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Dolphin Centre unveils plans for pioneering co- working space
The Dolphin Centre will debut a new way of creative working for Poole Town Centre, helping to invigorate local businesses.
The innovative FOUNDRY co-working space is proposed to open this November, in a joint initiative with centre owners, Legal and General Investment Management Real Assets (LGIM).
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From individuals to start-ups with global player aspirations, FOUNDRY offers the community a local platform to work, host and grow. Rented by the day, week or month, there are flexible working options available to accommodate businesses of all sizes.
Greg Westover, fund head of Retail and Leisure at Legal & General, said: “As we recover from the challenges of the past few years, it is evident that the entrepreneurial spirit of the Poole business community is very much alive and thriving. A substantial investment into the evolution of the Dolphin Centre, FOUNDRY is our response to the post-pandemic demand for a new hybrid working model.
“This unique environment provides an exciting space to do business; ideal for those who don’t want to commute.”
Plans are underway to celebrate the sixties architecture of the Brownsea House building, located on the first and second floors of the centre, by exposing the original design features and merging them with new contemporary elements.
Adam Walker, co-founder of FOUNDRY, said: “Using the building’s mid-century architecture as an influence, we aim to create inspiring office suites and collaborative communal areas to inject the fun back into home working.
“It is our mission to empower the local business community by giving them the space at FOUNDRY to think differently and to upscale growth.”
With access through the centre into a concierge style lobby, members will have exclusive use of the workspace lounge, meeting and bar areas within the serviced office complex.
Adam Walker added: “If you are fighting with working from home fatigue and the stagnation of a solitary desk, consider our carefully curated work environment, where you have the opportunity and freedom to make fruitful connections.”
LGIM is set to launch its pilot location, FOUNDRY Eastbourne, at The Beacon Shopping Centre this summer, with a further 10+ locations planned within the next three years.
FOUNDRY is part of the wider ‘Future Retail Blueprint’ launched by Denz Ibrahim, head of Retail and Futuring at LGIM, in 2020. It complements the variety of new initiatives that have launched at the Dolphin Centre over the past two years, as part of the centre’s re-imagining to draw more people to the town centre. The new lineup includes KINGLAND (new shopping district of 10 independent businesses), the Dolphin Street Market, GATHER (a community events hub), an NHS outpatient clinic and an Adult Skills and Learning Centre that is due to open later this year.
The customer experience and expectation are at the heart of this blueprint and drive the re-modelling and future proofing of the LGIM shopping centres throughout the UK. www.dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk
Adam Walker, co-founder of FOUNDRY
A Dorset company has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to apprenticeships by being featured in the Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers for 2022.
Ferndown-based Superior was selected out of more than 500 employers for providing one of the most successful apprenticeship programmes over the past 12 months. Developed by the Department of Education, the leader board ranking honours the vital role Superior plays to boost career opportunities, particularly for younger people and those in disadvantaged areas.
Tim Brown MBE, managing director at Superior, said: “To be listed as one of the country’s most outstanding apprenticeship employers is a significant achievement. When we established our Apprenticeship Academy in 2012, our aim was to ensure the skills base we require can be found in the next workforce. We are proud to remain committed to our apprentices and are thrilled to be recognised externally for the progress we have made within the company to secure opportunities for future generations.”
Superior has been invited to the House of Lords in September to celebrate the employers featured in this year’s Top 50 at a special lunch reception, hosted by Alex Burghart, minister for Skills & Apprenticeships.
Jane Belfourd, deputy director of Apprenticeships Directorate at the Department for Education, said: “Many congratulations on your success in the Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers 2022 and thank you for the opportunities that you’re providing through your apprenticeships.”
The family-owned manufacturer invests early in future and aspiring engineers and scientists by offering valuable work experience placements in the academy, as well as tours for parents, teachers and students. The team also gives presentations during school assemblies, and supports schools with introducing engineering qualifications into their curriculum. Superior apprentices can gain a degree through the academy and have the opportunity to progress into management and leadership roles across the business. www.superiorltd.com
