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News

Joint Working tops bill at Annual Business Conference

BUSINESSES from Bournemouth and Poole have teamed up for a ground-breaking conference aimed at improving the local economy.

The Bournemouth and Poole Annual Business Conference was the first of its kind and brought together representatives from business and organisations in both towns.

Held at the state-of-the-art RNLI training college, the event highlighted the need for the whole area to work together and reap the benefits for local communities.

Welcoming around 150 delegates, Bournemouth Borough Council Leader Cllr Richard Smith said: “It’s amazing how many world-class businesses we have in this area and a strong economy is vital for providing jobs and retaining young people.”

Borough of Poole Leader Cllr Brian Leverett, added: “The two boroughs are determined to work together for the good of the community – our survival as a region depends on it.”

Delegates heard from Chief Executives John McBride (Poole) and Pam Donnellan (Bournemouth) about the progress made over the last year and plans for the future. In particular, they made reference to the forthcoming launch of ‘Raising The Game’, the first economic development strategy for Bournemouth Dorset & Poole which will be concerned with improving the quality of employment opportunities in the area.

Major projects highlighted included Poole’s Full Sail Ahead regeneration scheme, which is linked closely to the proposed second harbour crossing, and the proposed centre of excellence and hotel training school in Bournemouth.

Other topics covered included international trade opportunities in South East Asia, changes in the newspaper industry and information on winning contracts with local authorities.

There were two opportunities for questions from the floor, when delegates brought up topics  such as affordable housing, development of open spaces, problems in acquiring land and development of the night-time economy.

They also viewed a DVD, produced by students of the Arts Institute at Bournemouth, which promoted the area as an outstanding business location.

Peter Wheelhouse, Economic Development Manager, Borough of Poole, said: “We are delighted that this first joint conference has proved such a success. We will continue to work closely together across borough boundaries to support local businesses,  that are key players in vibrant local communities.” 

Peter Wheelhouse, Economic Development Manager, Startegic Planning, Borough of Poole tel 01202 633032