Wessex Internet highlights connectivity to countryside 

A Blandford-based internet provider is highlighting its connectivity to the countryside with the launch of a fresh new look and website.

Wessex Internet, which specialises in bringing ultrafast full fibre broadband to rural communities, has had the first major rebrand since 2012.

It was completed following months of extensive research with customers, partners and employees.

Hector Gibson Fleming, Managing Director, said: “Following an exciting few years of change and growth at Wessex Internet, now is the right time to change our brand to reflect our mission, passionate attitude and fantastic team.

“As an independent Dorset business, we’ve experienced first-hand how the digital divide can affect the lives of everyone living in countryside communities.

“Our mission will always be to ensure those communities aren’t left behind; even when that means making connections where other companies are unwilling, or unable, to go.

“We had some great customer feedback which helped to shape our exciting new look.

“We’re committed to connecting the most remote villages and hamlets and our rebrand conveys the message that we really know the countryside, its challenges and the need for faster, reliable broadband.

“As a company passionate about our local area, we always prioritise buying from other local businesses and this project was no different.

“Our brand design agency, website developers, uniform supplier and vehicle signage company are all based in the county.”

Following the launch of the new website  – wessexinternet.com – the roll out continues with rebranding the company’s fleet of 30 vehicles, transforming hundreds of communications and producing new uniforms for its 100-strong team.

Last month, Wessex Internet announced new pricing and better value packages and will be introducing a new self-service portal later in the year.

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Tech news website for the South West launched

An independent news website covering the burgeoning technology scene in the south west, including Dorset, has gone live.

South West Tech Daily – swtechdaily.co.uk – will draw on a network of journalists, experts and partners from across the region to produce news, interviews, opinion pieces and insight.

The thriving technology clusters, hubs and science parks around the south west will provide inspiration for coverage.

The website is edited by Peter Evans, pictured left, who was Enterprise Editor of The Sunday Times from 2017 to 2020.

Dan Pritchard, Co-founder of Tech South West and Managing Director of Exeter-based Astley Media, said: “Raising the profile and celebrating the incredible talent, innovation and achievements across the tech sector is vital.

“It’s already the fastest growing part of the region’s economy but the potential for further growth and opportunity is huge.

“Through quality journalism SW Tech Daily will shine the spotlight on our tech companies and leaders, its hubs, clusters and growth programmes, and encourage discussion and opinion on key issues, including the need for more talent and diversity across the sector, investment and much more.”

The site is set up to allow people to become trusted contributors, so organisations and writers can directly feed into the site.

A regional editorial group is also being set up, and includes journalists and TribeTech podcast hosts Feyaza Khan and Robert Hillier, Cornwall-based B2B tech writer, TECgirls editor and Co-founder Fiona Campbell-Howes.

Peter Evans said: “Our goal is to inform and to analyse, to celebrate success, highlight opportunities and stimulate debate.

“We want to spread the word about the world class innovation happening in the South West.”

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Richmond Group Finance Director joins OnBuy as CFO

OnBuy.com has appointed James Watts as Chief Financial Officer.

He joins the fast-growing online marketplace with 12 years’ experience from roles at Deloitte, WPP Group and most recently, Richmond Group, previously the parent company of Amigo Loans.

With experience across a variety of sectors, including technology and digital media, James brings expertise of working with fast growing companies in both emerging and developed markets across 25 countries.

Cas Paton, pictured right, Founder and CEO of OnBuy, said: “I’m looking forward to welcoming James to the team.

“His experience in managing multi-million-pound assets, driving efficiencies, and building and leading financial teams will be invaluable to OnBuy.

“With our growth showing no signs of slowing as we continually achieve over 600 per cent year on year growth, James will be fundamental in OnBuy’s worldwide scale-up over the next three years.”

In previous roles, James built a new finance function from scratch to allow for rapid international growth, delivered multi-million-pound cost savings and led financial and commercial due diligence on funding rounds.

James, pictured,  said: “I’m pleased to be joining OnBuy at such a critical moment for its success.

