The February Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce business breakfast was held on Tuesday 2 February when Martin Hamilton, Strategic Director for the Dorset Councils Partnership spoke about the impact of the potential council partnerships and how it may affect business in the borough. Mr Hamilton also spoke about the council’s plan for 2016 and also how businesses can access the procurement of contracts. In addition to Economic Development, Leisure and Tourism, Mr Hamilton is also responsible for Assets and Infrastructure. The breakfast also heard from Nigel Reed Manager of the Weymouth BID Ltd who outlined plans and projects for 2016.
Mr Hamilton relocated from Cardiff to take up the position with the Dorset Councils Partnership which includes Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, West Dorset Council and North Dorset, when he arrived in Weymouth he described the seafront and beach as Weymouth’s “wow” factor and one of the boroughs biggest assets. Mr Hamilton also visited Portland and described it as “completely unique” in its appeal and has been impressed with the work completed to date by the Coastal community team who have a clear economic plan for the future of Portland. Mr Hamilton went on to describe how he had witnessed Dorset businesses making “their own pound” by really using local products and services to create business opportunities in every sector whilst noting significant investment and growth in areas such as Osprey Quay, Link Park and the Weymouth Gateway development. As more cuts are announced to the local authority budget, Mr Hamilton explained that the responsibility will lie with community groups and Business Improvement Districts to provide services and products traditionally provided by the local authority as those days have gone and are unlikely to come back as budget cuts hit.
Mr Hamilton said “One of the key priorities for the Dorset Councils Partnership was the creation of the Western Dorset Growth Corridor which would collectively group communities from Weymouth, Portland, Dorchester with Blandford and Gillingham to create a group which could compete for Government and LEP funding when up against the larger areas of Poole and Bournemouth. “
Mr Hamilton also promised to focus on the delivery of the Weymouth Town Centre Masterplan and that Weymouth Harbour would be given priority. He went on to say “I encourage businesses to bid for contracts with the local authority for anything up to £125,000 by contacting the relevant department and make your business known to them. For contracts above £125,000 these contracts are frequently advertised for tender on the www.dorsetforyou.com website.”
The WPCC Annual General Meeting will be held on 25 February at Weymouth College at 6.30. The AGM is only open to members of the Chamber but will be followed by a three course at the Hix Academy Restaurant which is open to all. Reservations for both the AGM and the Dinner can be made on www.wpchamber.co.uk.
Michelle Hind, President of the WPCC said “The Chamber are looking for members to apply to join the Executive Committee for the 2016/2017 term, it’s very easy to apply, simply download the application form from the website. The more businesses we have on the executive committee the stronger the voice of local business will become. It only involves 2 hours a month…please consider joining us.. www.wpchamber.co.uk
The next WPCC breakfast meeting of the Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce will be held on Tuesday 1st March at the Rendezvous, Weymouth at the new time of 07h30 – bookings are now open. The sponsor of the March breakfast will be Weymouth College who will be talking to businesses about the importance of apprenticeships and training.
For more information please visit www.wpchamber.co.uk
