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COMPLIMENTARY

ISSN 2752-6313 (Print) | ISSN 2752-6321 (Online)

DORSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY OFFICIAL BUSINESS MAGAZINE ISSUE 82, Q3 2026

DORSET’S EVOLVING LANDSCAPE TECH, ENTREPREUNERSHIP AND GROWTH

FROM DORSET TO THE WORLD: THE CROWDCOMMS STORY

AI CYBERCRIMINALS ARE COMING FOR UK BUSINESSES, SO MASTER THE BASICS

HAMWORTHY ENGINEERING: A NEW CHAPTER FOR DORSET

DORSET BUSINESS FOCUS

CONTENTS 8

AFC Bournemouth prepares for Europe

Can Directors Go Their Own Way? Supreme Court Guidance on Directors’ Duties and Board Decision Making

President’s Column

Fischer Panda Expands Portable Power Offering with Instagrid Partnership

“My business is too small for a hacker to waste their time on.”

Global data centres: where the next wave of AI capacity will be built

AI cybercriminals are coming for UK businesses, so it’s time to master the basics

Helpful Hounds Revives Life-Changing Assistance Dog Programme

The Confident Manager reaches No. 2 on Amazon UK bestseller list

New Skills Plan for Dorset

Getting real with ‘hallucinated’ case law

Celebrations Across the Chamber Community

Dorset Chamber welcomes new members

46-47

New Faces, New Places

48-49

International Trade

50, 51, 53

Events round-up

58-60

Business Directory

Why Do Some Businesses Grow Faster with the Same Technology?

The CrowdComms Story

College’s stunning £37m restoration combines historic landmark with cutting edge learning

Hamworthy Engineering: A New Chapter for Dorset

Dorset students to help local businesses make the most of AI

54-55

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Q3 2026 | Dorset Business Focus

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EDITORIAL

Caroline Sharp

caroline.sharp @dorsetchamber.co.uk

Elizabeth Hearn liz.hearn @dorsetchamber.co.uk

About the magazine Dorset Business Focus magazine is the most widely read business publication in the Dorset business community with a readership of over 10k+. Packed full of great articles, it features the latest news from our diverse membership. Dorset Chamber members can upload content for consideration by the editorial team to feature in the magazine. Visit our website and submit your news articles for a chance to feature in the next issue of the magazine: www.dorsetchamber.co.uk/news/ submit-your-news/ You can also read the digital version of the magazine on our website.

Chamber House, Acorn Office Park Ling Road, Poole, Dorset BH12 4NZ T. 01202 714800 W. www.dorsetchamber.co.uk

DESIGN, PRODUCTION AND SALES Production Manager Ben Pulford ben@pulfordpublicity.co.uk

Welcome There is a lot to be proud of in Dorset. From innovative businesses developing new products and services, to companies exporting around the world, creating jobs and investing in their communities, Dorset businesses continue to punch well above their weight. What often strikes me is the sheer diversity of talent and ambition we have here – from ambitious start-ups and family businesses to some genuinely world-class organisations. That is why this edition of Dorset Business Focus is all about Pride in Dorset. It is a chance to recognise the people and businesses making a difference, not just locally but on a national and global stage. But pride also comes with responsibility. This summer has reminded us that our environment is changing. The exceptionally dry and hot weather has been challenging for many businesses, from agriculture and tourism to those facing increased costs, water pressures, supply-chain disruption and impacts on their workforce. These are not simply environmental issues – they are business issues. We need to understand climate change, its potential impact on our economy and our individual businesses, and importantly, what we can do about it. That does not mean every business needs to have all the answers. It does mean we should be thinking about resilience, adapting where we can and looking for opportunities to innovate. Dorset has a strong track record of doing exactly that. So, while we should absolutely celebrate what makes us proud of Dorset, we should also look forward. Our ambition must be to build a Dorset economy that is innovative, resilient, sustainable and confident enough to compete on the global stage. There is plenty to be proud of – and plenty still to achieve.

With best wishes Ian

Lead Designer Louis Pulford louis@pulfordpublicity.co.uk

Media Sales Simon Thornton 01202 941 470

Be part of Dorset’s leading business support organisation Joining Dorset Chamber is a valuable and powerful investment for any business. Engaging with us and using membership to its full potential brings demonstrable business benefits.

To find out more contact membership@dorsetchamber.co.uk | 01202 714818

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Why Do Some Businesses Grow Faster with the Same Technology? Growth isn’t limited by technology alone. It’s shaped by the people, processes and expertise behind it. Is technology the problem - or is it capacity? When a business starts to grow, it’s natural to ask whether the technology can keep up. The focus often goes straight to systems, software, infrastructure and automation. While these all matter, they are rarely the only reason growth starts to feel harder. More often, the challenge is having the time, expertise and headspace to keep improving as the business changes. Systems can be upgraded, but without the right capacity around them, even good technology can start to feel like it is holding the business back. Growth changes expectations. As organisations expand, they accumulate more users, data, applications and operational complexity. What worked for 30 employees may start to show limitations at 100, not because the technology is wrong, but because the demands placed upon it have changed. What changes as a business grows? As businesses grow, leaders need greater visibility, teams need accurate information, and customers expect seamless experiences. Security and resilience also become more important as customers, suppliers and regulators raise expectations around cybersecurity, compliance and risk. 6

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In that environment, technology can no longer simply keep the business running. It needs to help protect it, inform it and support the people trying to move it forward. Why do improvement projects often stall? For many internal IT teams, that is easier said than done. They are supporting users, resolving issues, maintaining systems, managing security and responding to day-to-day demands, while also trying to find time for the strategic work that drives long-term progress. That is when improvement projects slip. Automation gets delayed, reporting remains manual, and opportunities to strengthen security or improve efficiency are postponed.

Technology continues to support the business, but struggles to move it forward. This is not usually a capability problem. In many cases, the knowledge and ambition already exist within the organisation. The challenge is finding the capacity to focus on what is next while still supporting what is needed today. Is capacity the missing piece? The organisations that scale most successfully tend to think beyond systems alone. Rather than focusing only on technology investments, they consider whether they have the time, expertise and resources needed to keep improving them. That matters when technology is evolving

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quickly. From AI tools to changing security requirements and growing expectations around data and insight, standing still is rarely an option. Businesses need space for strategic thinking and change, rather than allowing day-to-day demands to consume every available hour. Technology that grows starts with people Ultimately, technology that grows with your business is not simply about choosing the right platform, application or tool. It is about creating an environment where technology can continue to improve, adapt and deliver value as the organisation changes. That means giving the people responsible for technology the time, support and expertise to think beyond today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities. The businesses best positioned for sustainable growth are rarely those with the most technology. They are the ones that create the capacity to continually adapt, improve and move forward. At Enhanced, we’re an employee-owned IT partner helping organisations build technology that works harder for the people behind the business. When the day-to-day leaves little room for progress, we can help create the capacity to keep things moving. www.enhanced.co.uk | hello@enhanced.co.uk

3 Months of Unlimited IT Support for Dorset Chamber Members Whether you’re dealing with day-to-day IT frustrations, planning for growth, or simply want expert support on hand when you need it, Enhanced has got you covered. Dorset Chamber members can access three months of unlimited IT support from their friendly, local team - helping you resolve issues faster, reduce disruption and keep your business moving forward. Minimum contract applies. Excludes onboarding, managed security services and associated software costs.

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A new frontier:

AFC Bournemouth prepares for Europe This season will see AFC Bournemouth compete in European football for the first time in the club’s history. It is a landmark moment for everyone connected with the club and one that players, staff and supporters are hugely excited about. European qualification is another significant step in AFC Bournemouth’s journey. For supporters who have followed the club through the divisions, the prospect of travelling overseas to watch the Cherries play competitive football is something that would have been difficult to imagine not too long ago. For those working at the club, it also brings a completely new challenge. European football affects almost every department at AFC Bournemouth. There are new requirements around travel, ticketing, media, commercial activity, hospitality, supporter services and football operations, as well as a detailed set of UEFA regulations that the club needs to follow. A lot of work has therefore been taking place behind the scenes to make sure the club is ready. Many of the processes are new to us and there has been plenty to learn, but that is part

of the excitement of qualifying for Europe for the first time. Staff across the club have embraced the challenge and worked together to prepare for something AFC Bournemouth has never experienced before. Unlike clubs that have been competing regularly in Europe for many years, the club is building its own processes and experiencing many of these occasions for the first time. That applies just as much to welcoming European opposition to Vitality Stadium as it does to taking the club and our supporters to matches Overseas. On the pitch, European football gives our players the opportunity to represent AFC Bournemouth against clubs from across the continent and experience different teams, stadiums and styles of football. For our supporters, it will hopefully provide some unforgettable memories. Many have been with the club through the highs and lows and will now have the

