Bournemouth Chamber of Trade & Commerce

Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce

BELONG. CONNECT. PROSPER

Facebook Linkedin Instagram

Category: Chamber News

Posted on

Radio station tunes in to Bournemouth Chamber

Radio station Bournemouth One tunes in to Bournemouth Chamber

Bournemouth’s new radio station Bournemouth One has become the latest patron of the town’s Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

The station broadcasts across the conurbation and plays the best songs on the radio as well as providing news, weather and travel updates.

Listener numbers have rocketed since the demise of Wave 105 and businesses are queuing to advertise.

It is now the exclusive radio partner of Bournemouth Chamber of Tade and Commerce which is more than 100 years old and was in existence long before the wireless.

It is also growing rapidly and organises a large number of events for its members.

Roy Martin from Bournemouth One said: “We launched in January and cover the Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and East Dorset area. We play the best songs on the radio and have local news, traffic and weather updates. Since Wave 105 finished we have had many more listeners and becoming a patron and radio partner of the Chamber makes complete sense. We want to engage with the business community and look forward to meeting the members.”

Bill Perkins, President of the Chamber, said: “Bournemouth One is our first radio partner and I am an avid listener. Our membership is growing quickly and they are delighted that there is a new local radio station that covers the community. As a Chamber we are determined to promote the town and oil the wheels of business to create new wealth for the benefit of the town and wider conurbation. All new members are welcome of any size – we cater from sole proprietors through to major institutions and organisations.”

From left to right: Sophie Greenwood, Brand Identity Manager at Bournemouth One, Roy Martin, CEO at Bournemouth One and Bill Perkins, President of BCTC

Other news

Posted on

Bournemouth Chamber 2024 AGM & President’s Dinner

Bournemouth Chamber 2024 AGM & President's Dinner

Held at the prestigious venue, The Cumberland Hotel, on Thursday 21st March, the Bournemouth Chamber of Commerce gathered for its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and President’s Dinner. 

At the helm of the Chamber, Bill Perkins has been re-elected as President for another term. His continued leadership promises to steer the Chamber through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, building upon the solid foundation laid during his tenure.

Joining President Perkins in the executive leadership is Matt Maclean, who has been officially voted in as Vice President. With his wealth of marketing experience, Matt’s appointment brings a dynamic perspective to the Chamber’s leadership team.

Furthermore, the AGM saw the appointment of Tina Worthing as a Director, adding her expertise and vision to the Chamber’s board. Worthing’s dedication to advancing the interests of Bournemouth’s business community makes her a valuable addition to the leadership roster.

While these changes mark significant milestones for the Chamber, it’s important to note that all other officers will remain in their respective roles, ensuring continuity and stability in the Chamber’s operations.

Reflecting on the event, President Bill Perkins expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by the Chamber members, stating, “I am honored to continue serving as President of the Bournemouth Chamber of Commerce. Together with our dedicated team of officers and directors, we will work tirelessly to support and promote the interests of our local business community.”

The AGM and President’s Dinner served as a platform for networking, collaboration, and celebration, highlighting the unity and resilience of Bournemouth’s vibrant business ecosystem. 

Photos from the event can be found below.

Matt Maclean (left), Vice-president of BCTC and Bill Perkins (right), President of BCTC

Other news

Posted on

Sweet chamber music in Dorset

Sweet chamber music in Dorset

Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce has become the latest associate Chamber of Dorset Chamber.

It is the ninth town chamber to join the umbrella organisation for the county’s businesses.

The two heads of the organisations believe it is important to work as one on some important issues.

Bill Perkins, president of the Bournemouth Chamber, and Dorset Chamber Chief Executive Ian Girling, also agreed that clear lines of communication to the business community is one major benefit.

Bill said: “Like Dorset chamber we are growing quickly and adding members.

“Interestingly we are gaining members from outside Bournemouth as well as within the town.

“Our face-to-face networking events are popular and I think people have now fully accepted that events online are no replacement for actually meeting people.

“The association with Dorset chamber made complete sense and it is a formalisation of a relationship we’ve had for some time.

“When it comes to lobbying and communicating messages it is better for all our members when we work as one.”

Ian added: “Bournemouth Chamber plays an important role as a voice for business and this connection makes complete sense.

“Together we are stronger and can formulate campaigns and lobbying that benefit us all.

“This year will be of great importance and we are looking ahead to the Budget next month and a likely General Election.

“Both events will have an impact on the business community.”

Ian Girling (left), Chief Executive of Dorset Chamber, and Bill Perkins, President of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce

Other news

Posted on

Bournemouth Chamber’s Soccer Sponsorship

Bournemouth Chamber’s Soccer Sponsorship

Bournemouth Athletic FC will be kicking off next year wearing new shirts sponsored by the Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce (BCTC).

The Pelhams-based outfit are currently flying high in Division 3 of the MA Hart Bournemouth Football League.

The new shirts are emblazoned with the Chamber’s logo and will help increase the profile of the business membership organisation.

