Bournemouth Chamber of Trade & Commerce

Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce

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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

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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

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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

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Support your community and volunteer with BCP Council

Support your community and volunteer with BCP Council

There are many volunteering opportunities in the BCP Council area, and we are grateful for the time and energy our volunteers invest in a diverse range of activities. Volunteering gives you the chance to help out your local community, make a difference to other people’s lives, and improve your mental and physical wellbeing.

You can read our Voluntary and Community Sector and Volunteering Strategy and our report on our year one delivery plans.

For volunteer roles within the local community, please visit the Community Action Network (CAN) website.

We have a community volunteering opportunities map, and you can also volunteer within BCP Council through:

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Countdown for 5.7 million customers to file their tax return

Countdown for 5.7 million customers to file their tax return

With less than a month to go to the Self Assessment deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging nearly 5.7 million customers to file their tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year. 

HMRC data shows almost 6.5 million customers have already beaten the Self Assessment clock by filing their tax return including 49,317 customers who used the New Year holiday to get a head start on their tax obligations: 

    • 25,593 customers filed their tax return on New Years Eve, with the most popular time being between 12:00 and 12:59, when 2,677 customers filed
    • 127 customers saw in the New Year by filing their tax return between 00:00 and 00:59 on 1 January
    • 23,724 customers filed on New Year’s Day, with the most filing between 15:00 and 15:59, when 2,354 customers filed

The deadline to file a tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year and pay any tax owed is 31 January 2024. Customers can submit their tax returns and pay any tax owed online at GOV.UK. 

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: 

The clock is ticking for those customers yet to file their tax return. Don’t put it off, kick start the new year by sorting your Self Assessment. Go to GOV.UK and search ‘Self Assessment’ to get started start today.

HMRC has a wide range of resources online including a series of video tutorials on YouTube, help and support on GOV.UK, to support customers in completing their tax return. 

The quickest and easiest way customers can pay their tax bill is via HMRC’s app which is free and secure. Information about the different ways to pay can be found on GOV.UK.

Customers who are unable to pay in full can access support and advice on GOV.UK. HMRC may be able to help by arranging an affordable payment plan, known as Time to Pay for those who owe less than £30,000. Customers can arrange this themselves online. Go to GOV.UK and search “HMRC payment plan” for more information. 

HMRC will consider a customer’s reasons for not being able to meet the deadline. Those who provide HMRC with a reasonable excuse may avoid a penalty. The penalties for late tax returns are: 

    • an initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time
    • after 3 months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900
    • after 6 months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater
    • after 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater

There are also additional penalties for paying late of 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months. Interest will also be charged on any tax paid late.  

Customers need to be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone, including a tax agent, if they have one. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK.

Further information

Find out more about Self Assessment.

During January, we’re supporting customers who have queries about Self Assessment payments, refunds and who need help completing their tax return on our helpline. For all other queries go online where you’ll find guidance, videos and tools that will help you. Go to GOV.UK and search ‘Self Assessment’.

HMRC wants to help you get your tax right. Lots of information and support is available online which includes:

The small minority of customers who require extra support or struggle to engage with us digitally can still speak to an adviser.     

If you think you are no longer required to complete an Self Assessment return, you can check if you need to send a Self Assessment tax return.

Customers should include their bank account details when filing, so that if HMRC needs to make a repayment, they can do so quickly and securely.

It is important that customers let HMRC know of any changes to their circumstances. Customers can use the HMRC app to update their details including a new address or name. Customers also need to let us know if they’ve stopped being self-employed or need to change their business details. This can be done online at GOV.UK.

From 1 January 2024, online selling platforms are required to collect and report seller information and income to HMRC. These digital platforms must report sellers’ income by January 2025. You can read more information on GOV.UK.

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Visit England accessible and inclusive toolkit for tourism businesses

Visit England accessible and inclusive toolkit for tourism businesses

Would you like help with accessibility? Visit England’s toolkit aimed at micro, small and medium sized businesses can be downloaded through the link below. It offers practical guidance on providing everything from designing accessible buildings, employing disabled people, providing an inclusive welcome and creating quality accessibility information.

Download Toolkit

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BCP Council Budget for 2024/25

BCP Council Budget for 2024/25

BCP Council would like to invite their business community, representatives, and other organisations to hear about the process of setting and agreeing the council’s budget for 2024/25, at an online meeting, 9-10am, Friday 2 February 2024.

There will be a presentation and opportunities to put questions to members of the Cabinet, the Chief Executive, Graham Farrant and the Chief Finance Officer and Director of Finance for the Council, Adam Richens.

If you or a representative from your business or organisation would like to join the meeting, please submit your details below and you will be sent a Teams meeting request.

Register Here

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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

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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

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BCP Council has £2.5million to in invest in local businesses. Have you taken advantage of this fund yet?

BCP Council has £2.5million to in invest in local businesses. Have you taken advantage of this fund yet?

Under the UKSPF fund we have match funding grants available of between £500 – £5000. To date, 81 organisations in BCP have been offered grants, and 168 businesses’ have benefitted from our business support.

To see examples of successful grants awarded please click here.

What is the UKSPF?

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. The government has allocated £2.5million for investment in business across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.

What support is available?

    1. A free diagnostic survey and generated report providing valuable insights into the operations of a business.
    2. Signposts and guidance to address any highlighted weaknesses
    3. An opportunity to discuss the diagnostic report with a member of BCP Council’s Economic Development (ED) team or (if eligible) Evolve – a business development and coaching company based in Poole.
    4. Following the diagnostic stage, SMEs will be eligible to apply for a project-based match-funded grant on a competitive basis in one of the following categories (next round closes to applications on 6 July 2023):
    5. start-ups (£500 up to £1,000)
    6. business growth (£1,000 up to £2,500)
    7. research and development for innovative product and service development (£1,000 up to £5,000)
    8. exporting to grow overseas trading (£1,000 up to £5,000)

Eligible businesses

A business’s sole or main place of business must be an address within Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in order to be eligible to apply for support from the UKSPF

More information

Stay up to date regarding the very latest UKSPF news and other business support from us by subscribing to our regular Business News and Information newsletter.

If you have any queries, which cannot be answered by the information on this page or the scheme document, please contact the Economic Development (ED) team by emailing ukspf@bcpcouncil.gov.uk. Due to the demand we are expecting for this support and limited resources there may be a short delay in responding to you. If you are contacting us about an existing registration and/or grant application, please provide your business name and reference number(s). 

If you require a more accessible format to complete the registration and grant application forms, please email ukspf@bcpcouncil.gov.uk to discuss alternative options which may be more suitable.