The Swanage Chamber of Trade is already seeing benefits from their Associate Membership of the Dorset Chamber of Trade.
Copies of the Dorset Business Magazine and regular emailed newsletters are bringing together businesses, training providers, information sources and business links that had not previously reached into this area.
The Swanage Community Strategic Plan has just been launched and it is 20-year plan that has been developed through extensive consultation with residents and visitors.
It was prepared under the Market & Coastal Towns Initiative by a working group drawn from the local community and independent of the Parish and District Councils. The Swanage Chamber has been very active in helping to formulate the Plan and to ensure that the economic objectives of the plan reflect the future needs of business in Swanage.
The town faces a number of challenges. It has a high percentage of older residents yet needs to provide housing for people in to provide the trades and services needed. It is particularly difficult where the demand for second homes and a protected environment create high property prices.
However a number of projects derived from the Plan are already under way. A Food Festival for June 2008, a common Sustainability Policy agreed between the Chamber, the Accommodation Association and the LVA. Also improved information links between the businesses throughout the town.
Ian Allen c/o Bournemouth Daily Echo Richmond Hill Bournemouth Dorset BH2 6HH 01929 427428 |
Bob McGhee |
01929 427428 |