Ferry company confirms Barfleur will not return this summer

No ferry services will operate between Poole and Cherbourg this summer.

Brittany Ferries has confirmed that Barfleur will not be brought back into service.

The ferry’s last sailing was on March 16.

A statement from the company said the decision had been made “with regret and following careful consideration.”

It blamed a combination of unpredictable demand and a shortage of available cabins, based on ship configuration.

But there’s better news for other routes operated by Brittany Ferries including Portsmouth to Caen and Portsmouth to Santander.

A limited return to scheduled passenger services will begin when five ships come back into service from Monday June 29.

A further three ships, covering four routes from Portsmouth, will re-open to passengers next month.

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Lester Aldridge promotes ‘Magnificent Seven’

Seven solicitor promotions have been announced by Lester Aldridge across its Bournemouth and Southampton offices.

New Senior Associates include Edward Adamson (Corporate), Lana Farrell (Real Estate), Parisa Jones (Tax, Trusts, Wills and Probate), Rachel Gimson (Property Litigation) and Rebecca Humm (Real Estate).

Further promotions include new Associates Fiona Brooke (Personal Injury) and Lucy Goff (LA Marine).

Matthew Barrow, Managing Partner, pictured right, said: “‘Everyone who has been promoted has demonstrated a commitment to hard work, business development, client service and teamwork.

“I am delighted at their success.’’

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More than 123,000 Dorset jobs supported by national schemes

More than 123,000 jobs in Dorset have been supported by the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).

The figures have been reported by HM Revenue & Customs to Dorset LEP.

In March, Dorset LEP allocated additional resource to Dorset Gateway, Dorset LEP’s business growth hub.

It was to allow the hub to manage increased enquiries and ensure local businesses were aware of the two schemes, as well as all other government and local funding support made available during the coronavirus pandemic.

Delivered in partnership with Dorset Chamber, Dorset Gateway provides signposting to a range of advice and support, key account management and a free specialist bid-writing service – all of which are fully-funded to help support Dorset’s businesses.

As of May 31, 93,100 jobs were recorded as furloughed by businesses across the county since the CJRS was launched in April.

The scheme, which will now run until the end of October, has helped local employers affected by coronavirus retain their employees.

The roll out of the SEISS in May has financially supported 30,200 self-employed individuals in Dorset.

In May, the Chancellor announced an extension of the scheme, with those eligible being able to claim a second and final grant in August of up to £6,750.

In May, Dorset Gateway teamed up with Crowdfunder and Enterprise Nation to launch Crowdfund Dorset Business, which provides match funding of up to £5,000 for the self-employed and for small businesses to help them keep trading and bounce back from the effects of Covid-19.

Finn Morgan, Dorset Gateway Manager, pictured right, said: “While it has been a hugely difficult time for local businesses, their employees, and the region’s large number of self-employed businesses, we are reassured that so many have taken advantage of the CJRS and SEISS schemes, as well as other national and local support measures.

“Business conditions continue to be extremely challenging and we continue to work closely with local and national organisations to support businesses in Dorset, across the county, to bounce back from the unparalleled economic impact of coronavirus.

“We’ve seen a number of Dorset businesses showing great resilience during the crisis with many finding new ways of working, and many more benefitting from the support of the local community staying and shopping locally.”

The latest Covid-19 Guidance for businesses and the self-employed can be found on the Dorset LEP website.