available for booking the full six modules of the Foundation Award.

“Organising the training through Dorset Chamber was a pleasure. They were highly responsive, flexible, and ensured everything was tailored to our needs.”

Seize the Opportunity

In a world of increasing complexity, having a workforce trained in international trade can be the difference between hesitation and growth. Empower your team to navigate global markets with confidence and precision. With the right training, the world is your marketplace. Are you ready to seize it?

International Trade Training Diary

BU Cyber Security Students Show They can ‘Hack’ the Pressure

Over the course of four days, 16 secondyear Cyber Security students from Bournemouth University got the chance to test and showcase their skills in tackling simulated global cyber threats as part of a UK Army Cyber Spartan 24 event at the Defence BattleLab in Dorset.

Organised by the British Army, in collaboration with industry partners – namely CybExer Technologies and X-Net (Services) Ltd – and academia, this highlighted the critical role of emerging talent and the need for coordinated collaborative efforts in the ongoing battle to secure the UK’s digital front-line against emerging and future, world threats.

Located on the Dorset Innovation Park in Wool, the Defence BattleLab, offered a dynamic environment for the event, equipped with cutting-edge technology designed for operational cyber defence exercises and supported by front-line MOD cyber personnel. The competition tasked the students with identifying, responding and overcoming simulated cyber-attacks, testing their abilities in areas such as

ethical hacking, threat mitigation, forensic analysis, and rapid-response teamwork.

The event saw students from BU working alongside, military personnel, and industry experts, creating a unique opportunity for future professionals to collaborate with seasoned cyber defence practitioners. For the second-year cyber security students, it was an invaluable experience, blending technical training with insights into the strategic and operational challenges faced by organisations tasked with defending critical infrastructure. With students from Bournemouth and Poole College also participating, it also gave the more experienced BU students the chance to develop informal mentoring skills.

As the UK and its allies continue to face increasing threats from cyber criminals, nation-state hackers, and non-state actors, the importance of developing a robust talent pipeline has come into sharp focus. ‘Army Cyber Spartan 24’ underlines the growing and pivotal role that future graduates will play in safeguarding both the UK and global digital landscapes from hostile actions.

By participating in events like Army Cyber Spartan 24, students not only hone their technical expertise but also build the leadership and collaboration skills needed in high-pressure, real-world environments as one of BUs students explained:

“Taking part in this exercise and being at the BattleLab was an incredible experience. I got to meet all teams involved in the event, industry experts and even the Royal Signals, who were handling the offensive side of the exercise. Getting to see the hardware that hosts the simulation up close was amazing! My ideas of how to enhance the design of future events were welcomed by the organisers and it felt great to be able to contribute while learning so much too.”

By investing in the next generation of cyber professionals, initiatives like Army Cyber Spartan 24 ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of the global cyber security landscape. As our students, and all of those involved in the exercise demonstrated, the future of cyber defence is in capable hands.

www.bournemouth.ac.uk

Dorset Chamber welcomes our New Members

ILS (Southern) Ltd

Ringwood | www.ils-services.co.uk

ILS deliver construction services across the region. We specialise in delivering Independent Living Services: internal and external domestic and commercial adaptations, building and extending facilities, all to meet the individual needs of our customers, in helping to make their lives easier.

Bo’Ness HR

Bournemouth | www.bonesshr.co.uk

Bo’Ness HR provides tailored HR support for small businesses, focusing on strategic planning, employee engagement, compliance, and performance management. With a personal touch, it helps organisations achieve growth, retention, and positive workplace environments.

Carey’s Secret Garden

Wareham | www.careyssecretgarden.co.uk

Left wild and untamed for over 40 years, Carey’s Secret Garden was rediscovered in 2019 and is now flourishing once again.

The garden hosts a variety of workshops and courses tailored to both adults and young visitors. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just looking for some craft-based fun to do with friends, there’s something for everyone at Careys. Open Wednesday - Saturday each week from 10am, March - October. Extra seasonal events run Nov - Feb each year. Pre-booking is necessary via the website.

ESET UK

Bournemouth | www.eset.com/uk

For over 30 years, ESET have been developing award-winning, industry-leading IT security software for businesses and consumers around the world. Based in the Bournemouth area for over a decade ESET have recently opened a new state-ofthe-art office in the heart of the town in order to continue their growth and provide more training/services to local and national customers. ESET’s product range lets users enjoy safer technology, without compromising performance.

