Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce the voice of the south Dorset business community …
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Doing business in south Dorset
Weymouth and Portland is a thriving coastal area and an exciting place to live and work. The area blends the outstanding natural beauty of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site with easy access to the major conurbation of Poole and Bournemouth, along with a mainline railway service to London.
About WPCC
The Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting economic growth in Weymouth and Portland by helping to provide an environment in which businesses can thrive.
We exist for the benefit of our members, who range from sole traders to national brands. Our members also include charities and other not-for-profit organisations, such as schools and colleges.
There are around 2,000 businesses in Weymouth and Portland, two thirds of which employ no more than four people.
Events & Meetings
We run a busy calendar of networking, social and training events all year round. The mainstay of our schedule is our Business Breakfast, an extremely popular networking meeting held ten times a year (monthly, excluding January and August). These meetings take place the first Tuesday of the month at various member venues with presentations from sponsors and keynote speakers.
Other activities include Business Tours of member venues, giving local firms the opportunity to share hat they have to offer with other businesses in this fast paced environment. We also hold education and apprenticeship events, along with a variety of social gatherings and trips, including an annual Christmas dinner.
Becoming a member
Becoming a member of the WPCC is a great opportunity for your voice to be heard on some of the most important topics affecting business in our area. Through meetings, website discussions, polls and forums we want to hear what you have to say alongside like minded people in your area.
You’ll be able to receive advice and support from our friendly and welcoming WPCC Executive Committee, and also mentoring and business support.
Help shape the future of Weymouth and Portland!
The voice of business in South Dorset
Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce AGM 2020
Venue: Dorset Burger Company
To see the minutes showing the President Craig Oakes speech and that of the outgoing treasurer, Mike House follow this link; https://www.wpchamber.co.uk/agm-2020-minutes/
The following members form the Chamber executive committee for 2020.
Election of Officers and Executive Committee for 2020
President Craig Oakes conducted the election of Officers and the Executive Committee for 2020.
Officers:
Senior Vice-President: Julia Cohen of Weymouth College
Junior Vice President: Rick Simonds of Wessex FM
Treasurer: Brodie Cook of Albert Goodman Accountants and Advisors
Chamber Executive Committee (in no order):
Cherise Luke-Bennett of Nantes Solicitors
Alan Cheesman of WR Cockings Electrical
Clive Garman of Sherrens the Printers
Paul Appleby of Appleby Technical Services
Trevor Matthews of Wessex Film Productions
Nicholas Spence of Vaspba Remote Piloted Systems Ltd
Fiona Hansford of Weldmar Hospicecare
Meggie Crane of Blanchards Bailey
Julie Cleaver of Popcorn Marketing
Laura Bell of Dream Cottages
Josephine Parker of Frontline Recruitment
Honorary roles to the Chamber
Honorary Auditors & Accountants – Albert Goodman
Honorary Solicitors – Pengillys
Administration, Communication and Membership – Guy Bridge, (non-exec.) info@wpchamber.co.uk
Chamber visit to Bournemouth Air Festival
Summer August 2020 TBC – tickets subject to current regulations
What a truly amazing day we had at our Summer 2019 day out with a full program put together with Pure Networking Bournemouth who put on Bournemouth Air Fest VIP.
From the very beginning we were made to feel extra special after being served Tattinger Champagne as a starter and given a great table to watch some pretty tremendous air stunts, including Lancaster’s, hurricanes and spitfires.
Then the party started. Entertained by the quite delightful Abi Rose Sax and the amazing legend that is Angie Brown. You too could join the President and have a go on Rock Reef’s incredible Zipwire.
Our members
Quick news
New grants application for businesses starts
Dorset Council have provided the following important information: Businesses that were not eligible for Government funding through previous COVID related financial support schemes are being invited to apply for business support funding through the discretionary grant...
Regency Purchasing Group – new members – newsletter
RPG Newsletter Plus Pricing & Market Movement May 2020 Welcome to new member Carole Stainforth from Regency Purchasing Group https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-stainforth-89031617/
Staffing your business during a Pandemic – Your Questions answered
Blanchards Bailey present online, use this link: In this free webinar, our HR and Employment experts will be tackling a range of issues relating to businesses easing out of lockdown and returning to a “new normal", as well as Health and Safety requirements and risk...
Weymouth College Virtual Open Day – 6th June
Campus may be temporarily closed so we can’t show you around in person – but you can still join us for our Virtual Open Day – 6th June – take an online campus tour, get details on all our courses, see what our current students have been doing, make an online course...
Free Counselling and Advice available
Members here are offering individual and online counselling and advice Alison Fox Counselling Services Dorset The ethos of my business is and always will be, to give a minimum of 10% of my time, free of charge, to people who are experiencing difficulties, with their...
SaveTheHighStreet.org – COVID 19 Recovery & Resilience Health Check Survey
Introducing SaveTheHighStreet.org --- COVID 19 Recovery & Resilience Health Check Survey! In the light of high streets beginning to plan for re-opening, we are evaluating what businesses are doing, could be doing and should be doing to ensure the are resilient...
Testimonials
Nick Spence from Vaspba Remote Piloted ystems Ltd
“I joined the Exec as I felt that I could add to the already broad spectrum of business owners giving vast and varied experience from many sectors. Being on the Exec gives a good insight as to what is going on in the Chamber and the regular meetings gives us a chance to express our views.”
“The WPCC
Trevor Matthews from Wessex Films
“I have been on the Chamber Executive over the years. It is a very good connection for trading and keeping up with the lastest Business developments happening in the local commercial community
WPCC is an excellent organisation to be a member of.”
Executive Officers
Rick Simmonds
Junior Vice President
Craig Oakes
President
Julia Cohen
Vice President
Contact us
Use the form to get in touch with us and ask any questions you might have.
Alternatively, you can call us on 07730 135973.
Opening times:
Mon – Fri
0900 – 1700