Telecoms company merges with IT business to offer complete package

Bournemouth-based telecommunications company, Town & Country, has merged with IT specialists, Complete Computer Solutions (CCS).

The deal, which has been three years in the making, means the combined business can offer a full, comprehensive communications service and IT support.

Family-run Town & Country has specialised in business telecoms for almost 30 years.

It was founded by Nigel Butler, now Chairman, in 1992.

His eldest son, Lee, who is Managing Director, said bringing IT solutions into the business was a natural step.

The deal took a long time to finalise because he wanted to ensure a good fit for the business and that it was a seamless transition for all clients, he said.

Lee added: “We wanted to ensure that when introducing IT services to our clients, we maintain our values and client service ethos.”

Having worked closely with the CCS team for several years: “I have every confidence that they will be an asset to the Town & Country brand and will demonstrate the very highest levels of client service – something that both businesses have always considered their top priority.”

Complete Computer Solutions has operated across Bournemouth and Poole for more than 17 years.

Director Chris Smith and his staff will continue to work as part of the IT division of Town & Country.

Town & Country’s IT service will cover Office 365 and IT support, data backup and managed IT infrastructure.

Lee said the firm was perfectly placed to offer support to businesses preparing to return to work after lockdown.

That could be reviewing existing telecoms and IT or helping take steps towards facilitating long-term remote working.

“We are delighted to now offer the full complement of communications solutions to businesses across Dorset,” he added.

Lee’s brothers, Jacey and Karl, are both directors of Town & Country.

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Chloe made a Partner at PKF Francis Clark

Accountancy firm PKF Francis Clark has announced two new partners and five new directors.

The partners include Poole-based Chloe Mills.

Chloe, pictured left, joined the firm as a Director of Audit in 2010.

She is responsible for overseeing audit and accounting services at the Poole office.

Chloe said: “I am delighted to have been appointed a Partner in PKF Francis Clark and to join the team of partners in our Poole office.

“The culture here is one of commitment to our clients and I look forward to playing my part in both helping our clients prosper and further growing our business across Dorset and beyond.”

Fellow new Partner, Liam Dushynsky, is based in Exeter and joined PKF Francis Clark in 2005 as a graduate trainee.

He is now a key member of the firm’s VAT and customs team.

Chris Rodgers, Sarah Brown, Adam Waddle, Kieran Hancock and Mark Bishop are promoted to Director roles.

Andrew Richards, Managing Partner, pictured left, said: “Growing our own talent is an important part of our culture as a firm.

“We pride ourselves on providing opportunities for people to develop themselves and progress in their careers in a beautiful part of the world, as all our newly promoted directors and partners have done since they joined us.

“Chloe, Liam, Chris, Sarah, Adam, Kieran and Mark have all worked hard to become experts in their respective fields, while embracing our ethos of shared ambition and working with our clients to help them succeed.”

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Port of Poole ramps up safety measures ahead of new cruise season

Port of Poole cruise officials have introduced a raft of new health and safety measures to help make its land and sea operations as Covid-secure as possible.

The port’s current Covid-safe processes with its ferry partners – which have passed four audits with the Health and Safety Executive since August 2020 – are being extended to cruise lines and their passengers as the UK cruise season approaches.

(Left to right) Dean Cluett, Paul Denmark and Ellen Reynolds.

Poole’s cruise terminal has recently been refurbished and is dedicated solely to passengers and crew members.

It has been reconfigured to support social distancing measures, including providing an enhanced layout and hand sanitising stations via a new one-way system.

A new temperature screening system, that will help identify passengers with an increased temperature, one of the indicators associated with Covid-19, has also been installed.

It calculates core body temperatures through a rapid test procedure that lasts fewer than two seconds.

Cleaning practices have been improved through investment in new technology such as fogging machines.

Further measures will be carried out by the port team when vessels dock, such as working closely with cruise lines to ensure the safe and Covid-compliant transfer of passengers, including reducing the number on transfers to maintain social distancing.

The port is working alongside the British Ports Association, the UK Chamber of Shipping, Cruise Britain, and other cruise partners to ensure its safety and wellbeing protocols are in line with government guidelines.

A number of cruise ships will dock at the port this summer, with the full schedule set to be announced shortly.

Captain Brian Murphy, pictured right, Marine & Port Director and Harbour Master, said: “We’ve been working closely with our partners and stakeholder to ensure the port is ready, willing, and able to welcome back passengers in a safe and manageable way.

“The safety of guests, crew members and our staff are our top priority, so that cruising can start once again with confidence when the time is right.

“We are proud to have invested in industry-leading safety facilities and measures, and look forward to showcasing everything Poole has to offer to both cruise lines and passengers alike when the cruises season begins this summer.”

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New role created to boost happiness and wellbeing of homeowners

A new role has been created at Platinum Skies, the Bournemouth-based luxury independent living provider, which will focus solely on the happiness and wellbeing of homeowners.

Laura Warwick has joined the team as Director of Lifestyle, Wellbeing and Entertainment.

She will focus on organising events and hosting community activities to bring the homeowners together to enrich their physical and mental wellbeing.

Laura has a wealth of knowledge in the lifestyle services sector, having previously worked for Cunard, before joining a UK-wide retirement community provider.

As well as working with the existing residents, Laura will also be looking to form links with local clubs and the wider business community who can share their knowledge, skills, and services with the homeowners.

Laura, pictured, said: “We have lots of fantastic plans in place to entertain our homeowners as the government guidance enables us to gradually bring them together outdoors to enjoy the warmer weather.

“I’m looking forward to meeting more of the homeowners, working with local businesses, and supporting our Community Managers.

“Together with our homeowners, we will grow and develop our Platinum Skies communities to be some of the happiest places to live in the UK.”

Platinum Skies has a host of communities based across Dorset, Wiltshire, and Somerset which enable people aged 55 and over to live independently in an apartment, house, or cottage, which they can purchase under the government-backed shared ownership scheme.

The communities feature communal facilities such as an owner’s lounge, bistro and bar area, activities room, and treatment room.

All Platinum Skies homes also benefit from a dedicated onsite Community Manager.

David Hines, Chief Executive of Platinum Skies, pictured left, said: “We were looking for somebody with unstinting energy, enthusiasm, creativity, and innovation to join our team and we have found that with Laura and her wealth of experience.”

Platinum Skies is part of the Affordable Housing and Healthcare Group.