Low Energy Designs

Blandford | www.lowenergydesigns.com

Low Energy Designs, a leading British manufacturer of LED lighting solutions, offers FREE site surveys to assess your current energy use and identify savings. By switching to our advanced LED solutions, you can lower costs, reduce energy consumption, and cut CO2 emissions, supporting the UK’s carbon reduction goals. Experience sustainable LED lighting with exceptional performance and efficiency.

RAC Saddle Club

Bovington | www.racsaddleclub.co.uk

The Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) Saddle Club offers individuals and groups the facilities and support to improve their physical and mental wellbeing through equine activities. The club works with registered charities and local organisations to provide impactful programmes for armed forces personnel and their families and disabled and disadvantaged people of all ages. The club is a registered charity, and a British Horse Society (BHS) approved Training, Riding and Exam Centre.

Accountants & Tax Advisors

Aims Accountants for Business

Albert Goodman

Arnold Accounting & Bookkeeping Services

Ltd

Azets

Brett Pittwood

Chorus Accounting Limited

Evelyn Partners

Forvis Mazars

FRP Advisory

Hill Osborne

Hunts Accountants Limited

HWB Chartered Accountants

Infinity Financial Solutions Limited

MLW Accountants

Morris Lane

PKF Francis Clark

Saffery LLP

Schofields Chartered Accountants

TaxAssist Accountants BCP

TC Group

Tragor Ltd

Air Conditioning

Universal Maintenance Contracts Limited

Architects

DMW Architects Ltd

Lionel Gregory Architects Ltd

Western Design Architects

Artist

Art Zag

Aviation

Bournemouth Airport

DAeCO

Banking

Handelsbanken Bournemouth

HSBC

J.P. Morgan

Bars & Restaurants

Rick Stein

Rockwater

The Guildhall Poole Limited

Thirteen Restaurant

Blinds & Awnings

Ashley Blinds (UK) Ltd

Bookkeeping and Payroll

Milburn Finance

Branding & Design

Amadoo Creative Ltd

Blu Inc Graphics Ltd

Brewery

Hall & Woodhouse Ltd

Broadband & VOIP

Juice Broadband

Business Associations

Wimborne BID

Business Coaching/ Consultancy

ActionCOACH Dorset

Chantal Dempsey Coaching

Heartledwellbeing

Imposter Syndrome & Conscious

Leadership Coach

Insight6 - Dorset

J R L Coaching and Consulting

Jane Woods Coaching

KIMCO

Mindsculpt Ltd

Peer2Peer Global Limited

Quarterjack Solutions Ltd

Russell Philips Limited

Sellerly Limited

Smart Quality Services Ltd

The CEO Coach Ltd

Veteran Entrepreneurs

VOLT Consultancy

West Peak

Business Recovery & Insolvency

Antony Batty & Co

Even Keel Solutions Limited

Leonard Curtis

Business Support Services

Acquit Debt Collection and Outsourced

Credit Control

BrooksKebbey Limited

Dorset Business Angels

Equilibrium Services

Evolve

FM Strat Ltd

House of Risk Ltd

Marketscan Ltd

Winning Tenders

X-Press Legal Services Ltd , Dorset

Care

Blossom Home Care

Dormy Care Communities

Upton Bay Care Home

Willow Tower Opco 1 Ltd (Southbourne) t/a

Southbourne Beach Care Home

Catering & Catering

Equipment

Burbs Kitchen Ltd

Comax Ltd

Molecular Magic Creative Catering Ltd

Chamber of Commerce

Bridport Business Chamber of Trade and Commerce

Dorchester Chamber for Business

Dorset Chamber

Shaftesbury & District Chamber of Commerce (SDCC)

Sherborne Chamber of Trade & Commerce

SturBiz - Sturminster Newton Chamber of Commerce

Swanage & District Chamber of Trade

Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce

Charity

Age Concern Bournemouth

Age UK NSWD

Autism Unlimited

Bournemouth Foodbank

Bournemouth Sea Cadets & Royal Marines

Cadets

CAN (Community Action Network)

Care South

Cash for Kids South Coast

Citizens Advice Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole

Diverse Abilities

DorPIP

Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance

Dorset Community Foundation

Dorset Mind

Dorset Reclaim

Dorset Wildlife Trust

East Dorset and New Forest Branch of The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association