Wherever we travel, we will be representing our supporters and the place we call home. We are proud to have Bournemouth on the European stage and we want to represent it in the right way. 8

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opportunity to watch AFC Bournemouth play competitive fixtures overseas for the first time. The club know how much that means to people and want them to enjoy every part of it. There is also a real sense of pride in seeing Bournemouth’s name in a major European competition for the entire town and local community. Wherever we travel, we will be representing our supporters and the place we call home. We are proud to have Bournemouth on the European stage and we want to represent it in the right way. There is no doubt that European football will be a test. The club will be balancing a busy domestic schedule with European fixtures and taking on a range of new challenges away from the pitch. There is a real enthusiasm to learn and make the most of the opportunity. This is the first European campaign in AFC Bournemouth’s history. That is something we will only ever get to say once and everyone at the club, together with the town, should be looking forward to experiencing it together. www.afcb.co.uk

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From Dorset to the World:

The CrowdComms Story CrowdComms may now have offices across the UK, Ireland, North America and Australia, with a growing presence in the Nordics, but its heart remains firmly in Dorset. Founded in 2011 by Dee Brannick, Peter Hair and Felix Stroud-Allen, CrowdComms began as an event technology business and expanded internationally during its early years. By the time CEO Matt Allen joined in 2016, the company was already operating internationally, but it was a much smaller business, with its technology offering largely centred around the event app. One of the biggest turning points came that same year, when CrowdComms made the decision to invest more heavily in developing its own technology. “We were backing ourselves to have the strategic intelligence to develop a product,” Matt explains. “Believing in ourselves to back a much more ambitious project was a real turning point.” That decision proved particularly important a few years later. CrowdComms had chosen early on to build a web-based solution, putting the business in a strong position when the pandemic transformed the events industry almost overnight. The team was able to

quickly adapt its technology to virtual and hybrid events and solve an entirely new set of challenges for its clients. For Matt, the potential for CrowdComms to keep growing globally was clear from the Start: “I believed there was a position for a UKbased software development hub to create solutions that could be used not just within Europe, but globally.” Today, that journey continues. Most recently, CrowdComms has expanded further into Scandinavia through the acquisition of long-standing Nordic partner EventEye.But scaling into new markets has brought plenty of lessons. One of the biggest, Matt says, is recognising that success isn’t simply about taking the same product into a different country. “Having a good product is not enough. You need to understand how you present that product. The value people perceive, and what they want from a product, is different.”Building relationships, awareness and trust takes time, particularly when entering a new territory. Matt’s advice to other Dorset businesses looking to grow internationally is simple: believe in your product and your people, be ambitious, but be patient.Listening has also

Meet the CrowdComms team and the tech in action at Dorset Chamber events. Use the event code to access the app, create your profile, explore who’s attending, arrange meetings and keep track of new contacts - all in one place.

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been fundamental to CrowdComms’ growth. “I remember talking to other event tech companies who said our responsibility is to innovate. I’ve always said that our responsibility is to listen.” Understanding customers’ changing challenges and building technology around those needs has shaped much of CrowdComms’ product development over the years. Despite its global footprint, Dorset remains home. CrowdComms recently moved its headquarters from Blandford Forum to a new office in Sturminster Newton, giving the growing team more space while keeping the business firmly rooted in the county.But the connection goes beyond logistics. “I’m passionate about Dorset and I’m passionate about the people that are here. This is the heart of our organisation.” And the setting itself can occasionally cause confusion on international calls.“We sit on calls and people say, ‘Wow, what’s that backdrop?’ And I say, ‘That’s not a picture. That’s the window. That’s countryside. That’s trees and fields.” For Matt, though, the people remain the biggest source of pride. Seeing colleagues grow professionally and personally alongside the business is one of the clearest signs of how far CrowdComms has come. Looking ahead, the focus is on continued UK growth while building momentum in North America and Scandinavia. The ambitions may be global, but CrowdComms remains firmly rooted in Dorset. www.crowdcomms.com

“I’m passionate about Dorset and I’m passionate about the people that are here. This is the heart of our organisation.” /dorsetchamber

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Can Directors Go Their Own Way?

Supreme Court Guidance on Directors’ Duties and Board Decision Making A recent UK Supreme Court decision in Saxon Woods Investments Limited and others v Costa has provided some important guidance. The Court considered whether a director who genuinely believed he was acting in the company’s best interests could still breach his duties if he pursued that objective in a way that undermined the board’s agreed strategy. What Happened? The case arose out of a proposed sale of a company, Spring Media Investments Limited. The chairman believed that delaying the sale would ultimately lead to a better outcome for shareholders. Rather than openly putting that view to the board and seeking support for a different approach, he took steps behind the scenes to delay the sale process whilst giving the impression that the agreed strategy was still being followed. The Supreme Court found that this conduct breached his duties as a director. Why Does This Matter? One of the core directors’ duties is to act in good faith to promote the success of the company. According to the Court, that duty is not just about the outcome a director is trying to achieve. It is also about how they go about achieving it. A director cannot mislead colleagues, withhold information or work against an agreed board strategy simply because they believe their approach is better for the company. A Reminder That Boards Make Decisions Collectively The case reinforces a fundamental principle of corporate governance: boards make decisions collectively. Directors are expected to challenge, question and disagree where necessary. However, if a director disagrees with a decision, the answer is to raise those concerns openly within the

boardroom, not to pursue an alternative strategy behind the scenes. Transparency, openness and accountability are not simply examples of good practice. They form part of the framework that allows boards to function effectively. What Should Directors Take Away from the Decision? If you disagree with the board’s strategy, raise your Transparency, openness and concerns openly. Ensure relevant information is accountability are not simply shared with fellow directors. Be cautious about taking unilateral action on examples of good practice. They strategically important matters. Remember that form part of the framework that delegated authority does not remove accountability to the board. Focus not allows boards to function effectively. only on outcomes, but also on the process by which decisions are reached. Why Process Matters Good governance is not simply about making the “right” decision. It is about ensuring decisions are reached through an open, transparent and accountable process. Directors may have strong views about the right way forward, but the route taken to reach that outcome matters just as much as the outcome itself. More Than a Corporate Governance Lesson Although the case concerned a company director, the underlying principles will be familiar to anyone involved in governance. The importance of transparency, collective decision-making and acting in the organisation’s best interests applies equally to shareholders, trustees and other fiduciaries. If this case raises questions, get in touch with the Lester Aldridge Corporate & Commercial team at www.lesteraldridge.com.

Directors may have strong views about the right way forward, but the route taken to reach that outcome matters just as much as the outcome itself. more news online - www.dorsetchamber.co.uk/news

Alexandra Bray, Associate in the Corporate & Commercial team at Lester Aldridge

DORSET BUSINESS FOCUS / NEWS

Hamworthy Engineering: A New Chapter for Dorset Fraser Scott, CEO, Hamworthy

More than a century after Hamworthy Engineering was founded in Poole, one of Dorset’s best-known engineering names returned on 1 June as an independent company. Today, simply known as Hamworthy, the company provides water and waste management systems for ships and offshore installations worldwide, helping the maritime industry manage its environmental impact and keep the oceans cleaner. CEO Fraser Scott discusses the company’s Dorset roots, its people and partnerships, and how Hamworthy is building on more than 100 years of engineering heritage.

Q: What does leading Hamworthy’s return mean to you? I started my engineering career at Davy McKee in Poole in 1988 and have held positions in automation, aviation and the marine sector. UK engineering and manufacturing have faced challenging times over the decades, so seeing Hamworthy reinvigorated as an employer in the area means a lot.

Q: How do you build on more than a century of Hamworthy history? The thread running through Hamworthy has always been engineering excellence and doing things extremely well. Technology changes, but that mindset shouldn’t. In 1914 there were no computers or PLCs; today we’re exploring AI and machine learning. We’re using the tools now available while maintaining the same focus on product, performance and service. That’s how we respect the legacy while continuing to evolve.

Q: Why is Dorset still the right home for a global business? The south coast has an extraordinary maritime heritage, and Poole has a particular affinity with the sea. That matters for a business focused on protecting the marine environment. But our skills base goes much wider than maritime and engineering. We recruit people in finance, HR, marketing and other disciplines from across the area, bringing different experiences and ideas into Hamworthy, while developing the next generation through apprenticeships, graduates and interns.

Technology changes, but that mindset shouldn’t. In 1914 there were no

Q: What makes Hamworthy’s culture special? We have people who have spent decades here. I recently celebrated a colleague’s 40th anniversary, alongside people just starting their careers. Nurturing new talent is essential, particularly as we grow. One recent starter told me they had never joined a company where people were so willing to help them settle in and understand the business. That says a lot about our culture.

