Business

Business Businesses forced to close in Dorset offered government help

Businesses in the Dorset Council area ordered to close due to lockdown may be eligible for grants through the government’s Local Restrictions Support Grant. Dorset Council is administering the grant on behalf of the government. An online application form and further information is In the months since covid-19, the way we live and work has changed more than in the previous 25 years. What should we be doing differently about housing? Beside the Blandford bypass another 300 new houses are proposed, inviting immediate public comment. available at dorsetcouncil.gov .uk/local-restrictionssupport-grant. Eligible businesses will be paid a single fixed amount to cover four weeks if it has a rateable value of: n exactly £15,000 or under on November 5, it will receive a payment of £1,334 n £15,000- £51,000 on For housing developers and buyers alike, new housing should provide greatest Added Value to a good standard, fairly priced. Since covid-19, the way we live and work has changed more than in the previous 25 years, and much will remain so. What we build from now on should reflect this. November 5, it will receive a payment of £2,000 n exactly £51,000 or above on November 5, it will receive £3,000 To qualify, businesses must: n be in the Dorset Council area and must have been: n open as usual before the lockdown providing services

We need to talk about housing...

in person to customers from

REMOVALS & STORAGE

ARMISHAWS SMALL MOVES

Its not the size that matters it’s the way you move it! Armishaws operate a 昀eet of small removal vans throughout Dorset, Somerset and Wilshire catering for those clients who only need a small removal but still want the expertise provided by a larger removal company. With prices ranging from £300 for a local move our services are tailored to meet your needs. What do we need, especially from smaller homes? For first time buyers, a place to live, and start your career –perhaps working electronically, going into work only 2 or 3 days a week: a proper and suitable place to work, not just a bedroom (this month’s YouGov poll found only 7% of British workers want to return to the office full-time after restrictions are lifted). For young families, a place safe from traffic, where young children can meet and play, with shared green space visible from each house. For older people down-sizing, a smaller house is better in a lively community. These Blandford bypass proposals are highly vehiclecentric. Cars are very space-demanding. Each measures 5 x 15 feet, but require several times that to approach the parking space, park, and open car doors. There are typically two or more cars per household; maybe fewer in future with more home deliveries. Parking capacity on the estate should be maximised, including for deliveries, yet minimum area in percentage terms. These plans, like all too many, are dominated by streets and pavements. What loses out? Modern living needs space for fridge, cooker, dishwasher, freezer, washing machine and tumble drier. Yet new British homes the premises, and n required to close due to restrictions imposed by government, and n paying business rates for the premises before restrictions started If a business premises has closed but is still operating a click and collect service, the business can still apply.

by Adrian Fisher

have much less floorspace compared with the EU, so less true ‘living’ space. Even worse, private gardens have dramatically shrunk. A garden is a valuable extension of living space for much of the year (especially with a covered pergola), and crucial for mental health. Covid-19 may come and go, but since 2000 there have been Ebola, MERS and SARS; there will be more lockdowns in future. The guiding principles for designing such estates need to be revisited. This is what effective planning should be about. For years I lived on the central green of the Whitecroft Estate in St Albans; it was a great place to bring up a young family. Check it out on Google Earth. Broadband with fibre to the Premises (FTTP) takes up no land, but should be made a condition for the developers, like water and electricity. That topic is for another time.

Adrian Fisher is an awardwinning maze designer in Durweston, who was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s 2020 Birthday Honours, for services to International Trade and the Creative Industries.

Recruitment Can your firm offer youngsters virtual work experience?

Dorset employers are being asked if they could provide virtual work experience for youngsters. Dorset Careers Hub, delivered by Dorset LEP in partnership with BCP Council and Dorset Great time to shop locally

By Jacqui Wragg of Sturbiz Unlike the lockdown earlier this year, almost all our local businesses are still able to trade and we have listed them at sturminsternewton.org.uk. Whatever you need you’re sure to find it here. The doors may be closed, but this long list shows how many still operate. Your custom is needed more than ever. Shop Local. Restrictions didn’t prevent the arrival of the troughs and baskets for the new town winter planting scheme and neither will it stop the festive decorating preparations. We are planning to have all the Christmas trees ready and lit by Wednesday, December 2 and we invite EVERYONE to join in and be a part of “Light Stur up for Father Christmas – make Stur sparkle….”. Community participation is key here, just as it was for the Scarecrow Festival and Pumpkin Festival earlier this year. Share your photos and videos on the Facebook site. Council, is asking local businesses to provide virtual work experiences for the region’s young people in a move to ensure future talent in Dorset’s key industries. As covid and technology change the way businesses operate, and with many regional businesses reporting difficulties in recruiting local staff with the skills and qualifications they need, skills gaps at a county level are holding the local economy back. Dorset Careers Hub is working towards a solution with SpeakersForSc hools to deliver the virtual work experience programme. volunteer. Email laura.bush@ bcpcouncil.gov.uk

But first, businesses need to

Water, Waste Water & Civil Engineers requires a 360° Excavator Operator

You will be based at the Company premises in Dinton.

We are looking for an experienced 360° (13 tonne and below) excavator operator to work on our local projects installing drainage and water systems.

Your previous experience will have covered the use of temporary works equipment including trench boxes and hydraulic bracing equipment.

Our portfolio extends to design and installation of waste water treatment and pumped systems from domestic to commercial level so being able to work with levels is an advantage.

You will be health & safety conscious and will work to company standards at all times, maintaining our reputation for quality.

Applicants must hold a full driving licence.

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual looking for a rewarding career with a well established yet dynamic company.

Application forms must be completed in full and returned with your CV by the 4th December 2020.

Please contact us for an application pack:

Jules Simmons M J ABBOTT LTD Bratch Lane, Dinton, Salisbury SP3 5EB Email: jules.simmons@mjabbott.co.uk www.mjabbott.co.uk M J Abbott is an equal opportunities employer.