“With new investment just around the corner and its global expansion well underway, the next few years will be exciting and challenging for the marketplace.

“Having grown up in the county, working with a Dorset-based business that has huge global opportunity is a definite bonus.

“Dorset is home to a number of exceptional businesses, and I believe that OnBuy has the ability to put the county on the map worldwide.”

James joins the business alongside a series of other senior hires, including ex-eBay director Mark Lister as Chief Commercial Officer.

OnBuy, which was founded in November 2016, now employs more than 85 people and will be welcoming more team members in the coming months.

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Merger creates south west’s largest credit union

Bristol Credit Union (BCU) has expanded its membership after completing a merger with Wyvern Savings and Loans (WSL), helping thousands of people across the south west England access a range of alternative, low-cost financial services.

The transfer of engagements was completed on March 25 with all assets and liabilities of WSL transferring to BCU.

The merger creates the region’s biggest credit union, adding a further 3,000 members and £1.9m in deposits to BCU’s existing 16,000 members and £7m deposits.

The newly merged credit unions will continue to operate under their regional identities, with a new umbrella brand to be announced soon.

Wyvern Savings and Loans will trade under the new name of Dorset Credit Union, with the Dorchester branch providing a base for services in the Dorset and South Somerset area.

The merger will expand BCU’s reach, helping it to deliver more and better services for existing and new members as well as creating sustainable jobs.

Together, the organisations are aiming to increase takeup of their responsible lending, supporting BCU’s goal to triple its membership over the next five years.

The credit unions offer an alternative to high street banks, making finance simpler and more affordable.

Also, when members access these services, money is reinvested into local neighbourhoods, businesses and economies.

James Berry, CEO of Bristol Credit Union, pictured, said: “With the merger complete, we can increase our capacity and reach, allowing more people in the Dorset and Wyvern area access to fairer finance.

“Across our 22-year history, we have helped more than 30,000 people to start saving and approved over 42,000 loan applications including both smaller, short-term loans as well as low-interest rate larger loans, for example for home improvements.

“This move also means our social impact has a broader geographical base for our members’ money to do good in supporting community needs.

“As lockdown restrictions begin to ease, our credit unions are here to provide financial stability for the long road ahead.”

• bristolcreditunion.org

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New team qualification boosts Inspire’s client service

Inspire, the Poole-based business and tax advisory firm is celebrating another success for a member of its senior team.

Nick Bryant, Client Services Manager, has gained the industry’s Practising Certification status.

It enables him to take responsibility for many aspects of client delivery and authorising work completed by the firm, on behalf of clients.

The certificate is awarded by the accountancy industry’s body, the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) to qualified accountants who have more than three years’ experience working for an ACCA approved employer in a senior role.

They must have demonstrated high levels of competency and delivery across a range of client services and management.

As part of a rigorous application process for the certification, Nick had to record the work he’s been involved with over this period, documenting the wide-ranging support and advice offered to clients by the firm.

With over ten years’ experience, Nick, pictured, joined Inspire as a qualified accountant in 2018 and works closely with the directors and leadership team in planning and delivering a range of advisory and compliance services for clients, as well as managing a team of advisers.

He oversees a number of client relationships and is now able to take even more ownership of his portfolio of clients.

Warren Munson, Inspire’s Founder, pictured left, said: “Nick has worked incredibly hard to gain the industry’s Practising Certification status over the last three years with us.

“He’s an integral member of the Inspire team, and we’re delighted that his hard work and dedication has been rewarded.

“Everything we do at Inspire is focused on Client Delight, ensuring our clients receive the very best service and advice.

“Nick’s new qualification status offers even more opportunities for our clients, as he is now able, independently, to oversee and sign-off many of the advisory and compliance services that we deliver for our clients.”

Inspire predominantly offers advisory services to its entrepreneurial client base, but also provides a comprehensive range of compliance related services.

They include regulatory audits, annual accounts, financial statements and management accounting, alongside accounts training.