Faithworks Wessex

Forest Holme Hospice

Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show

Health Sciences University

HealthBus Trust

Help and Care

Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs

Hope HTS

Jim Cronin Memorial Fund for Primate

Welfare & Conservation

Julia’s House

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care

Lighthouse Poole

Macmillan Caring Locally

Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride

MYTime Young Carers

Pavilion Dance South West

Poole Communities Trust

Poole Sea Cadets

PramaCare

Rotary International District 1110

Sexual Trauma and Recovery Services (STARS)

Talbot Village Trust

The Arts Development Company

The Crumbs Project

The Dorset Cancer Care Foundation

The Power House Poole

The Tank Museum

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity

Wessex Cancer Support

Wessex Cardiac Trust t/a Heartbeat

Wessex Reserves Forces & Cadets

Association

YMCA Bournemouth

Cleaning Services

Clean Deep Services Ltd

The Wright Clean Poole

Construction & Surveyors

Acheson Construction Ltd

Baypoint Surveys Ltd

Bennington Green Ltd

Composite Profiles UK Limited

Godsell Arnold Partnership Ltd

Graham Garner & Partners Ltd

Greendale Construction Ltd

Harry J Palmer Ltd

Martin Beardsley Limited Construction

Carpentry

MC Roofing Ltd

PC Flooring Ltd

Quoin Property Consulting Limited

Savills

Sherborne Holdings Ltd

Sibbett Gregory

Siteright Construction Supplies Ltd

Spetisbury Construction Ltd

T A Colbourne Projects Ltd t/a TAC

Projects

Vail Williams

Construction Design & Build

Ecosafe Heating Ltd.

ILS (Southern) Ltd

Morgan Sindall Construction

Rose Engineering

Stepnell Ltd

Suttles

Corporate Gifts & Clothing

4Couture.com

The Perfect Source Limited

Wessex Trophies Limited

Couriers & Freight

Forwarding

AOG Worldwide Ltd

Chase Freight Ltd

Schenker Ltd

Cyber Security

ESET UK

SecQuest Information Security Ltd

Day Nurseries

Tops Day Nurseries

Defence

Soverin Technologies Limited

Digital Agencies

Expect Best Ltd

Lightly Salted Ltd

Somer Design

Studio Global

Total Guide to Dorset

Display & Storage

Suppliers

Shopfitting Warehouse

Distribution

Clarendon Specialty Fasteners

De Monchy Aromatics Ltd

Kong Company Ltd

Pam International

Riverside Aromatics Ltd

Tarlu Fulfilment

Education

Authentic Education Group

Bournemouth and Poole College

Bournemouth University

Brockenhurst College

Iron Mill College

Paragon Skills

Skills & Learning

The Bournemouth English Book Centre

The Colleges Partnership

The Global Exec Ltd

Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College

Young Enterprise

Electrical Services

Dextra Group PLC

Mission Road Electrical

Energy Efficiency Services

CONSERVATORY ROOF INSULATION

247 LTD

Omni Management Ltd/Omnium

U4L Ltd

Engineering

A & M Defence & Marine Services Ltd

ABP Technologies Ltd

Amtek Engineering Solutions Ltd

Aviation & Defence Spares

AW Precision Engineering Ltd

Chemring Technology Solutions Ltd

Downhole Tools International Ltd

G K D Technik Ltd

IEC / Alpro Limited

INDUS Engineering Services

Littlemore Scientific Engineering

Modulift UK Ltd

Parvalux Electric Motors

Reidsteel

Safi Valves Ltd

Tides Marine International Ltd

Trident Maritime Systems UK Limited

Ultra Nuclear Ltd

Entertainment

Magic by Alfie

Environmental Services & ESG support

Auditel Carbon Solutions

Efeca

SUEZ recycling and recovery UK

Voice of the Beehives

Event Management & Equipment

BBX Media Ltd

BH Live

CrowdComms

Havencrown Marquee Cleaning Machines

Ltd

Quadrant2Design

Sandpolo Ltd

Export Packing & Freight

John Pipe Limited

Facilities Management

Atlas FM

Financial Services

Alfred James Financial Services

Baggette & Company Wealth Management

Ltd

Birch Financial Services

Blue Sky Financial Planning Ltd

Church House Investment Management

Ebb and Flow Wealth Ltd

First Capital Finance Ltd

Globacare

Investec Wealth & Investment Limited

Lewis & Co (Investments & Pensions)