Matt Maclean from BCTC said: “When we heard the first team was looking for a shirt sponsor, we felt it was a good fit.

Bournemouth Athletic is one of the oldest and most respected Sunday clubs in the area and the Chamber goes back more than a century. There is a lot of synergy between us.

The team plays in the Bournemouth Football League where our logo will receive lots of exposure.

We are experiencing exciting times with the Chamber as lots of new businesses come onboard.

It’s our goal to build the organisation to benefit all our members and the local economy – and we hope Bournemouth Athletic’s goals will help boost our presence in the town.”

The team’s manager, John McKay, said: “We had been looking for a new sponsor and were really pleased when the Chamber offered such a prestigious sponsorship.

Considering the respective reputations and histories, we expect our partnership to be mutually beneficial and enhance our joint profiles.

Wearing such a beautiful kit, with all the players looking so professional really does help our performances on the pitch, and it assists in forging a tight team unit.”

Matt Maclean, Vice-President of Bournemouth Chamber with Bournemouth Athletic’s skipper Ben Donohue

Other news

Posted on

Joining Bournemouth Chamber just adds up

Joining Bournemouth Chamber just adds up

TaxAssist Accountants has become the latest patron of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

Established in Poole for more than a decade, the company now has an office in Bournemouth and will soon open one in Christchurch.

Run by the highly experienced David and Adele Pearce, TaxAssist delivers personalised and professional accounting and tax services.

TaxAssist Accountants works with sole traders through to large SMEs and has spread its wings across the BCP area.

David/Adele said:
“Even though we are a local business in our own right, we are part of the TaxAssist Franchise group which is the 22nd largest accountancy firm in the UK.

“This means clients get that personal touch, but also the technical support and know-how of a larger organisation.

“Since we bought the business two years ago we have spread from Poole into Bournemouth and joined the Chamber as a way to meet new businesses.

“The events have proved very productive and opened our eyes further to the variety and number of successful companies in the area.

“Bournemouth Chamber is growing and is the voice of business in the town and we want to be a part of that.

“We are and will continue to be an approachable business that people can just call and talk to.”

Matt Maclean, Vice-President of the Chamber, said: “Everyone knows in business that they can’t be successful without their accounts being done properly.

“TaxAssist brings financial expertise to the Chamber as patrons and we’re extremely pleased to have them on board.

“We have a growing number of patrons and members who are helping each other as well as the local economy.

“The Chamber runs events and networking opportunities and we’d welcome any new members who would like to join.”

L-R Matt Maclean, Vice-President of Bournemouth Chamber, Adele & David Pearce from TaxAssist

Other news

Posted on

Air festival gives Bournemouth wings

Air festival gives Bournemouth wings

Bournemouth Air Festival has been hailed as a huge success by the town’s Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

Bill Perkins, the Chamber President, said figures he’s seen show the festival increased visitor spending by more than £50m, and that Poole and Christchurch also benefited.

More than 600,000 people attended the four-day event that extends the summer season, boosting the hospitality industry that was so hard hit during the pandemic.

This year the weather was mainly kind and the festival boasted a large variety of aircraft.

In its 15 year history the event has become a fixture in the aviation calendar and it is the biggest seafront air show in the country.

The cliffs allow visitors to view aircraft from a different perspective and enthusiasts flock to the town.

Bill said: “Although it rained on the first day we were blessed with good weather for the rest of the weekend.

“Hotels were almost all completely booked and you can’t underestimate the importance of this for the sector that was hit so hard by the lockdowns.

“The festival effectively extends the tourist season for another week and this makes a huge difference.

“The entire seafront was packed with stalls doing business and all this helps create a major boost for the local economy.

“Poole, Christchurch and other towns and villages benefited as visitors explored, or took boats to watch the airplanes.

“The hospitality sector is what the town was built upon and that is why it needs policy to help it wherever it can.

“Thousands are employed in it, many of them young people, and without the air festival these jobs and shifts wouldn’t exist.”

Bill Perkins, BCTC President

Other news

Posted on

Have Your Say on BCP’s vision, priorities and objectives

Have Your Say on BCP’s vision, priorities and objectives

We all know that we live and work in a place brimming with potential. From Highcliffe to Hamworthy, Broadstone to Boscombe this is not one town or three – but somewhere that celebrates multiple identities, cultures and opportunities at the same time. It’s a place where people aspire to stay – as residents, visitors, students, or businesses. 

There are a number of ways you can take part and give us your views, we would like you to do as many as you are able to.

    • Our Survey use the survey to tell us your views on our draft vision, priorities and objectives, suggest changes and tell us anything we’ve missed.
    • Our ideas wall – use the ideas wall to tell us what you think we can do to achieve the objectives.
    • Share you story – we are inviting you to tell us what it’s like for you running a business in the area. Share with us what works and what could do with improvement.

Here is the link Our vision, priorities and objectives | Have Your Say Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (bcpcouncil.gov.uk)

We would also like to ask you to promote this to your workforce – it’s important we hear from people living and working in the area. Please will you support by promoting either on your intranet, email or the poster attached.

