Wessex Internet shortlisted for top rural award

A Dorset company is in the running to be named as one of the best rural businesses in the UK after being shortlisted for a regional Rural Business Award.

Wessex Internet will battle it out against fellow rural businesses, entrepreneurs, and enterprises from across the region for a place at the national final.

The regional final will be held virtually in October with the national final taking place in early 2022.

The specialist rural internet provider has been shortlisted for the Best Rural Innovation award.

Based in Blandford, Wessex Internet employs more than 100 people and connects full fibre broadband to thousands of people in hard to reach areas across Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.

Hector Gibson Fleming, Managing Director, pictured left, said: “We’re honoured to be recognised in this category; it really makes all the hard work that the team has undertaken worth it.

“The challenges we face when connecting rural areas mean that we are constantly innovating to bring full fibre to people who have been overlooked.

“It’s great to share the platform with so many fantastic rural businesses, too.”

The Rural Business Awards 2021/2022, in partnership with Amazon, will mark the awards’ seventh year of celebrating the success of businesses across the UK’s rural economy.

The awards aim to celebrate the achievements of rural businesses and develop a strong network for business owners.

Jenna Clifford, Director and Co-Founder of The Rural Business Awards, said: “We are excited to celebrate the 2021/2022 awards after such a challenging year for businesses.

“We are passionate about creating a nurturing environment where rural businesses can develop, and this starts by showcasing the great work they do.

“On behalf of everyone at the Rural Business Awards, we want to say well done to Wessex Internet and wish them luck ahead of the regional finals.”

Other Dorset finalists in the south west regional final are Goathill Farm (Best Rural Diversification Project) and Pippa (Best Rural Creative or Artisan Business).

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Goadsby do the business at Bournemouth’s Dean Park House

Expanding digital car selling service Wizzle – now renamed Wizzle by carwow after its acquisition by carwow – has moved to larger premises within its existing site in Bournemouth.

Previously occupying Suite 1, 2nd floor, at Dean Park House in Dean Park Crescent, it has now moved to the 6th floor with approximately 2,830 sq ft of  refurbished open plan accommodation.

The refurbishment includes a new kitchen, carpets, air conditioning, LED lighting, suspended ceiling, electrics and perimeter trunking.

As reported by Dorset Biz News, carwow is currently recruiting for 50 new roles at its Bournemouth office.

Following the letting of the 6th floor, Goadsby – acting on behalf of Ward Edward – also agreed a new lease for Suite 1 for The Right Crowd covering around 1,242 sq ft of office space.

Dean Park House provides purpose built office accommodation over seven storeys and is in a prominent location with on-site car-parking.

Ben Duly, of Goadsby Business Space, said: “We were delighted to secure lettings of both suites for our client, shortly after the refurbishment of the 6th floor had been completed, and Suite 1, 2nd floor, after the tenants relocated to the 6th floor.”

Goadsby is also marketing the 4th floor at Dean Park House, covering approximately 2,830 sq ft.

The quoting rent is £43,725.50 per annum exclusive.

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Jon’s marathon challenge for Julia’s House

Inspire’s Advisory Manager, Jon Huggins is taking part in this year’s Purbeck Marathon, raising money for Julia’s House Children’s Hospice.

Gearing up for his first-ever marathon, Jon has been clocking up his practice miles along the beach-front promenade close to his home in Poole and running various tracks and trails across the Dorset countryside in preparation.

Having first got into trail running while living in Vancouver, Canada, Jon has always wanted to complete a trail marathon, so jumped at the chance to take part in the 26.88 mile run, as part of the Purbeck Running Festival – taking place on September 18.

Jon said: “I love the physical and mental challenge of long-distance running, especially trail running and am really looking forward to my first marathon, raising money for one of Inspire’s long-standing charity partners, Julia’s House.

“Coming back to live in Poole earlier this year, after spending three years living in Vancouver, I was determined to continue trail running, so I am excited to have the opportunity to take on the Purbeck Marathon in a few weeks’ time.

“I am hoping to raise £500 for Julia’s House, helping to support some of the fantastic work that the charity does, supporting children and their families.”

Alex Wilcox, Community Fundraising Assistant for Julia’s House, said: “We’re so pleased that Jon is running his first marathon for Julia’s House and we’re cheering him on all the way, especially for those big hills.

“It’s only thanks to our wonderful supporters that we can keep caring for seriously ill children and their families in Dorset and Wiltshire, so every mile really does make all the difference. Thank you, Jon!”

You can find out more about Jon’s running story, why he’s fundraising for Julia’s House and how to support him on his Just Giving page.

Poole-based Inspire predominantly offers advisory services to its entrepreneurial client base.

It also provides a comprehensive range of compliance related services, including regulatory audits, annual accounts, financial statements and management accounting, alongside accounts training.

The firm, founded in 2004, was named Medium Firm of the Year by the industry’s Accounting Excellence awards last year.