It’s been announced by Dorset Council that it has finalised a contract with Beryl Bikes for the introduction and management of a bicycle hire scheme covering Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland.
Locations for the bicycle stands are still being worked on and an exact ‘go live’ date we will be announced soon.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched a digital tool to help businesses estimate what registering for VAT may mean for them.
The VAT Registration Estimator has been developed after feedback from small businesses suggested an online tool would be helpful to show when their turnover could require businesses to register for VAT and its effect on profits.
The Chancellor has promised to take immediate action to fix the foundations of the economy, rebuild Britain and make every part of the country better off. She pledged to leaders of some of the UK’s pioneering industries to build growth on strong and secure foundations built on stability, investment and reform, and forged through a new partnership with the private sector.
Homeowners will receive more rights, power and protections over their homes under the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act.
The Act will make it easier and cheaper for leaseholders to buy their freehold, increase standard lease extension terms to 990 years for houses and flats, and provide greater transparency over service charges
The Department for Transport has approved funding for accessibility improvements at Dorchester South Railway Station. This significant investment will enhance the travel experience for all passengers, particularly those with disabilities or mobility challenges.
Following the success of the first round of Dorset Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund grants, are open.
Dorset Council received a total of 64 applications in the previous round, including a number of Dorchester Chamber for Business members. One success story was Minuteman Press in Poundbury.
West Dorset’s MP Chris Loder fears that the 3,500-house North of Dorchester development ‘will happen’ following Dorset Wildlife Trust’s multi-million-pound purchase of 833 acres at Lyscombe Farm – situated 10 miles north of Dorchester.
The biggest ever drive to help employers unlock the talent across Britain will be at the heart of a new Government campaign to create the workforce of the future, the Work and Pensions Secretary unveiled
WhatsApp group chat members are being warned they could be targeted by criminals, as Action Fraud reveals it has received 636 reports from victims of the messaging app this year.
The Liberal Democrats have taken control of Dorset Council following the local elections. It is reported that the new administration will review the controversial car parking price increases adopted by the Conservatives.
Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch, visited West Dorset this week to meet with members of Dorchester Chamber of Business and small business owners across the constituency.
Several changes to employment law took effect from 6 April 2024 covering expanded rights for employees around flexible working, paid and unpaid leave, and protection from redundancy during parental leave.
Accessing finance is becoming more difficult for a large number of SMEs, according to new data.
Around half (49%) of business surveyed who accessed finance felt that getting funding had become more challenging over the past three years. Only 13% said it was getting easier.
Public Consultation regarding the potential merger of Kingston Maurward College and Weymouth College on 1st August 2024 has opened.
The proposed merger will create a more robust financial outlook for the new joint college, and provide a broader pool of resources for students, both in terms of qualifications and resources.
Prime Minister to announce major reform package to boost apprenticeships and cut red tape for thousands of small businesses. Setting out a major package of reforms to support businesses to deliver more apprenticeship places, cut red tape for SMEs and leverage more private investment in female founders.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept of the future. It’s here, and it’s transforming the way businesses operate. For small businesses in Dorset, AI offers a range of opportunities to streamline operations, enhance customer service, and drive growth.
Here our President Steve Bulley looks at five ways small businesses can leverage AI
