Openreach to create 36 jobs in Dorset among over 400 across region

Openreach is to create more than 400 jobs across the South West, including 36 in Dorset, this year.

Nearly 300 will be apprenticeships.

The company is to continue investing billions of pounds into its UK broadband network, people and training.

It’s on track to reach 25 million UK homes and businesses by December 2026 and has already reached nearly 600,000 properties in the South West.

The hiring spree – 4,000 new jobs are being created across the UK – is part of the largest recruitment drive in Openreach’s history.

The business has a workforce of 3,500 in the region and says it’s committed to building a more diverse and inclusive team.

Last year, the company attracted 600 women into trainee engineering roles, more than double the previous year.

The boost was thanks partly to employing language experts from Exeter University to transform its job adverts and descriptions, making them gender neutral.

+++

Staff  go the extra kilometre – well 1,542 actually! – for charity 

Staff at a family-run company racked up an impressive 1,542 kilometres – 958 miles – in a month-long charity effort for Julia’s House.

The 22-strong team from Commercial Washrooms in Poole had set themselves a combined target of 1,500 kms as part of their Active January fundraiser.

In the event they beat the figure by 42 kms as they took part in walking, running, cycling, rowing and other physical activities.

The initiative has so far raised £499 for the children’s hospice which had been voted Charity of the Year by staff.

Andy Seddon, Director, pictured left, said it was important to choose a theme that would also positively benefit the workforce, both physically and mentally.

He said: “January is well-known for being a bit of a slowdown month.

“Lots of people get the January blues and it’s easy to feel a bit low with the short, cold days.

“We wanted to do something positive that will have a strong focus on wellbeing.

“It’s a bonus that we get to look after our health while supporting a local charity that makes such a huge difference to lots of families across Dorset.”

The firm will also support Julia’s House throughout the year.

• You can donate to the fundraiser here.

+++

All-day event to encourage would-be drivers to get on the buses

Would-be bus drivers can find out about a new career today, Friday February 11, at a special event in Bournemouth.

Morebus is seeking additional drivers to join its team.

Anyone interested will have an opportunity to talk to the company’s representatives in The Square from 9am to 4pm.

Along with bus operators and many other businesses across the UK, Morebus has experienced a shortage of drivers over recent months, mainly due to the effects of the pandemic.

The bus operator has taken to displaying lonely hearts on the backs of buses serving the town.

The Bournemouth event is designed to help raise awareness of its latest campaign.

Richard Wade, Morebus General Manager, said: “Like the rest of our industry, we are going through a challenging time in terms of recruitment, so we thought it was time to do something different

“Our buses are displaying lonely hearts notices in the hope that those living in-and-around the town will feel they are the perfect match and get in touch with us.

“It’s a bit of fun but has serious intent.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to try something new.

“Those with a customer service or retail background will be particularly welcome.

“And it doesn’t matter if people haven’t driven a bus before – we just want to see if they have the aptitude, and then we’ll provide full driver training.”

The event is outside the Obscura Café in The Square.

+++

Goadsby secure 20,000 sq ft letting at Bournemouth Airport

Acting on behalf of Lewis Investment, the wealth management specialist, Goadsby has let Enterprise House in Enterprise Way, Bournemouth Airport.

The building has a prominent position at the entrance of Aviation Business Park, the largest employment site in Dorset.

Major occupiers on the business park include Cobham, Curtiss-Wright, Honeywell and Hobbycraft.

Enterprise House has been let to European Cargo which has a fleet of Airbus long-haul aircraft with a strategic air freight hub at Bournemouth Airport.

The company has established regular freight runs between the UK and destinations around the globe, including the Far East, United States, Africa and the Emirates.

James Edwards, Director, Goadsby Commercial, pictured left, said: “We have experienced good levels of demand for industrial/logistics and office space at Bournemouth Airport throughout the pandemic.

“Naturally we are delighted to have secured the letting on behalf of our client.”