Q: How important are local partnerships to Hamworthy? Many of our products were designed here around local supply chains, and as manufacturing became global, we retained relationships with Dorset suppliers and took that journey together. Some have grown from local suppliers into international businesses in their own right. I’d like to think Hamworthy played a part in that growth.

Q: What would success look like over the next decade? I’d like every person leaving work to be able to answer yes to the question: “Did we make a difference today?” Little by little, we should be creating positive change. Ultimately, I’d like our customers to say Hamworthy helped change how the maritime industry treats the oceans it sails across. Personally, seeing this team achieve that together would give me an enormous sense of satisfaction.

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President’s Column by Gareth Sherwood

Re:connect 2026 Showcases Strength of Dorset’s Growing Tech Community More than 110 business leaders, technology professionals, students and digital innovators came together for a community-led conference this summer - celebrating the people, ideas and technologies shaping the future of Dorset’s digital economy. Held at Citygate Church in Bournemouth, re:connect 2026 brought together global speakers, tech leaders and young professionals to discuss, debate and explore the latest developments in artificial intelligence, cyber security, leadership and digital transformation. The not-for-profit event was opened by its founder Seemin Suleri, Dorset-based vice president of engineering at global insurance firm Prima Asccuizioni with Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber, who highlighted the power of community, the role of tech and its significance for growth and productivity and the power of collaboration in driving innovation across the county. re:connect is organised and delivered entirely by volunteers. The majority are technology specialists, software developers and digital professionals. Through its community outreach programme, organisers also gifted and heavily discounted tickets to young people and students. The conference was supported by sponsors including Nourish, yammayap, JLA Resourcing, the Sam & Ray Podcast, dev.talk and community partners Dorset Chamber and Hinton Work Space. AI was a central theme throughout the conference with a focus on its impact, governance and the role of the tech industry in its security and growth. Other sessions included inspiring and motivational founder stories, leadership journeys and practical examples of innovation from speakers including Mike Hawkyard, Kevlin Henney and Liam Westley. Saba Rubaei, global head of cybersecurity regulation management at Citi, opened discussions with: How AI is transforming cybersecurity regulation and what that means for the world. more news online - www.dorsetchamber.co.uk/news

She said: “As opening keynote speaker, I had the privilege of starting the day at re:connect, which was superbly organised. Much of that credit belongs to Mark Oliver and Seemin, who invited me to speak. “Having previously shared a panel with both of them, it was a pleasure to collaborate again in this new capacity, and their shared vision was evident throughout the day. “The volunteer team ensured the event ran seamlessly, bringing professionalism and warmth to every aspect of the day. “What stood out most was the audience. They were engaged and genuinely eager to learn, asking incisive questions that sparked real discussion and brought added energy to the room.” The annual conference achieved a 50:50 split of male and female speakers. Forty per cent of attendees were women. Event founder Seemin Suleri said: “re:connect proves that a grassroots, bottomup approach to building accessible spaces really works. “What I’m most proud of was the atmosphere. People consistently told us they felt welcome, respected and comfortable. “There’s something special about being in that room, and I’m so glad we created it again.” Ian said: “re:connect was a superb celebration of Dorset’s vibrant, innovative and inclusive tech sector. “It was brilliant to see so many businesses, innovators, students and industry leaders coming together to share ideas, build connections and explore the technologies shaping the future.” Visit reconnectconference.co.uk/ for more information.

Pride in Dorset

I am optimistic about Dorset because of one thing; its people. I spend time across this county with people quietly doing their very best, and I come away cheerful. Dorset is full of advanced engineering and marine technology; defence; digital; financial and legal services; health and care; farming, fishing and food; construction; local retail; and a tourism industry that serves millions of visitors. Our schools, colleges and universities develop the people to sustain it; talent that other regions try to take off our hands. There are over 30,000 businesses across Dorset and BCP, almost 90% of them are microbusinesses. That is a strength. Small teams know their customers by name; they decide in the morning and act by the afternoon; they answer their own phones, and also make the tea. What inspires me most is the manner of it; we look after our neighbours. We prefer partnership over posturing: We make it work, and then we make it better. That is resilient community innovation; putting technology in the service of somebody’s life, the future of our county and profit that reaches further than a boardroom and shareholders. Evidence is everywhere; a company here winning work overseas; a product designed in a unit down the road in use on the other side of the world; a charity changing national practice; a family firm at 250 years with the multiple generations on the payroll. None of it needed a glass tower in a city. It begins in a workshop, a spare bedroom, a café, or a community hall. So, whether your day is spent on a factory, an office, a boat, a ward, a classroom or a building site, I think you belong to the most enterprising and generous county in the country; and that is because you are in it. That is something to be proud of. 17

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College’s stunning £37m restoration combines historic landmark with cutting edge learning The Compass Building, Bournemouth and Poole College’s £37m restoration and expansion of its Bournemouth campus, has opened with state-of-the art education seamlessly housed within a restored iconic building. The two-year project has seen the college’s historic buildings and iconic clock tower brought back to their former glory as part of a four-storey campus that provides cutting edge learning facilities for up to 1,000 students studying business, catering and hospitality, digital and computing, hair and beauty, media, sport, travel and tourism and uniformed public services. The campus features brand new IT suite, an Esports teaching room, a specialist media ‘green screen’ studio, and a training centre for travel and tourism students that features part of a real passenger jet’s fuselage and cabin

and a working departure lounge. In the 66-cover Escoffier training restaurant and bar, hospitality and catering students will hone their skills cooking. The industrystandard production kitchen has been designed to replicate those found in top class hotels and restaurants. The Horizon Hair and Beauty salons are designed and equipped to professional standards, with fully equipped stations for students to develop their techniques for the public. The top floor of the building will house The Observatory, the college refectory, with seating for 160 people and can be converted into a space for meetings and conferences. On the ground floor there is a new sports hall, gym and climbing wall. At the heart of the more than two year construction project, undertaken by Kier, is

The campus features brand new IT suite, an Esports teaching room, a specialist media ‘green screen’ studio, and a training centre for travel and tourism students that features part of a real passenger jet’s fuselage and cabin and a working departure lounge.

New sports hall, gym and climbing wall

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the restoration of college buildings dating back to 1910, the crowning glory of which is the £8m renovation of the college’s 150ft clock tower. The original Bournemouth Municipal College in Lansdowne was completed in 1913 but the tower, which at first drew criticism from townsfolk, remained without a clock for six years until one was donated by MP Sir Henry Page Croft’s mother Anne. The clock, made by JB Joyce & Co in 1912 and costing £356 5s, features four 8ft illuminated dials, made from cast-iron skeletons, each decorated with 47 black and white opal glass pieces. The tower’s bell, also donated by Mrs Croft at a cost of cost £181 5s, is almost 54ins wide, weighs around 1.5 tonnes and chimes in the note of D. At the start of the renovation project a drone survey catalogued the damage caused by more than 100 years of weather before conservation contractor Stonewest carried out façade cleaning and masons built replacements for the tower’s four column heads, known as capitals. Two years on, the result is a stunning, modern college that celebrates the town’s history and is set to become a facility to be proud of for years to come. www.thecollege.co.uk

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Fischer Panda Expands Portable Power Offering with Instagrid Partnership As businesses increasingly look for flexible, reliable and more sustainable ways to power equipment wherever it is needed, Verwood-based Fischer Panda UK | Power Solutions has expanded its portfolio with a new portable battery power solution.

The company has been appointed a UK distributor for Instagrid, adding the German manufacturer’s portable battery systems to its range of engineered power solutions for marine, mobile and off-grid applications. The partnership introduces a lightweight, modular portable power solution for applications where reliable power is essential. Weighing around 20 kilograms and compact enough to be carried in one hand, Instagrid ONE delivers 3.6 kW continuous output, while the LINK and LINK MAX system add-ons allow users to increase capacity and output voltage as requirements evolve. For Fischer Panda UK, the addition reflects the continued evolution of customer requirements across all three markets. In the marine sector, Instagrid is well suited to refit work, marina maintenance, temporary onboard power and shoreside support. Within defence and specialist vehicles, its quiet, emission-free operation makes it well suited to field operations, emergency services, remote working and temporary power requirements where portability, safety and rapid deployment are essential. Chris Fower, Managing Director of Fischer Panda UK | Power Solutions, said:

“We’re seeing increasing demand for portable power across all three of our markets, whether that’s supporting engineers during a refit, powering equipment away from the vehicle or providing flexible energy where shore power simply isn’t available. Instagrid is a natural addition to our portfolio, giving us another highquality solution that complements the integrated power systems we already design and support.” Andy Barnby, Clean Energy Specialist at Instagrid, added: “Fischer Panda UK has built an excellent reputation for technical expertise and supporting customers with engineered power solutions. We’re delighted to partner with a company that shares our commitment to innovation and customer support, and we look forward to introducing Instagrid technology to even more professional users throughout the UK.” To find out more about its range of power, climate control solutions and water purification visit the website. www.fischerpanda.co.uk.

