Business Collaboration and Considered Development Driving Success
Key takeaways from the successful ‘Building Tomorrow’ seminar hosted by the Weymouthand Portland Chamber of Commerce on 17th July included the importance of ‘considered development’ and ‘business collaboration’ in driving success.

The networking event brought together 55 local business leaders and stakeholders, featuring influential speakers from commercial, charity, and non-profit organisations who shared their insights and strategic plans to drive job creation and economic growth in Weymouth and Portland.

Key speaker Mickey Jones, Chief Executive at DJ Property, emphasised the importance of considered development and direct collaboration with local businesses to foster prosperity and employment opportunities in the area.

He stated, “To bring prosperity and employment opportunities to this area, local businesses need accessible, suitable premises with the flexibility to adapt or move as their needs change. Our family business has been providing this for over 60 years and currently supports many local businesses. We work directly with our customers to understand their needs, without involving letting or managing agents.”

Mickey Jones revealed plans to boost local employment opportunities with the development of Bincombe Park, a 15-acre site adjacent to the urban extension in Littlemoor.

“Planning applications for Bincombe Park are likely to be ready for submission in late 2024. We are carefully considering the type of employment opportunity and residential housing needed to provide a quality environment. On the residential side, this could include affordable housing to meet the needs of our local community,” he added.

Discussing the regeneration of a key Town Centre property, The Rectory (formerly The Clipper), Mickey Jones noted, “Our efforts have saved the structure from terminal decline, and we aim to have the building watertight and ready for winter by the autumn. Work on the interior design will follow, and we are continuing our talks with JCT, who are progressing their funding.”

Chris Wilson, Director and Founder of Weymouth Area Development Trust, discussed the recent purchase of a key building in Weymouth Town Centre with grant funds. The property, previously the Portland Railway Public House, will be developed with their partners, into a Business Support Centre for local SMEs.

Chris Wilson emphasised, “As SMEs contribute 82% of Weymouth’s economy, it is crucial we help them succeed. We aim to have the site operational by May 2025 as a Business Support Centre, providing guidance, mentoring, training and networking opportunities with space to meet and work – all to help them prosper.”

Lucy Culkin, CEO of The Jurassic Coast Trust, and Sam Scriven, Principal Officer for World Heritage, outlined the significance World Heritage Status holds and highlighted the economic impact the 95-mile stretch of Jurassic Coast has, generating £111 million annually (economic impact of the Dorset and East Devon WHS report, written by Dorset Council in 2015).

Lucy Culkin stated, “The Jurassic Coast Partnership Plan 2020-2025 sets out our shared vision and management framework. Part of that work is improving access to important finds and we aim to bring the Jurassic Coast Collection into public view, in a prime visitor location. We are seeking funding and in talks with DJ Property regarding The Rectory.”

Mary-Ann Edwards, Co-General Manager at the Nothe Fort, reported a 20% increase in visitors year-on-year, and that this year the Fort hopes to top 100,000. She revealed that a lottery bid application to restore the site’s nuclear bunker into a new visitor experience and educational attraction has passed the first stage, with the next stage set for submission in November.

Mary-Anne Edwards said, “We are thrilled with the continuing growth in visitor numbers and excited about our lottery bid to transform the nuclear bunker into aneducational attraction. Collaboration and consultation with local businesses is key to our success; it drives increased visitor spending in the area.”

The Chamber extended its thanks to all attendees, speakers, and sponsors and the venue, Oliveto at The Pier Bandstand, Weymouth.

Paul Appleby, President of the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, remarked, “We are thrilled with the turnout and high level of engagement. The insights shared today are invaluable as we all help to build a robust and sustainable economic future for our region. Events like these provide excellent networking opportunities and showcase the collaborative spirit driving our economic growth. We welcome business owners and managers to join the Chamber and become part of
this vibrant network.  More details are on our website wpchamber.co.uk.”
Members gain access to exclusive networking events, valuable resources, and a platform to voice their business needs.

For more information about the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, membership benefits, and upcoming events, please visit www.wpchamber.co.uk or contact email info@wpchamber.co.uk.