Limited

Life Matters

Peter Harding Wealth Management

SG Financial Ltd

Shield Corporate Finance Ltd

South West Business Finance

Strategic Solutions Financial Services

SWIG Finance

The Lewis Workplace Pension Trust

TheNonExec Limited

Toomey Leasing Group

Watson Wealth Consultancy Ltd

WAY Trustees Limited

Y-Not Finance

Food & Drink

ABP Yetminster

BV Dairy

Keith Spicer Ltd

La Mia’s Restaurant Ltd

Midas Prosecco

Organix Brands Ltd

Otto Print & Coffee House

The Jordans & Ryvita Company

Funeral Services & Directors

F C Douch & Son (Funerals)

Furniture

G P & J Baker Limited

Graphic Design

Inspiring Heritage Ltd

Green Energy

Rentec Ltd

Health & Safety

Avonwood Developments (Zone Safe)

Fire Door Controls

Health & Wellbeing

Bridge Health & Wellbeing

Case-UK

DDC Dolphin Limited

Dimond Health & Aesthetic Clinic Ltd

Kestrel Medical Ltd

Livewell Dorset

Living Well Agency

Natural Skin By Lynne

New Horizons Network

Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital

Options Wellbeing - Bournemouth

Poole Therapies and Associates Limited t/a

Poole Therapies

R’eagle minds limited trading as Freo

Wellbeing

Silverstars Care Ltd

Total Therapy

WALX

Zest Lifestyle

Holiday Lettings

Host & Stay

Whisper Us Ltd

Holiday Parks

West Dorset Leisure Holidays

Home Improvements

Rural Ranges Ltd

Southern Softflow

Home Technology

Living Home Technology

Hotels & Conferencing

Bournemouth Carlton

Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel

Captains Club Hotel

Kingston Country Courtyard

Marsham Court Hotel

Minterne Estate

Oceana Hotels

Queens Hotel & Spa Bournemouth

RNLI College

Royal Bath Hotel

Summer Lodge Hotel

The Hilton Bournemouth

The Nici

The Priory

HR

Bo’Ness HR

Headland HR Limited

Hillingdon HR

Key HR Solutions

Lumine Development Ltd

Pink Fluff HR Consultancy Ltd

Purple HR Ltd

Streetwise HR Ltd

ViewHR Ltd

Import/Export Services

International Trade Matters

Insurance

Alan & Thomas Insurance Group

A-One Insurance Group

Coleman Marine Insurance a Gallagher

Company

Cornish Mutual

Coversure Insurance (Poole & Weymouth)

Dorchester NFU Mutual

Howden Insurance, Parkstone

MC Warranty Services

The Insurance Institute of Bournemouth

UK Health Insurance

Interior Design

Keeley Fox Commercial Interior Design LTD

Make Room Solutions Ltd

IT

A B S Computer Systems Ltd

Agilico

Amicus ITS Ltd t/a Aura Technology

C3IA Solutions Limited

ENHANCED

Glitch IT Limited

Grapevine (Telecoms & IT)

Grosvenor Technology Ltd

ITEC Connect Ltd

Keyfort Ltd

Pensar IT

Prodigy IT Solutions

Target IT Services

Vizst Technology

X-Net (Services) Ltd

Landscape Services

Horseshoe Group t/a Horseshoe

Landscape Ltd

Lifts Supply & Installation

Bourne Lifts Ltd

Stannah Lift Services Ltd

Technical lift services Ltd

Local Authority

BCP Council

Dorset Council

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership

Manufacturing

A & E Connock (Perfumery & Cosmetics)

Ltd

Abbey Supply Co Ltd

Advanced Instruments Ltd

AlfaTronix Ltd

Ashland Industries Europe ISP Microcaps

UK Ltd

ASMPT SMT UK Ltd

BEST Fittings Ltd

C.C.Moore & Co Ltd

Caleva Process Solutions Ltd

Caterpillar Marine Power UK Ltd

CBRNergetics Ltd

CDA Products Limited

Concept Cables Ltd

Confex Technology Ltd

Coty International BV

CT Production Ltd.

