“Our mission for 2025 is for people to come and discover Poole – locals and tourists alike.”

The words of Jacqui Rock, head of the town’s business improvement district (BID), who shared plans with Dorset Biz News for a series of themed events throughout the year.

Poole BID has been courting entries in recent weeks for its first theme of the year, a Valentine’s competition giving one lucky couple the chance to enjoy some of the many luxuries the town has to offer.

It could be followed by themes around food, wellbeing, kids’ entertainment, live music – all geared around promoting Poole businesses and attracting both new and familiar faces.

“I’ve been with Poole BID for just coming up to four years,” said Jacqui.

“We were just coming out of lockdown. Since then, I believe the town has evolved dramatically.

“We’re lucky in Poole to have a diverse selection of businesses – from hospitality to retail and services – who really want this town to go from better to better.

“We’re really proud of what we and the businesses in our town have achieved.”

Now it’s about getting people involved – and what better way than asking couples to share the weird and wonderful stories of how they first met in time for Valentine’s Day?

The winning entry came from Laura in Plymouth, who crossed paths with her now partner Dan four years ago on a chance encounter en route to Swansea.

“My car’s warning lights started flashing,” wrote Laura.

“Worried, I pulled onto the hard shoulder in heavy rain.

“Then, headlights appeared behind me. A car pulled over, and a man named Dan knocked on my window.

“He was incredibly handsome, making me flustered, but I said I needed help.

“In the pouring rain, he checked under the bonnet and realized my oil was low. Luckily, he had the same car and spare oil in his boot, so he topped mine up.

“By the time he finished, he was drenched, while I sat dry inside.

“Feeling guilty, I invited him into the passenger seat to warm up and handed him tissues to dry off.

“We chatted, and he kept smiling at me. As he left, he hesitated and asked, ‘This seems strange, but could I call you sometime?’

“Thrilled, I gave him my number. Now, four and a half years later, I love Dan more than ever.

“We’ve exchanged commitment rings, and he still looks after my car.”

Laura and Dan will soon be enjoying their prize – a weekend stay at Hotel Du Vin along with complementary meals, cocktails, jewellery, clothes, books and a ceramic pottery class.

It’s all been made possible, says Jacqui, by the generosity of local businesses.

“We’ve done nothing like this before,” she said.

“The businesses that have supported Valentine’s on a fully complimentary basis have been amazing. I can’t thank them enough.

“Times are tough, and for them to offer what they have done and in such a positive way is just the best thing.”

This bodes well for the BID’s upcoming plans as they nail down future themes for the year ahead.

The idea is to build on the success of events like the visit of the Galeón Andalucía tall ship to Poole Quay last year, which brought in plenty of visitors from further afield – only for them to discover what else the town had to offer.

Stay tuned for more promotions in the coming months.

• discoverpoole.com