We’re seeing increasing demand for portable power across all three of our markets more news online - www.dorsetchamber.co.uk/news

Who is Fischer Panda? Fischer Panda UK | Power Solutions is an independently owned family business with more than 30 years’ experience providing specialist power and system solutions across the marine, vehicle and defence sectors. Established in 1994, the Dorset-based company has grown from a generator supplier and installer into a trusted provider of integrated power, electric propulsion, desalination and climate control solutions. Operating from a purpose-built 9,000 sq ft office and workshop in Verwood, its experienced team supports customers from initial design and specification through to installation, commissioning and aftercare. Its customer base includes major names such as BAE Systems, Sky, the BBC and Sunseeker, reflecting the breadth of sectors and environments in which its technology is used. That expertise is increasingly relevant as businesses and organisations look for greater flexibility, resilience and preparedness. By combining established technologies with innovative mobile power solutions, Fischer Panda helps customers maintain continuity, work effectively in remote or temporary environments and access reliable power when and where it is needed. 21

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“My business is too small for a hacker to waste their time on.” At Brown & Brown, it’s a phrase we often hear and unfortunately, this is one of many misconceptions when it comes to Cyber Insurance. Mark Rocker, Cyber Insurance Executive at Brown and Brown, advises that one of the most common misconceptions is that organisations believe they are too small or of no interest to criminals. This belief is incorrect and has perpetuated itself through media reporting of events such as Marks & Spencer or Jaguar Land Rover. In our experience the vast majority of events affect everyday businesses that are not household names and are nowhere near the scale of the aforementioned companies, so rarely make the national headlines. It could be a manufacturing plant who has had its operating system hacked, or a local roofing company whose accounting software has been hacked to give out incorrect bank details. One example of this would be attackers scan websites, domains and systems for vulnerabilities and when weaknesses are found, exploit them to gain access and deploy ransomware. This is mostly done by computer without human interaction. Of course, the progress of AI means that criminals can scan thousands of organisations simultaneously. Quite often we also hear that organisations believe that their IT security will protect them from harm. Whilst IT companies will definitely help, no one is ever 100% safe. Think of it like having a state-of-the-art alarm system. It reduces the likelihood of a break-in, but it cannot guarantee that one will never occur. Turning to the subject of insurance cover, it can be a minefield to ensure that the cover in place is appropriate. A number of insurers may have clauses within their policies which could invalidate a claim if not strictly adhered to (for example – a policy may require particular procedures to be followed

when verifying changes to a third-party bank account details.). At Brown & Brown, our team will ask questions to understand your business. This could include discussing your current IT and cyber arrangements to help with arranging cyber insurance that suits your needs. Some readers will undoubtedly have looked at cyber insurance previously and decided that it is not for them. One of the main reasons for this is often confusion as to how the cover works and could respond in the event of a claim. If something goes wrong, the cover is designed to trigger a variety of services to come to your aid based on your circumstances– this could involve a forensics team to identify how the breach happened and to fix the problem, legal advice relating to regulatory requirements, support with a PR response to help manage any reputational impact or a trained ransom negotiator to negotiate with the criminals. The support available will depend on the policy and cover selected. Finally, one of the most important things that an organisation can do is get the basics right. Such as having up to date Anti-Virus &

Firewall software, ensure that Multi-Factor Authentication is in place and by far the most effective preventative measure to deploy is employee training. According to a 2025 UK Government report, around three quarters of all incidents occur due to employees clicking on links in emails or having their passwords compromised. “Brown & Brown have access to a selected panel of leading UK Cyber insurers. This allows us to find a solution that fits your needs, helping you feel more confident when choosing cover. All policies are subject to terms and conditions and underwriting acceptance. To find out more, our knowledgeable team are here to help. Call us on 01202 156 827 or email enquires.poole@bbrown.com Brown & Brown Insurance Brokers (UK) Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference Number 745618). Registered in England & Wales with number 09850559. Registered office: 7th Floor, Corn Exchange, 55 Mark Lane, London, EC3R 7NE.

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The average cost of a significant cyber-attack for businesses with turnover between £65,000 and £6.5 million is around £85,000 to £100,000 22

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Global data centres: where the next wave of AI capacity will be built As AI reshapes how businesses operate, it is also changing the demands placed on property and infrastructure. In this article, Savills explore where the next generation of data centres can be built and why factors such as power, planning, skills and connectivity will increasingly matter to businesses and local economies. Since ChatGPT’s launch in November 2022, AI adoption has spread rapidly across consumers, businesses and public institutions. While the technology is still early in its adoption curve compared with previous innovations, the AI models that will power this transformation are being developed and trained now. This rapid growth is fuelling record demand for data centres, the AI economy’s clearest impact on real estate. Data centres attracted more than a fifth of global greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) by project value in 2025, according to UNCTAD, making them among the largest recipients of new foreign investment worldwide. But data centres have very particular locational requirements, and growth is limited by the ability to deliver them, rather than investment appetite.

but recent growth has been more modest amid rising grid access constraints. But these markets’ established ecosystems, connectivity and customer depth mean they remain important, even as building new data centres becomes harder.

The data centre sector today With around 50GW of live IT power, the United States is the dominant global market by data centre capacity. China is in second place. Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands are also large, mature markets with meaningful scale,

The Power and Place Index Our Power and Place Index benchmarks 54 global markets across four pillars. It focuses on the physical and delivery constraints – power, water and climate – that increasingly determine where data centres can actually be built. The index highlights the cities where data

What are the constraints on delivery? Power is now the primary factor in data centre development, in particular, grid access, where connection lead times can far exceed build time. Developers increasingly go where grid capacity is available, rather than simply following demand. As AI workloads grow more power-intensive, energy costs are decisive too: they shape where capacity can be built and whether projects remain viable. Water availability, climate conditions, specialist labour and local consent are also increasingly important to delivery.

The rapid growth of AI is fuelling record demand for data centres, the AI economy’s clearest impact on real estate. more news online - www.dorsetchamber.co.uk/news

centres can be delivered most readily given physical and development constraints. It is an indicator of feasibility rather than demand. Tellingly, many of the places that currently host the most data centres do not appear in the top 25, because they have run into physical limits around power, water, climate and planning. The opportunity instead lies in secondary and emerging markets with more capacity. The greater picture: delivering for communities Demand for data centres is not in doubt. But the harder question is where they can actually be built. Answering this will require close collaboration between operators, utilities, governments and local communities, particularly where AI workloads place new pressures on grids and resources. Climate risk compounds the challenge: higher temperatures, water stress and extreme weather will increasingly shape where capacity can be delivered and run reliably, and communities and governments will be asking whether development will exacerbate existing issues. When planned effectively, data centre growth can support grid investment and renewable energy demand, enable heat reuse and develop local skills. But as digital infrastructure becomes more visible in the built environment, the sector’s long-term success will depend on delivering capacity efficiently while managing its wider impact on power, resources and local areas. www.savills.co.uk 25

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AI cybercriminals are coming for UK businesses, so it’s time to master the basics By Jake Moore, Global Cybersecurity Adviser at ESET

The cyber threat landscape is changing fast. The UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has warned AI is becoming even more dangerous, helping threat actors exploit software vulnerabilities at scale and break into affected businesses. Cybercriminals are also using AI to generate polished scam emails and even deepfakes to impersonate people and dupe businesses out of their hard-earned funds. But, despite the growing risks, ESET research of 500 UK small-to-medium sized businesses (SMBs) found many still struggle to protect against basic cyber threats. Half (49%) of UK SMBs faced cybersecurity incidents in the past 12 months. The most common cause for these incidents was phishing – where a cybercriminal impersonates a trustworthy entity to obtain the victim’s sensitive data. Other regular causes included the use of known exploits of software vulnerabilities, and threat actors cracking users’ weak passwords. AI will help to speed attacks, but the tactics will stay the same. Until organisations can put measures in place to stop these methods, they are easy pickings for cybercriminals looking to steal sensitive data and turn a profit. Here are three ways businesses can tackle the most common causes of cybersecurity incidents in the UK today: Pause to prevent Most phishing hinges on social engineering to trick users into behaving rashly, clicking on something they shouldn’t or giving up sensitive information. Businesses must train employees to take a breather and spot the telltale signs of an attack. Common indicators include new contacts claiming that you need to trust them, a lack of shared connections on social media with new contacts and unusual attachments or links included in correspondence. Good cyber awareness training programmes focus on Human Risk Management (HRM), teaching best practice. Programmes should feature real-life scenario simulations and gamification to educate employees and bolster resilience. more news online - www.dorsetchamber.co.uk/news

