Dorset port is first call as cruising resumes after 14-month suspension

Portland Port has become the first port of call as cruising re-starts after a 14-month suspension with the arrival of MSC Virtuosa on her inaugural cruise.

MSC’s newest ship was given an especially warm welcome by the Dorset port on May 22.

Ian McQuade, General Manager Commercial, pictured left, said: “This is a very exciting day, not just for Portland Port but for the whole industry.

“We are delighted and honoured that MSC have chosen to include Portland Port in their inaugural itineraries for this beautiful new vessel.”

Several cruise lines made use of anchorages along the south coast to wait for the opportunity to welcome guests back on board.

During this time, the sight of up to ten cruise ships anchoring in Weymouth Bay became a tourist attraction.

Portland Port was able to offer its services and berths in support.

MSC Virtuosa is one of the two largest in MSC Cruises’ fleet, along with her sister ship MSC Grandiosa.

She departed Southampton on May 20 and spent a day at sea.

She docked at Portland Port at 0830 on May 22 and was welcomed into Portland Harbour with a water cannon display from the port’s newest tug, named in memory of its most influential director, Rupert Best.

The inaugural visit from MSC Virtuosa marks the first of many scheduled throughout the season, combined with several other cruise lines that have chosen Portland Port as a destination for their domestic cruise itineraries.

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Plans to be submitted after 1.85 acre town centre site acquired

A property developer is to put forward plans to create one of Bournemouth’s largest mixed-use development schemes.

Fortitudo, headed by Chief Executive Richard Carr, and Interceptor Opportunities have acquired the 1.85-acre Glen Fern site in Fir Vale Road, Bournemouth.

They plan to submit plans for the substantial town centre site in the coming months.

The site is currently home to Cameo nightclub, Norwegian Wood Café, Oasis Fun and a multi-storey car park.

Fortitudo say it’s the largest single site in Bournemouth to benefit from a comprehensive re-development, regenerating an area connecting two parts of Bournemouth.

The proposed future uses for the site include residential apartments, a hotel, nightclub, bowling complex, cinema, associated bars, restaurants and other leisure facilities.

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Levy payers support second term for Poole BID 2021-2026

A ballot for Poole Business Improvement District’s (BID) second term has been successful with 73 per cent of levy payers voting yes.

The vote allows Poole BID to operate for a second term, running from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2026.

The BID ballot had to meet two key criteria: a simple majority of over 50 per cent of those voting must vote in favour and those ‘yes’ votes must represent a majority of the total rateable value of all of the voting businesses.

James Croker, Poole BID Chairman, pictured left, said: ‘I am delighted that the levy payers have voted yes and put their confidence in our organisation for a second term.

“The current BID team of Jacqui Rock and Christina Pengelly have done a great job engaging with levy payers and this vote is a credit to their hard work on behalf of all Poole businesses.

“Along with the current BID Board, the aim of Poole BID’s next five-year term is to continue to present Poole at its outstanding best and to attract investment and talent.

“We will aim to encourage more visitors to experience our town and to persuade residents from across the area to make it their first choice for shopping and leisure.

“This will support our valued businesses and, hopefully, contribute to their continued profitability and growth.”

Left to right: Chris Shephard, Economic Development Director, BCP Council; Jacqui Rock, Poole BID Lead; Graham Farrant, Chief Executive of BCP Council; Cllr Philip Broadhead, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning and Deputy Leader of BCP Council; James Croker, Poole BID Chairman.

Poole BID’s second term will focus on delivering the commitments made in the 21/26 Business Plan, published in advance of the ballot.

Three key elements – Enhance, Promote and Support – were identified in two independent surveys undertaken for the Poole BID and will form the basis of the next five years’ operations.

Jacqui Rock, Poole BID Lead, pictured right, said: “We acknowledge that it is hard to satisfy the many diverse requirements of Poole’s wide-ranging businesses and there have been obstacles along the way – not least the ongoing pandemic.

“Now that we have the clear support of the majority of businesses for a second term, my job will be to deliver the services outlined in the 21/26 Business Plan.

“Together with my Operations Manager, Christina Pengelly, I am looking forward to helping Poole businesses fulfil their potential.”

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Win a Dorset food hamper by sharing your thoughts anonymously

Just two minutes of your time could win you a hamper of Dorset foodie treats.

Bournemouth-based user research consultancy Experience UX is keen to get an insight into the role user experience has in your worklife.

It’s compiled a short survey of just 12 questions with a Dorset food hamper offered as first prize in a draw,

All answers submitted in the survey are anonymous.

You don’t need to be an expert in user experience.

All you need is an interest in improving your customer experience.

Experience UX says the best way to overcome the challenge of poor user experience is to seek first to understand your customers.

Ali Carmichael, Managing Director, pictured, said: “Brands aspire to improve user experience but can be overwhelmed by data; confused by noise, opinions and assumptions.

“We’re excited to help businesses, including those in our home county of Dorset, to consider the experience of every interaction between brand and customer.”

Experience UX was founded in 2007.

Ali, who was Founder and formerly Commercial Director, took over as MD in March last year.

The consultancy says it champions a human-first culture that places the customer at the centre of all decision making.

• To take part in the survey, please click here.