Hello BID Levy payers, just a few words to introduce myself as the new Chairman of the BID. My name is John Fiori and I have been owner of THWTR Umbrella for 11 years having come from London having run a Restaurant for over 20 years. My beginning in catering was 7 years at The Savoy Hotel in London which was immensely rewarding. I have a wife and 2 Labradors and live near Sherborne.

I have been part of Dorchester BID for 6/7 years being Interim Chairman after our former Chairman Peter Legg suddenly passed away, It is an honour to once again be asked to be Chair as I think it will be both a rewarding and a demanding role. With the help of my fellow voluntary Directors we hope to help levy payers reap the benefits of a vibrant Dorchester.

Dont forget Christmas Cracker is coming up soon on the 3rd of December so, to all you shop keepers and business owners in Dorchester, try to make the most of the seasonal spirit. To all of our regular local visitors and those who come from afar, the town welcomes you, thanks you for your custom over the year and I hope that you enjoy exploring Dorchester in the run up to Christmas to do some of your Christmas shopping.

In the new year, together with the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce we are going ahead with the 2nd Retail Business awards in March next year. This was a new initiative this year and has already helped to ‘raise the Bar’ for customer service in Dorchester and as well as giving those businesses already doing a great job some well-deserved recognition it has also helped others identify what they need to change or improve to excel further.

On behalf of the Directors, Project Director and Finance Secretary we wish all our Levy Payers and the town of Dorchester a very Merry Christmas and prosperous and healthy New Year - John Fiori DBID Chairman.