Patch to protect Every organisation relies on software to function. But, managing the software updates or “patches” that plug security gaps can be time consuming for businesses – especially when technology companies are publishing more updates than ever before. To reduce the risk of threat actors exploiting vulnerabilities, businesses must make patching a priority. Updates should be automated wherever possible to reduce the burden on users while making sure fixes are applied rapidly. Guess-proof passwords In 2026, businesses need to put hard line policies in place around passwords – using an easy-to-guess word or re-using password is like leaving the front door open for cybercriminals. Instead, employees should be using a password manager for their business accounts to create long complex passwords without having to remember them. Companies should also be implementing multi-factor authentication, adding an additional step to ensure logins are legitimate. A golden opportunity Many UK businesses have a long way to go to secure their digital foundations. But there is good news on the horizon. More than half

of UK SMBs (55%) expect a security budget increase in the next year. Now is the perfect time for businesses to revisit their security fundamentals and nail the basics while preparing for the future. This means taking the time to accurately assess their security posture, before building a plan to improve their cyber resilience against attacks. For businesses with limited headcount, Managed Detection and Response services can offer an extra layer of resilience and peace of mind, protecting the business 24x7 without having to build and staff an always-on security team in-house.

About ESET: With a UK office in Bournemouth employing over 70 local staff, and locations across the world from Bratislava to Singapore, ESET protects millions of users and more than 500,000 organisations across 178 countries, helping them build digital resilience and confidence in an increasingly AI-driven world. ESET is proud to support local Dorsetbased businesses with up to 60% off our globally-recognised cybersecurity products.

www.eset.com/uk/business/

Now is the perfect time for businesses to revisit their security fundamentals and nail the basics while preparing for the future. 27

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Dorset students to help local businesses make the most of AI Dorset companies will soon have an opportunity to work with students at Bournemouth University to explore how AI can help grow their business and improve how they work. Whilst large organisations are investing heavily in AI to speed up tasks and increase productivity, smaller companies risk getting left behind because they do not have the same expertise, time or spending power to explore AI. At the same time students with advanced AI skills at BU are always interested in gaining practical work experience before they graduate. To bring this together, Dr Festus Adedoyin and colleagues from the Faculty of Media Science and Technology have been awarded a £300,000 grant from Innovate UK to launch a new ‘AI Live Lab’ alongside regional partners Dorset Chamber, Evolve Advisory and Carswell Gould. Local businesses will be able to come to the Lab with challenges they want new technology to solve. Masters students on BU’s AI, Data Science, Cyber and Financial Technology courses will then set out to develop AI powered solutions to these challenges, with supervision from their lecturers. If the students demonstrate that their project could make a positive difference, they will have the chance to undertake paid work placements at the business to implement it. 28

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“There are about 63,000 businesses in Dorset and around ninety percent of these are small companies,” said Dr Adedoyin, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science at BU, who will lead the AI Live Lab. “By coming to Bournemouth University and working with our students, local entrepreneurs will be able to see how AI can make a difference to their businesses, for example by taking care of time-consuming bureaucratic jobs or improving customer service. They can do this without incurring the costs and operational risks that would come with making an immediate investment. “As well as helping local enterprises, this will mean more of our students graduating with experience of solving real business problems,

so we will be bringing more vital digital skills that businesses need into the local economy.” Ian Girling, CEO at Dorset Chamber said: “AI has huge potential to help businesses improve productivity, innovate and grow, but for many smaller businesses it can be difficult to know where to start. At Dorset Chamber, our role is to help connect local employers with the expertise, skills and opportunities available through this project, ensuring businesses can explore AI in a practical, accessible way and turn new technology into real business benefit.” Business leaders in Dorset interested in getting involved with AI Live Lab can visit the Chamber or BU website to find out more. www.bournemouth.ac.uk.

As well as helping local enterprises, this will mean more of our students graduating with experience of solving real business problems, so we will be bringing more vital digital skills that businesses need into the local economy. /company/dorset-chamber/

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Helpful Hounds Revives Life-Changing Assistance Dog Programme Three playful puppies mark a new chapter for the Dorset charity Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs as it successfully relaunches its Charity-Trained Assistance Dog Programme under the leadership of new Puppy Coordinator Izi Loe. Helpful Hounds has supported many successful owner-trained partnerships over the years, with families raising their own puppies under the charity’s guidance before they qualify as assistance dogs. The revived Charity-Trained Programme will complement this work by enabling Helpful Hounds to support disabled children and adults who are unable to raise and train a puppy themselves, instead providing a fully trained assistance dog ready to begin its life-changing partnership. Izi, who has been with the charity for the past couple of years, recently took on the challenge of rebuilding the Charity-Trained Programme from the ground up. She has recruited a team of dedicated volunteer Puppy Parents and laid the foundations for a new generation of assistance dogs that will one day support disabled people across Dorset. Now, the first three recruits, Eevee, Strider and Onyx, have begun their two-year journey towards becoming fully qualified assistance dogs.

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Each puppy will spend time living with dedicated volunteer Puppy Parents while receiving specialist training from the Helpful Hounds team, learning the skills that will eventually help transform someone’s independence, confidence and everyday life. Izi Loe, Puppy Coordinator at Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs, said: “When I joined Helpful Hounds, one of my biggest ambitions was to bring our Charity-Trained Programme back. Seeing Eevee, Strider and Onyx begin that journey is incredibly rewarding. Every assistance dog starts life as a playful puppy, but with the right training, support and plenty of love, they can go on to make a life-changing difference for someone living with a disability. I can’t wait to watch these three grow.” Training an assistance dog requires a significant investment over approximately two years, covering specialist training, veterinary care, equipment and ongoing support. Helpful Hounds is inviting local businesses, organisations and individuals to sponsor the puppies. Sponsors will help fund their training while receiving regular updates as they progress towards becoming fully qualified assistance dogs. www.helpfulhounds.org.uk/puppy-chronicles/

DORSET BUSINESS FOCUS / NEWS

Who’s got your back? We do. Dorset Chamber launches its Business Priorities 2026-28 By Ian Girling, Chief Executive, Dorset Chamber At Dorset Chamber, our vision is simple: a vibrant, resilient and prosperous Dorset business community that enhances life for all. But achieving that means more than providing events, introductions and practical support. It also means standing up for businesses, making sure their concerns are understood and ensuring their voice is heard by the people making decisions that affect them. That is why we have launched our new Dorset Chamber Business Priorities 2026–2028. As Dorset’s leading business support and representative organisation, one of our most important roles is to champion our members at a local, devolved, regional and national level. These new priorities give us a clear framework for doing exactly that. One of our most important roles is to champion our members at a local, devolved, regional and national level. These new priorities give us a clear framework for doing exactly that. They have not been created in isolation. They reflect what businesses tell us through our conversations with members, consultations, surveys, forums and wider engagement. They focus on the issues that businesses believe are holding

back growth, investment and long-term prosperity across Dorset, many of which have persisted for years. Our priorities cover 14 areas, ranging from fair taxation, regulation and access to finance through to infrastructure, digital adoption, skills, recruitment, workplace health, affordable housing, thriving communities, sustainability, international trade and support for the not-for-profit sector. Together, they support six broad ambitions: creating the conditions for growth; building business capacity and improving productivity; developing people and skills; making Dorset a great place to live and work; supporting international trade; and building strong communities. This matters because being a member of Dorset Chamber should mean having someone in your corner. Membership is about connection, community, support and growth, but it is also about influence. Individually, it can be difficult for businesses, particularly SMEs, to make their voices heard. Collectively, we can build a much stronger case for change. Over the next two years, we will gather insight from businesses, use our Business Voice Forums and other engagement channels to understand

the issues in greater depth, and take that evidence directly to local authorities, MPs, government departments and other decision-makers. Through our relationship with the British Chambers of Commerce, Dorset’s business voice will also feed into national policy discussions. Our aim is not simply to highlight problems, but to bring forward robust evidence, build strong relationships and advocate for practical solutions. And we want our members to be part of that process. Tell us what is affecting your business. Take part in our surveys and consultations. Join our Business Voice Forums. Share the evidence and experiences that can help us demonstrate where change is needed. Our commitment to you is to provide a strong and effective voice for Dorset business, working with our members and partners to remove barriers to growth and help create a stronger, more competitive and resilient Dorset economy. Because when you are running a business, knowing someone is listening and speaking up on your behalf matters.

