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News

Singapore Woos Poole Business

During a live video link with Poole’s Third Annual Business Conference yesterday, Alan Collins, British High Commissioner introduced delegates to opportunities for international trading with Singapore. As a resident of Poole, the High Commissioner was keen to see local business exploit the exciting opportunities and suggested Poole should be "a real exemplar model for the rest of the UK".

Speaking from the world class RNLI training college, recently opened by Her Majesty the Queen, Cllr Brian Leverett, Leader of the Council responded by encouraging business leaders ‘not to miss this golden opportunity’ to expand their business profile. He went on to explain the Council’s vision ‘Striving for Excellence’ and how a vibrant economy is at the forefront of the Council’s aims.

Delegates were invited to reflect on the past year and consider the progress that had taken place in Poole. "The region’s largest urban regeneration has started", said Bernie Topham, Policy Director with the Borough of Poole . She listed recent new projects totalling over £100m of investment into Poole this year. The Arena Business Centre at Creekmoor; the new Arts Institute Enterprise Pavilion both opening in the Spring and providing state-of-the-art opportunities for incubating and developing new small businesses. The ASDA superstore adjacent to the RNLI college, is also providing local affordable housing on site benefiting local families and key workers, plus the refurbishment of the Dolphin Shopping Centre with the promise of a major investment still to come by owners Grosvenor.

Most significantly, she explained: "The Twin Sails Bridge Project, has reached a milestone". At the end of the month the submission for the Transport and Works Act will be presented to Government to move to the next step in the process of its development. "We hope to hear about the success of the order in 2006 and anticipate construction of this iconic bridge in 2008/9."

Task Group Chairmen reported on progress within their three areas of interest – Skills, Sites and Transportation each explaining how joint working in partnership is enabling progress which could not otherwise be achieved. This was highlighted in a presentation by Adam Corney, Director of Marine Southwest. His report on the new Poole based Marine Skills Centre, which is the first of its kind in the UK, was a shining example of what can be achieved when local business works with public bodies to creatively solve skills shortage problems.

Chief Executive, John McBride warned of the dangers of towns that ‘stand still’ describing the scenario of the "nightmare of Bournemouth and Poole becoming a very large retirement town." Whereas the regeneration presents a "golden opportunity". Together with Council Leader, Cllr Brian Leverett, he explained the council’s ambitious priorities and asked the business community to work with the council "to makePoole a great place to live in, a thriving community and a great place to do business in."

Summing up, after a lively question and answer session, Councillor Ron Parker, Cabinet Portfolio holder for Local Economy said: "This is a time of change for Poole. These changes are opportunities – opportunities to make Poole a better place to do business."

Julie Nichols, PR Officer, Communications and Tourism, Borough of Poole, tel 01202 633293