 Thank you for your support.

Other news

Posted on

Bournemouth Chamber has new patron

Bournemouth Chamber has new patron

UK press office specialist Deep South Media has become a patron of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

The consultancy is staffed by former news journalists and offers wide-ranging PR services as well as photography, video, design and content creation.

In its 25th year, the firm is also media partner to Dorset Chamber and is looking for ward to working with the town’s Chamber.

Bournemouth’s largest business sector is professional and business services – and tourism, hospitality and financial services are also important.

There is also a burgeoning digital sector that attracts many young workers because of the location.
Bournemouth Chamber is more than 100 years old and is attracting new members who are bringing a fresh energy.

Ron Wain, managing director of Deep South Media, said: “Our long-standing relationship with Dorset Chamber has generated great ROI.

“And with Bournemouth Chamber attracting new members we hope that it too will lead to new business.

“Already we are working with one if its patrons and hope to create new relationships.

“We were formed in the town and have always had Bournemouth clients, and while we now serve much of the south and UK, this is very much home turf.

“There is vast potential for the town in many areas and we fully intend to play our part as we have done for a quarter of a century.”

Bill Perkins, President of the Chamber, said: “Deep South Media is a well respected business in the town and brings vast experience and expertise.

“As a town we are still recovering from the pandemic and associated lockdowns, but there is a great energy about the place.

“As a Chamber we are determined to promote the town and oil the wheels of business to create new wealth for the benefit of the town and wider conurbation.

“All new members are welcome of any size – we cater from sole proprietors through to major institutions and organisations.

“We organise networking opportunities and business breakfasts, offer business support, information, training and development, and there are numerous other benefits of being a member.”

Bill Perkins, Bournemouth Chamber President, and Ron Wain, Managing Director of Deep South Media

Other news

Posted on

Bournemouth Chamber Welcomes A New Patron

Martyn Houldsworth of Digitize (left) and Bill Perkins from Bournemouth Chamber

A digital marketing company has become the latest patron of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

Digitize, a relatively new business set up by two experienced marketeers, will also be helping promote the chamber. Founders Martyn Houldsworth and Matt Maclean have worked locally in various businesses and came together to fill a gap in the market.

Digitize builds websites, undertakes re-branding, conducts ‘competitor research’ and uses the latest social media platforms for marketing. It has a growing client base of SMEs in the Bournemouth and wider region and prides itself on explaining things in easily-understandable language

Martyn said: “From launching in 2021 we have grown quickly which has shown us that our offering is desirable.

“Joining Bournemouth Chamber of Commerce was a natural progression as our business grows – and being a patron provides even more benefits.

“Already we have made some great contacts and have agreed to help promote the chamber and assist with its website.

“Bournemouth is a great place for businesses for a number of reasons, but particularly because of its seaside location, supply of university graduates and the variety of sectors represented. We’d like more members to join and help build a stronger network.”

Bill Perkins, president of the chamber, said: “Digitize brings new energy to the chamber as well as skills in high demand.

“I’d love to welcome other businesses to the chamber. The chamber was founded more than a century ago and we have a variety of members, from sole proprietorships and locally owned independent businesses to major institutions and organisations.

“We organise networking opportunities and business breakfasts, offer business support, information, training and development, and there are numerous other benefits of being a member.”

Posted on

She rocked it! Jacqui is to step down as BCTC President after two years with Bill taking over

She rocked it! Jacqui is to step down as BCTC President after two years with Bill taking over

A leadership change is to take place at Bournemouth Chamber of Trade & Commerce.

Jacqui Rock, President, is moving on after two years at the helm. Bill Perkins, the current Treasurer. has been appointed to the role. Yvonne Devereux remains as Vice President for the coming year.

The handover will take place during the AGM followed by a black-tie President’s Dinner on Thursday March 23.

The event, at The Cumberland Hotel from 6:30pm, includes a three-course dinner with wine followed by Susie Kimber entertaining the guests.

Announcing the change, Bill said: “Jacqui has played an instrumental role in growing the membership though sourcing grant funding which has been put to good use by creating new and reinstating historic trading districts in the conurbation.

“Additionally, she has been influential in obtaining a new business support programme soon to be rolled out to position us as a business hub in support of our members via video training and learning.

“We thank her for her two-year Presidency and I look forward to progressing this, and other projects, in our onward journey to strengthen and boost local business.

“In the meantime we wish her the very best in her future endeavours.”

Jacqui said: “Bournemouth Chamber today serves our members in a wide range of sectors.

“This would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the guidance of the Chamber Board of Directors.

“As I move to pursue new interests I thank the Board, who are all volunteers, for their dedication and commitment to achieve growth and to widen our geographic outreach.”

Pictured at last year’s AGM: left to right (seated) Jacqui Rock, Bill Perkins, Yvonne Devereux, Roger Smith. Standing (left to right) Matt Maclean and David King. Picture: DK Capture.

Other news