The “One of our most important roles is to champion our members Priorities: at a local, devolved, regional and national level. These new priorities give us a clear framework for doing exactly that.”

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Find out more about the Dorset Chamber Business Priorities and how you can get involved at www.dorsetchamber.co.uk.

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The Confident Manager reaches No. 2 on Amazon UK bestseller list Susannah Brade-Waring’s practical guide for first-time and accidental managers hits second place in Amazon UK’s Career Advancement & Professional Development eBooks chart The Confident Manager: A Practical Guide for First-Time & Accidental Managers - is written by leadership and motivation specialist and Dorset Chamber member Susannah Brade-Waring from Aspirin. It has reached No. 2 on Amazon UK’s Career Advancement & Professional Development eBooks bestseller list. The Confident Manager is aimed particularly at the “accidental manager”: someone promoted because they were good at their job, reliable and capable, who then discovered that getting results through other people requires a very different set of skills. Before founding Aspirin Business Solutions, she helped grow a technology business from start-up to more than £10 million turnover and through a successful Management Buyout, holding Director roles across HR, Finance and Commercial along the way. Much of that leadership

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experience, however, was learned in the deep end. Those experiences eventually became part of the thinking behind The Confident Manager, alongside more than 15 years of working with leaders, managers and teams. The book is structured around seven questions managers face every day, including. Readers can start with the question they need help with rather than having to work through the book from beginning to end. Matthew Fretten, Managing Partner at Frettens Solicitors, says after experiencing Susannah’s approach first-hand: “When teams understand each other more profoundly, trust is developed and maintained, leading to higher performance and greater engagement. Susannah’s approach to management and leadership is based on this truth and I have witnessed first-hand just how effective it is.” The Confident Manager can be found in both paperback and eBook versions here https://amzn.eu/d/0fHFUskh

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Lewis-Manning Hospice Care rated Outstanding by CQC for first time Lewis-Manning Hospice Care has been rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for the first time, after inspectors praised the organisation’s delivery of exceptional care. The regulator held up the independent charity as an example of outstanding practice for other hospices. CQC upgraded Lewis-Manning from Good to Outstanding following an unannounced three day inspection on 8, 16, and 22 April 2026. The regulator described the service as ‘exceptionally caring’ and ‘exceptionally responsive’. Lewis-Manning’s work throughout 2025/2026 demonstrates the scale and breadth of care behind the rating. Its palliative care team supported 484 patients across east Dorset and Purbeck through clinics, Health and Wellbeing groups, anticipatory Hospice at Home, and virtual care. The team delivered 4,611 patient contacts, while 429 people joined care sessions, helping those unable to visit the hospice stay connected to its support. Clare Gallie, Chief Executive of LewisManning Hospice Care, said: “Being rated outstanding for the first time is a landmark

moment for Lewis-Manning and one of the proudest in our history. It reflects the extraordinary skill, compassion, and determination our teams bring to patients and families every day. More than 1,450 people turned to us for support last year, and behind every figure is a person trying to retain their independence, a family needing guidance, or someone learning to manage a symptom that has changed their daily life.” The charity’s wider services addressed the physical and emotional effects of serious illness for patients and their loved ones. Lewis-Manning provided 2,200 counselling sessions to 512 people, alongside 660 specialist breathlessness contacts and 1,045 lymphoedema contacts. Its counselling service is funded entirely by the charity, offering free access for local people across Dorset. Inspectors found that people were ‘truly respected and valued as individuals’ and empowered as partners in their care. Patients said Lewis-Manning’s support made a difference to their lives by helping them manage symptoms and live well. One

The regulator held up the independent charity as an example of outstanding practice for other hospices. 34

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person told inspectors: ‘When I walk into Lewis-Manning I feel like I am wrapped in a cloud of warmth and happiness.’ “To be held up as an example for other hospices is an enormous honour. The recognition belongs to our staff, volunteers, partners, supporters, and the Dorset community. We will build on it to reach more people earlier, because the five referrals we receive each day show how constant the need for our care truly is.” CQC highlighted the human difference behind the services. One patient outlined how the organisation’s support has allowed them to dress independently again and regain the confidence to socialise. Inspectors also praised the flexibility and accessibility of Lewis-Manning’s care, from choosing clinics with public transport access in mind, to facilitating home visits, groups, and online sessions. Lewis-Manning’s impact is representative of the Dorset community’s commitment to supporting others, with 271 volunteers supporting clinical services, patient transport, fundraising, retail, and many other areas of the charity. Only 12% of its funding comes from the NHS, with local supporters raising £1.66 million during 2025/26; while the charity’s retail division continues to succeed, generating a further £1.7 million.

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New Skills Plan for Dorset Dorset Chamber launches plan aimed at making skills, training and workforce support easier to access. The newly published Dorset Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026 to 2029 is a plan led by employer skills needs. It aims to help shape local skills provision around the current and future needs of businesses. The Chamber has brought together businesses, education providers, local authorities and partners to compile the Plan. It marks the latest phase of work to strengthen Dorset’s skills system and support it to continue to respond to the needs of employers, learners and the wider economy. Produced for Skills England, it provides a framework for collaboration across employers, education and training providers, local authorities and wider partners. It identifies local skills needs, supports stronger employer engagement and sets out an action plan to enable people to access, progress and succeed in learning and work. The Plan identifies actions for how education and training providers and local authorities will work together with business to strengthen Dorset’s workforce across key sectors. These include advanced manufacturing and engineering, defence and marine, construction, digital technology, financial and professional services, health and care and clean energy. Chamber Chief Executive Ian Girling said: “At a time when businesses are under huge pressure, this Government-funded plan provides a practical roadmap to help Dorset businesses build stronger teams, improve productivity and unlock future growth. “Every business is facing change. Whether that’s technology, recruitment, productivity or rising costs, investing in people has never been more important. “The Dorset Local Skills Improvement Plan is about making it easier for businesses to access the skills, training and support they need to succeed. “By working together, we can build stronger businesses, create better opportunities for local people and support a more productive Dorset economy.” Rosie Knapper, Dorset Local Skills Improvement Plan Lead said: “At a time when every investment counts, investing in people is vital. “The right skills and training can help businesses become more productive, embrace innovation, develop confident leaders, retain talented people and prepare for the future. more news online - www.dorsetchamber.co.uk/news

“In the coming months we will be working with partners to support businesses to access and use the support available to support their growth through skills” The Plan is designed to support: • • • •

Scan the QR code to find out more about the Dorset Local Skills Improvement Plan.

Employers and businesses of all sizes to shape training around business needs Education and training providers to align provision with local demand Learners to gain the skills needed for good jobs Partners to support workforce development and local economic growth

The Dorset Skills and Workforce Board (DSWB) supports the growth of an inclusive economy with a highly skilled workforce. Chaired by Caron Khan on behalf of Dorset Chamber, the Board provides the collective strategic leadership for skills and employment activity across Dorset and in this role has provided a pan Dorset oversight and steering for the Dorset Local Skills Improvement Plan. www.dorsetchamber.co.uk/skills

Rosie Knapper, Caron Khan and Ian Girling

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Getting real with ‘hallucinated’ case law – why legal expertise still matters

Paul Kanolik, Partner & Solicitor, Ellis Jones

A recent case at the High Court has once more highlighted the dangers of using generative artificial intelligence without oversight and verification, warns regional law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) issued an apology after it used AI to draft submissions in an extradition case, which included two erroneous citations from authorities which did not exist. It emphasised that it was not a deliberate attempt to mislead, but an isolated incident due to human error in not properly checking the accuracy of the documents. The judge accepted the CPS’s apology and that there had been no attempt to mislead. However, this case is another example of how quickly generative AI has entered the UK legal landscape. AI is now being used not only by law firms exploring efficiency gains, but also by litigants-in-person (those representing themselves) when dealing with their own claims, employees preparing grievances and businesses seeking quick answers to complex legal questions. The result is a growing wave of AIgenerated documents landing on the desks of solicitors, regulators and the courts, as well as employers. Alongside this surge in use comes a very real problem: AI systems can produce content which appears at first glance convincing, but which may contain entirely fabricated case law, misquoted judgments, inaccurate statutory references and procedurally erroneous content. Paul Kanolik, partner and a solicitor specialising in commercial dispute resolution at Ellis Jones, says: “AI-generated content can appear superficially credible because it closely mimics the tone, structure and terminology of professional legal writing. “It is often only upon more detailed consideration that hallucinations can become apparent. There is often an implicit trust in AI capabilities and content, which can fundamentally distort a party’s understanding of the legal position. 38

