Business collaboration and considered development were the focal points at the successful ‘Building Tomorrow’ seminar hosted by the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce.

The event, held at Oliveto at The Pier Bandstand, brought together 55 local business leaders and stakeholders.

Keynote speaker Mickey Jones, Chief Executive at DJ Property, emphasized the importance of providing adaptable premises for local businesses.

He said: “To bring prosperity and employment opportunities to this area, local businesses need accessible, suitable premises with the flexibility to adapt or move as their needs change.

“Our family business has been providing this for over 60 years and currently supports many local businesses. We work directly with our customers to understand their needs, without involving letting or managing agents.”

Mickey also unveiled plans for the development of Bincombe Park, a 15-acre site near Littlemoor, to boost local employment. “Planning applications for Bincombe Park are likely to be ready for submission in late 2024,” he explained.

“We are carefully considering the type of employment opportunity and residential housing needed to provide a quality environment. On the residential side, this could include affordable housing to meet the needs of our local community,” he added.

He went on to discuss the regeneration of The Rectory (formerly The Clipper) in Weymouth Town Centre. “Our efforts have saved the structure from terminal decline, and we aim to have the building watertight and ready for winter by the autumn. Work on the interior design will follow, and we are continuing our talks with JCT, who are progressing their funding.”

Chris Wilson, Director and Founder of Weymouth Area Development Trust, announced the purchase of the former Portland Railway Public House in Weymouth Town Centre, which will be developed into a Business Support Centre for local SMEs.

Chris said: “As SMEs contribute 82 per cent of Weymouth’s economy, it is crucial we help them succeed. We aim to have the site operational by May 2025 as a Business Support Centre, providing guidance, mentoring, training and networking opportunities with space to meet and work—all to help them prosper.”

Lucy Culkin, CEO of The Jurassic Coast Trust, and Sam Scriven, Principal Officer for World Heritage, highlighted the economic impact of the Jurassic Coast, generating £111 million annually.

Lucy stated: “The Jurassic Coast Partnership Plan 2020-2025 sets out our shared vision and management framework.

“Part of that work is improving access to important finds and we aim to bring the Jurassic Coast Collection into public view, in a prime visitor location. We are seeking funding and in talks with DJ Property regarding The Rectory.”

Mary-Ann Edwards, Co-General Manager at Nothe Fort, reported a 20 per cent increase in visitors year-on-year, with hopes to top 100,000 visitors this year.

She revealed plans to transform the site’s nuclear bunker into a new visitor experience, saying: “We are thrilled with the continuing growth in visitor numbers and excited about our lottery bid to transform the nuclear bunker into an educational attraction. Collaboration and consultation with local businesses is key to our success; it drives increased visitor spending in the area.”

Paul Appleby, President of the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, praised the event, saying: “We are thrilled with the turnout and high level of engagement.

“The insights shared today are invaluable as we all help to build a robust and sustainable economic future for our region. Events like these provide excellent networking opportunities and showcase the collaborative spirit driving our economic growth.

“We welcome business owners and managers to join the Chamber and become part of this vibrant network. More details are on our website wpchamber.co.uk.”

For more information about the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, membership benefits, and upcoming events, please visit wpchamber.co.uk or contact email [email protected].