Cygnus Instruments Ltd

Darlena Ltd

Dometic Group Ltd

Donaldson Filtration GB Ltd

Electronic Technicians Ltd

Enovation Controls Ltd

Farrow & Ball

Field International Group Ltd

FireSTOP Manufacturing Ltd

Fischer Panda UK Ltd

Flowbird Transport Limited

Focal Point Fires

Fridgenius Ltd

Get Fresh Cosmetics Ltd

Greens Combustion

Griff IVD Ltd

Hamworthy Combustion Engineering

Honeywell Analytics Ltd

Hydreco Hydraulics Limited

I C Brindle & Co Ltd

Kallo Foods Ltd

Lillidale Ltd

Lotek UK Ltd

Low Energy Designs Ltd

Lush Manufacturing Ltd

Magicard Ltd

Marden Edwards Ltd

Marine Components International

Mar-key Marquees Limited t/a Mar-Key

Group

Motion Control Products Ltd

NETZSCH Pumps & Systems Ltd

Omnisonic International Limited

Packline Ltd

Parker Poole

Polyhose (UK) Ltd

Precision Acoustics Ltd

PRF Composite Materials

Primetals Technologies Limited

ProPlastix Limited

R. Hamilton & Co. Ltd

Rotor Blades Limited

Rowland Sandwith Ltd

S K C Ltd

Sargasso Worldwide Industrial Limited

Senscient

Strouden Joinery

Superior Seals Limited

Thompson Valves Ltd

Time & Data Systems International Ltd

Titan Enterprises Ltd

Trimetals Limited

Tyrol Tyre Sealant Manufacturer

Vapormatic UK Limited

Wartsila Water Systems

Wessex Filters Ltd

Willie’s Cacao

Wyndham Page Ltd

Marine

Actisense

Avon Marina

Fireboy Xintex UK Operations Ltd.

Spot Zero EU Ltd

Marketing PR & Web

Developers

b4b Marketing

Caron Khan Consultancy

Darwin

Digital Storm

Evomark

Intergage Ltd

Key Digital Agency Ltd

Mckenna Townsend

Motley Digital Ltd

Reda Lyle

Runway Growth Consulting Ltd

Strong Social London Limited

The Inspiration Agency

Media & Film

Dorset Biz News Ltd c/o The Business

Magazine Group

Global

Hot Radio

Image Republic Ltd

Kindful Creative Ltd

Plato Video Ltd

The BV Magazine

Medical

i2r Medical Ltd

Motoring Sales & Servicing

Breeze Motor Group

Chapelgate Motors LTD / TA Porsche

Centre Bournemouth

English Ford (Foray Motor Group)

Hendy Group

Ocean Automotive (Poole Audi & Volvo)

OKO Global LLP

SWVA

Networking

Poole Property Club

Notary Services

Paul Wintle Notary Public

Office Equipment Suppliers

Logik Copying Systems Ltd

Office Supplies

Ace Office Environments Ltd

The Business Supplies Group

Patents & Trademarks

Barker Brettell LLP

IP Consult

Photographer

Andrew Plant Photography & Video

SHR Photography

Plumbing & Heating

UFHN LTD

Printing Services & Supplies

Amberley Adhesive Labels Ltd

BCP Media Group Ltd

Harkwell Labels Ltd

The Minster Press

The Print Agency

Xerocad Limited

Process & Technology

Consultant

Satori Ops Ltd

Property Lettings & Co

Living

Goodknight Property Management

D

Frost

Move

Public

Deep

Liz

IMS

Local

Recruitment

Aspire

Jobshop

Dawsons

Poole

Creative

Avon

W

Removals & Storage

Leatherbarrows

Bournemouth

Goodwin Graphics

Co.

Software/ Cloud Services

INVIDAR Ltd

Lightrise Consulting Ltd

Spyrosoft Ltd

Yammayap

Solar/Green Energy

Clive Lee Solar Consulting

Evolution Solar Services Ltd

Save Energy UK Ltd

W H White Limited

Solicitors

Battens Solicitors Ltd

Coles Miller Solicitors LLP

Dutton Gregory Solicitors LLP

Ellis Jones Solicitors LLP

Frettens LLP

HKLAW

Laceys Solicitors LLP

Lester Aldridge LLP

M J P Law Ltd

Paris Smith LLP

Preston Redman LLP

Reeves James Limited

Steele Raymond LLP

Trethowans

Woodstock Legal Services Ltd

Sports & Leisure

Adventure Attractions Ltd

AFC Bournemouth

Broadstone Golf Club

Careys Secret Garden

Cricket Dorset Ltd t/a Dorset Cricket Board

Dorset County Football Association

Dorset Museum

Dorset Wine Festival Limited

Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park

Individuality Swimming Ltd

JM Adventure Ltd

Muc-Off Ltd

Poole Town Football Club (1991) Limited

RAC Saddle Club

Sculpture by the Lakes Ltd

Swanage Railway Co. Ltd.