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“Yet it can have serious consequences if it contains incorrect legal principles, exaggerated or inaccurate allegations, or fabricated legal authorities. “These errors can undermine credibility, lead to sanctions and increase costs. Cases involving litigants-in-person are becoming increasingly common. “Judges have already issued warnings about the risks of unverified AI content, and the Solicitors Regulation Authority has made clear that professional obligations around competence and supervision apply just as much when technology is involved.” Inaccurate or misleading AI generated content can: •

give misplaced confidence in the strength of a claim

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offer procedural guidance that is wrong and harm a legal position

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exaggerate remedies or prospects of success

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cause a client to question accurate advice from their solicitor

Paul said: “AI is reshaping the legal landscape, not by replacing lawyers but by changing the nature of the material that enters the litigation process. “AI-generated claims and hallucinated case law pose risks for clients and practitioners alike, which is why expert legal judgment remains essential in an era of technological revolution. “Time-poor and hard-pressed businesses may be tempted to rely on AI but this can be counter-productive if hallucinated advice results in costly errors, legal mistakes, regulatory non-compliance and reputational repercussions. “Whilst AI tools can be useful for drafting or summarising information, there are often deficiencies or errors in the content it produces. /company/dorset-chamber/

“It cannot replicate some of the more nuanced aspects of conducting litigation, such as understanding legislative intent, strategic and tactical approaches, or how best to deal with others involved in the litigation process (e.g. a judge, opponent or barrister). “Ellis Jones are embracing the use of AI and our lawyers take a safe and responsible approach. “We have a strict AI policy, which is designed to ensure professionalism and regulatory compliance, and that the knowledge and experience we have as lawyers, is supplemented by the time and cost-efficiencies which closed-source and reliable AI services can bring. “It remains our view that any AI-generated content should be treated with caution. If in any doubt, legal advice should be obtained from a qualified legal professional.” Ellis Jones – with 182 staff including 25 partners – has offices in Bournemouth, Canford Cliffs (Poole), Dorchester, Ringwood, Swanage, Broadstone and Wimborne as well as London. www.ellisjones.co.uk

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Taking control of energy costs What businesses should know about commercial solar. After a summer of high temperatures and with energy costs continuing to squeeze business overheads, more businesses are looking at how they can take greater control of their energy use. Solar is increasingly part of that conversation, whether to cut costs, improve resilience or make better use of commercial roof space. But deciding whether it stacks up requires careful consideration. We spoke to Phil Sayer from Dorsetbased New Gen Renewables, which has installed more than 1.2MW of commercial solar capacity across the county, about what businesses should consider before investing. 1. Your consumption shape, not your annual bill. Commercial solar pays back on the electricity you use yourself, not the electricity you generate. A unit running machinery from eight to five and a site drawing most of its power overnight will get completely different answers from an identical roof. Ask your supplier for your half-hourly consumption data before you get quotes. It is free, it takes one email, and it is the most useful thing you can put in front of an installer. It is also why a lot of commercial solar is designed zeroexport and sized to the actual load (no battery, where the demand is daytime only), which is usually what brings the payback down to around four years. On a park-homes site near Wimborne, a large roof and a steady daytime load from the offices, pool and laundry gave a projected payback of 24 to 30 months on a 50kW system. 40

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2. The roof’s condition, and what is growing on it. Panels are a 25-year fixture. The roof underneath them needs 25 years in it too. If it does not have that, you are paying for scaffold twice and paying to lift and refit an array in between. While you are having the roof assessed, deal with the moss, lichen and blocked gutters at the same time. Dorset’s mild wet winters and coastal air grow that stuff faster than most of the country, and shallow-pitch industrial roofs around BCP hold onto it. 3. What the roof is actually made of. Loading matters, and on anything industrial built before 2000 it is worth confirming what the sheets are. Asbestos cement roofs are still common on older Dorset units. It does not rule solar out, but it changes the mounting system, the survey and the cost, and that is much better known at quote stage than on the morning the scaffold arrives. Trapezoidal metal, standing seam and flat membrane roofs each have their own fixing approach. The only roof we genuinely cannot fit on is thatch. 4. Your grid connection. Every system needs a DNO application, and at commercial scale that is the part of the programme you cannot speed up. We submit it on the customer’s behalf as soon as the deposit is paid, but the answer can come back with an export limit that changes the design. Start it early, because it runs alongside everything else and it sets your timeline rather than following it. /company/dorset-chamber/

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5. Whether a battery earns its place. Around 95% of the domestic systems we design take one. Commercial is less automatic. Commercial storage is utilitarian, stacks and racks and containers, and it is worth it where your load does not line up with your generation curve, or where the site simply has to stay running. One of our commercial clients near Dorchester was quoted over £150,000 for a grid connection. We installed off-grid solar and battery storage with automatic generator backup for around £70,000 instead, projected on their own figures to save over £1,000,000 in diesel across the life of the system. On plenty of other sites we have advised against a battery, because the maths did not support it. 6. How you are paying for it, and who is advising you on the tax. Capital purchase, lease and PPA give you three different answers to the same question, and the tax treatment moves the numbers again. We are installers, not accountants. We will give you honest generation figures and a payback period. Your accountant should tell you what the allowances do to them. Ask both before you commit, not after. Finally, always look at the warranty - it is the truest indicator of how much faith a manufacturer has in the product lasting. To find out more visit their website which includes a new cost calculator. www.newgenrenewables.uk @DorsetChamber

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DORSET BUSINESS FOCUS / NEWS

Celebrations Across the Chamber Community

John Pipe International WIN the Recycling and Waste Management Award in the Innovation Award category for Dorset

John Pipe International are proud to have won the Recycling and Waste Management Award in the Innovation Award category for Dorset, organised by Business Awards UK (Dorset Business Awards). The award recognises the practical work the team has been doing to reduce waste and find valuable new uses for materials left over from the manufacturing process. For John Pipe, innovation does not always mean creating something complicated. Sometimes, it means looking at an everyday problem differently and finding a solution that is simple, sustainable and genuinely useful. www.johnpipe.co.uk

Forest Holme Hospice Charity Dances Its Way to National Award

Forest Holme Hospice Charity is celebrating after winning a prestigious national Emma Award for Special Event of the Year, recognising the outstanding success of its much-loved Strictly Extravaganza fundraiser. The award was presented at a ceremony in London, celebrating excellence in charity events across the UK and recognising the charities, event professionals and suppliers who create memorable fundraising experiences. www.forestholmehospice.org.uk 42

Q3 2026 | Dorset Business Focus

Ellis Jones Rated in Prestigious National Guide

Regional law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors has been recognised for its private wealth legal services in a newly-published national guide. Specialist teams and individual lawyers are rated for excellence in the prestigious Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Guide 2026. The law firm’s Private Wealth Disputes and Private Wealth Law teams are listed in bands two and three respectively while individual lawyers are also ranked. Managing Partner Lauren Day, who is head of Dispute Resolution, is named as a Ranked Individual in Band Two for the South West, and Partner Carla Brown, who is head of Wills, Trusts & Probate, was listed as a Ranked Individual in the top Band One for Southampton and surrounds. www.ellisjones.co.uk

Lester Aldridge Partner Earns First Chambers High Net Worth Ranking as Team’s Success Continues

Lester Aldridge Partner, Parisa Jones, has been recognised in the Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) Guide 2026, achieving her first individual ranking for Private Wealth Law in Southampton and surrounds. Parisa joins fellow Partner Oliver Phipps in the prestigious guide, with Oliver retaining his rankings for Private Wealth Law in both the UK and South Africa (Expertise Based Abroad). www.lesteraldridge.com

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Top Training win Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year 2026

The Opportunity Provider Ltd (TOP) has been named Apprenticeship Provider of the Year at the British Training Awards 2026! Winning this prestigious award for a third consecutive year, and for the first time under their new name following their transition from HIT Training Ltd, is a fantastic milestone and is a testament to the passion, expertise and dedication of their colleagues, learners, employer partners and stakeholders who make their success possible every day. www.top.training

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DORSET BUSINESS FOCUS / NEWS

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DORSET BUSINESS FOCUS / NEWS

Q3 2026 | Dorset Business Focus

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DORSET BUSINESS FOCUS / NEWS

New initiative launched to get region’s creative student businesses investment-ready Dorset Business Angels (DBA) is working with Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) to help creative student and graduate businesses in the region become investment-ready, connecting DBA’s network of local angel investors with AUB’s Innovation Studio. The initiative is being driven by Mehjabeen Patrick, a DBA member and angel investor who also serves as AUB’s Chief Finance and Operating Officer. Mehjabeen brings 25 years of finance and investment experience across banking, not-for-profits and the creative industries, alongside hands-on angel investing experience. The collaboration aims to address a key challenge facing regional founders: becoming investor-ready. Rather than putting student ventures straight in front of investors, DBA and AUB plan to develop an investor readiness pathway. This could include DBA investors running masterclasses, reviewing earlystage pitches and hosting mock pitching sessions to help founders strengthen their propositions.

