35 sites across Dorset to benefit from £5 billion Project Gigabit

Schools, libraries and a visitor attraction in Dorset are set to be among the first in the country to benefit from next generation full-fibre broadband using the government’s £5 billion Project Gigabit funding.

Dorset Council has been awarded nearly £900,000 to oversee the project.

Blandford-based Wessex Internet has secured the contract to deliver the fibre.

Altogether 35 sites across Dorset are set to benefit.

They are all in areas where there are no commercial plans to roll-out full fibre broadband.

Cllr Jill Haynes, pictured left, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Corporate, Transformation and Digital, said: “This is fantastic news for many areas of Dorset that would otherwise have been left behind as we all start to move to gigabit-capable broadband speeds.

“It will bring immediate benefit to the sites included in the plans and it will also make it easier for residents and businesses in those areas to look to upgrade their broadband one day.”

Among the 35 sites are 22 primary and secondary schools – from the Isle of Purbeck in the south to Gillingham in the north.

Durlston Country Park is also set to be connected and the funding will also help two libraries, a care home and a children’s centre.

The first sites are due to be connected next month and all sites will be completed by September next year.

Hector Gibson Fleming, CEO, Wessex Internet, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded this contract by Dorset Council to provide a full fibre connection to important community sites across the county.

“Not only will 35 schools and other community facilities benefit from ultrafast and reliable connectivity, surrounding homes and businesses will also be able to get connected.”

+++

Pandemic friends launch their first e-book for creatives

Two creative career startups have launched their first e-book.

‘The Creative’s Guide to Networking’ shares their insight into how to network, attract clients and nurture long-lasting relationships for creative freelancers.

Bournemouth-based Laura Mulhern, of Plan Make Do, and Isabel Sachs, of I Like Networking, first met during the pandemic on Laura’s podcast, talking about how the lockdown affected the creative industry.

The duo then scheduled regular creative chats, to support each other, before deciding to open up the conversation and share their learnings, and experience, on a guide for creative startups and freelancers.

The Creative’s Guide to Networking is described as the go-to resource for emerging creatives on how to build network skills and attract long-lasting relationships with clients.

Laura, pictured left, said: “Through my work at Plan Make Do, having mentored hundreds of creatives to date, time and time again the question is always – “where do I start?” when it comes to building your network and finding clients.

“It’s not something that always comes naturally, especially to those who might feel less confident in putting themselves out there.

“I know post-pandemic life has also impacted people’s confidence too.

“Isabel and I really wanted to create something that outlined a jargon-free simple approach to use when you’re first starting out.”

Both Isabel and Laura are keen advocates for positive change within the creative industry.

Isabel, pictured right, said: “Even now, the creative industry is still not valued enough.

“The starting point in creating a culture shift is through education; this is where we come in.

“As a global community, we are a lot further along than we were but there is still work to do.

“Whilst this guide might be seen as a small starting point, a resource like this, alongside our other activities through our respective platforms not only empowers emerging creatives to develop their position within the industry, but it can also act as a best practice approach to what we should expect and accept in the working environment.”

The e-book contains four key chapters:

• How to Find Your Ideal Clients
• How to Make the Approach
• How to Navigate Collaboration Opportunities
• How to Nurture a Lasting Relationship with your Clients

It can be downloaded here for £15 until June 1 when the price will rise to £18.

The ebook received grant funding from Dorset Growth Hub.

+++

Six sense as new starters predict bright future at fast-growing agency

b4b, the Poole-based agency specialising in web, software, marketing, and media production, has welcomed six new starters to its expanding team.

Miranda Aldridge and Kevin Russell bring a wealth of marketing experience to their roles as Senior Account Manager and Senior Technical Manager respectively.

Steve Riley joins the SEO and content team as a Copywriter while Joshua Garner brings his social knowledge to b4b’s social media team.

Chris Kendrick and George Oliver join as Website Assistant and Software Project Assistant respectively, supporting the teams to deliver websites, apps, and business platforms.

Anthony Tilley, MD, b4b, said: “Our agency is going through an exciting period of growth.

“It’s wonderful to bring such an array of skills and experience to our already impressive team.”

+++

Dorset Mind Young Ambassador organises music event

A wide array of Dorset’s finest live musicians and entertainers are taking part in a fundraising event for Dorset Mind this Sunday, May 29.

The event, from 3pm to 7pm, at Poole Hill Brewery, 41-43, Poole Hill, in Bournemouth, has been organised by Calvin Glen, a Young Ambassador with the charity.

It includes Macko, Marco Di Gaetano Music, Aaron O’shea, Megan Hill, Stacey Leighann, Lizzie, Gracie Park Music, Charlotte Cunningham, Lenny Sharp, Feedback Fighters and Hannah Louise Gough as well as songs from Calvin, 21, pictured.

Marie Glen, Legacy and Bids Officer with Dorset Mind, said: “My son and I decided earlier in the year to organise a campaign to bring some positivity to the community while raising money to support mental health.”

Calvin, who will also be hosting the event, has been a Young Ambassador supporting Dorset Mind for six years.