Team Building

New Wave Club

Telecommunications

4COM Group Ltd

Buzz Networks Ltd

Citrus Telecommunications Ltd

Comms UK Ltd

Green IP LTD

ITCS (UK) Ltd

Lucid Services Ltd

Telesoft Technologies Ltd

Wessex Internet Limited

Town Planning Consultants

Chapman Lily Planning Ltd

Intelligent Land

Training

Aspire Training Team

Aspirin Business Solutions Ltd

DSTPN

Locomotivation

Micro Nav Limited

Ouch Learning and Development

Sandler Training Dorset

Transport & Logistics

Brittany Ferries

Channel Seaways Ltd

EMA Patient Transport

Great Western Railway

Morebus/Excelsior Coaches

PHVC Minibus & Fleet Suppliers

Poole Harbour Commissioners

PRC Streamline Group

Travel

Case Travel Ltd

Coastal Cruises Poole Ltd

Dorset Cruises (Poole) Ltd

R&R Executive Travel Ltd

Utilities

D&A Procurement Ltd

Power Audit.UK

Vehicle Leasing

ElectriX

Vehicle Rental

Abacus Vehicle Hire - Horton Commercials

Workwear

Tower Supplies

Christmas Lunch | 05 Dec| Sponsored by Deep South Media

Luke Williams, Intergage

Connecting in Nature | 13 Dec | Sponsored by Lester Aldridge

Kayleigh Medland, Steele Raymond LLP, Emma Davies, Dorset Wildlife Trust

Paul Taylor, Dorset Chamber, Gail Polkinghorne, Annalie Briers, Ocean Automotive (Poole Audi && Volvo)

Tina Richardson, Tina Tolley, Heartbeat

Gareth Sherwood, Vice President, Dorset Chamber, Tony Brown, President, Dorset Chamber

David Burnet, INVIDAR

Richard Walker, Comms UK Ltd, Grant Esterhuizen, Lester Aldridge LLP

James Ramsden, Oli Evans, Sam Farwell, Digital Storm

David Pitfield, South West Business Finance, Philip Beattie, Savills

Who’s been on the

Simone Ippolito, South Coast Wine Festival, Paul Taylor, Dorset Chamber

Ramon Boo Barriero, Paul Taylor, Dorset Chamber, Charlie Stein, Jack Stein, Rick Stein Sandbanks

Paul Taylor, Dorset Chamber, James O’Connor, House Clearance 4U

Paul Taylor, Dorset Chamber, George Barry, Porsche Bournemouth

Steve Jenkin, Brockenhurst College, Paul Taylor, Dorset Chamber

Ian Girling, Dorset Chamber, Peter Rufus, Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs

Paul Taylor, Dorset Chamber, Alistair Taylor, Art-Zag

Ian Girling, Dorset Chamber, Seemin Suleri, Women in Tech | Prima Assicurazioni

Dorset Chamber and students from Autism Unlimited

Dorset Chamber and students from Autism Unlimited

Health and Social Care sector at Upton Bay Care Home

Engineering and Manufacturing sector at DDC Dolphin

Dorset LSIP Curriculum Meetings

Digital and Creative sector at Foundry Poole

Test Drive the Future with the New Audi Q6 e-tron

The Audi Q6 e-tron is a game-changer in the world of Audi electric vehicles, perfectly positioned between the compact Q4 e-tron and the larger Q8 e-tron. Audi’s signature luxury is front and center, offering a

design that is conservative yet undeniably appealing.

What really stands out, though, is the driving experience. Whether you’re behind the wheel of the base model or the powerful Sport Quattro, you’ll enjoy smooth performance, effortless comfort, and an engaging ride. The Q6 e-tron’s air suspension makes for a ride quality that feels almost effortless, while the refined interior

elevates your journey to new heights. Inside, you’ll find high-quality materials and tech innovations like augmented-reality navigation and AI integration that learns your driving style, adjusting to make every journey uniquely yours. Plus, headrest speakers and even the ability to book an event via the touchscreen add that futuristic touch that Audi is known for.

At a starting price of £60,000, the Q6 e-tron is a top contender in the premium electric SUV market—combining luxury, performance, and cutting-edge tech.