AUB’s Innovation Studio supports student and graduate ventures using technology including motion capture, virtual production, laser cutting and Hollow Box, an interactive virtual avatar system installed at Dorset Museum. Technology-enabled businesses spanning film production, product design, healthcare and sport could be of particular interest to DBA investors, alongside illustration, design and agency start-ups. AUB has tasked its Innovation Studio with progressing the conversation with DBA, with a first joint event now in the pipeline. In the meantime, DBA is encouraging AUB students, graduates and academics to use its University Entrepreneurs page at dorsetbusinessangels.co.uk/universityentrepreneurs, which explains what investment-ready looks like and provides guidance on pitch decks, business plans, financial models and other requirements. “Bringing Dorset Business Angels’ credibility and AUB’s credibility together is exactly what this region needs,” Mehjabeen says. “There’s real talent here. We just need to help it get investment-ready.” www.dorsetbusinessangels.co.uk

Home-Start Wessex reports another record year, supporting over 1,000 children and transforming almost 2,000 lives With local families continuing to feel the strain of everyday life, Home-Start Wessex has supported a record 547 families in crisis, transforming the lives of 1,955 local parents and children. The charity continues to break records year on year, with demand for its support increasing. This year, the charity has supported over 1,000 children for the first time, through a team of dedicated staff and volunteers. Home-Start Wessex volunteers offer friendship, practical support and advice to families who are facing difficulties, including poor mental health, depression, disability, domestic abuse, bereavement, isolation and multiple births. “We have continued to receive an unprecedented number of referrals for our support this year,” commented Kathy FryattBanks, CEO. “Through resilience, dedication and determination, support has been provided to a new record number of families, including supporting over 1,000 children for the first time ever.” In a pivotal year, the charity opened its first specialist Family Charity Shop, Community Hub and e-commerce centre in Christchurch, more news online - www.dorsetchamber.co.uk/news

Dorset in February 2026. Thanks to funding through the Armed Forces Covenant, Home-Start Wessex has recently been able to extend its support to military families. Support from the business community is crucial, and the charity is incredibly grateful to Holt Recruitment, Dorset Tea, Tesco, Rotary, Saffery and Harkwells. Feedback from parents shows that the charity continues to transform lives. 96%

of parents reported improved parenting skills, 98% of parents reported improved self-management, 96% of families reported improved children’s well-being and 97% of parents reported improved well-being. The charity is actively recruiting kind, compassionate volunteers to offer emotional and practical support to parents with young children across Dorset. www.homestartwessex.org.uk 45

DORSET BUSINESS FOCUS / NEWS

New Faces, New Places

Highlighting New Appointments

in Our Chamber Community

Battens Solicitors Announces Four New Associate Director Promotions Battens Solicitors has announced the promotion of four colleagues to Associate Director, recognising their outstanding contributions to the firm, their clients and their teams. The promotions of Gemma Galvani, Cath Knapman, Samantha Pattle and Jacqui Swann reflect Battens’ commitment to developing talent and recognising excellence across the business.

Suttle Stone Quarries Strengthens Operations with Key Appointment Suttle Stone Quarries has nnounced the appointment of Dan Dando as Plant & Fleet Maintenance Manager, reinforcing the company’s commitment to maintaining a safe, reliable and efficient fleet across its operations. Dan is a familiar face within the business, having previously worked for Suttle Stone Quarries before returning to take on this new role with greater responsibility.

Ellis Jones Enhances Business Services Team South coast and London law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors has strengthened its Business Services team with the appointment of new Partner Sing Li. Sing has joined the 182-strong law firm with 13 years of experience in corporate and commercial law, giving clear and commercially focused support to businesses, investors, entrepreneurs and management teams.

www.suttles.co.uk

www.ellisjones.co.uk

New Team Behind Breeze Volkswagen Fleet Solutions Breeze Volkswagen, has introduced the new faces leading its Fleet Solutions team. Martin Peach and Lisa Newman bring a wealth of customer service experience, industry knowledge and a genuine passion for helping businesses find the right mobility solutions.

Blue Sky Attracts Rising Star Blue Sky Financial Planning has welcomed Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute (FPFS), Joe Singer, to the business. Joining with almost 18 years’ experience, Joe has advised high and ultra-high net worth clients throughout his career and built a reputation for combining exceptional technical expertise with a genuinely clientfocused approach.

www.battens.co.uk

Lester Aldridge Strengthens Residential Property Team Lester Aldridge has expanded its Residential Property team with the appointment of Senior Associate Tom Axon and Associate Kirstin Du Tertre in its London office. The appointments support the continued growth of the firm’s Residential Property practice across London and the South Coast, following the recent promotion of Shelley Cole and Tarron Giles to Partner.

www.breeze.co.uk/volkswagen

www.blueskyfp.co.uk

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DORSET BUSINESS FOCUS / NEWS

New Faces, New Places

PKF Francis Clark Welcomes 44 Trainees PKF Francis Clark has welcomed 44 new trainee accountants and tax advisers this year, with most starting their careers with the firm this summer.

certification process, businesses are independently assessed for how they take care of their employees and improve their lives and wellbeing.

The new recruits are based across the firm’s offices in Poole, Salisbury, Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, Torquay, Taunton and Truro. During their first weeks, they have taken part in an induction programme designed to help them build connections with colleagues, develop key skills and gain a deeper understanding of the firm’s culture and values.

Amy Taylor, chief people officer at PKF Francis Clark, said: “We’re delighted to welcome our new trainees to the firm and to support them as they take the first steps in what we hope will be long and successful careers. Our induction programme is an opportunity to build relationships, understand our culture and values, and start thinking about the impact they can have for our clients and communities.

Trainees participated in a range of activities focused on team building, selfreflection and personal development. Alongside learning more about the profession they are entering, trainees explored the importance of ethics in accountancy and tax, and the positive impact they can have through the work they do for clients, communities and wider society. This year’s intake is the first to join PKF Francis Clark since the firm became a Certified B Corporation™. As part of the B Corp

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“As a Certified B Corp, we’re committed to creating a business that benefits people and planet. This includes working with local schools and colleges to widen access to accountancy careers, and investing in helping talented individuals to develop, so we’re excited to see what this year’s cohort will achieve.” PKF Francis Clark offers a range of trainee pathways in accountancy and tax, enabling new recruits to earn while they learn and gain professional qualifications

alongside practical experience with clients. Applications for next year’s programmes open in September, when a series of accountancy trainee open evenings will be taking place across the firm’s offices. Earlier this year, PKF Francis Clark was ranked sixth in the UK’s Best Large Workplaces by workplace culture specialists Great Place to Work, making it the highest-ranked accountancy firm. The firm has been certified as a Great Place to Work since 2022 and is consistently ranked among the UK’s Best Workplaces for Women, Wellbeing and Development. PKF Francis Clark has also been named in The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in recognition of its commitment to creating opportunities and supporting apprentices to succeed.

For more information about trainee opportunities and careers at PKF Francis Clark, visit careers.pkf-francisclark.co.uk. 47

International Trade Updates

The Packaging Rules That Just Changed Your Export Business If your company sells into the EU, the rules on how you box, wrap and label your products changed this summer — and the compliance clock is now running. The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) took effect on 12 August 2026, bringing tighter requirements on recyclable packaging, labelling, reuse and refill options, and recycled content targets, with products that fall short risking rejection at EU borders. For UK businesses, this is not an abstract Brussels initiative. PPWR applies to any business that places packaged goods on the EU market, catching a wide range of UK exporters regardless of Brexit. Why this one is different Previous EU packaging rules came as a directive, which member states then translated into their own national laws — creating a patchwork of requirements. PPWR is a degulation, meaning it applies directly and uniformly across all 27 EU member states the moment it takes effect, with no national transposition and no room for country-by-country interpretation. For exporters, that’s arguably good news: one standard to meet, not 27. What’s actually required The headline obligations are being phased in over more than a decade, but several matter right now. On recyclability by design, all packaging placed on the EU market must be recyclable by 2030, meeting minimum design and recyclability criteria regardless of material type. On recycled 48

Q3 2026 | Dorset Business Focus

content, plastic packaging faces staged recycled-content minimums running through 2030 and 2040, intended to drive demand for recycled material over virgin plastic. On restricted substances, PFAS — the long-lasting “forever chemicals” — are now banned in packaging as of the August 2026 application date. And on conformity documentation, manufacturers of packaging must complete a formal conformity assessment procedure, while importers are expected to verify compliance and maintain declarations of conformity, technical documentation and supplier evidence to support it. More detail is still arriving. Implementation is being phased, with additional technical requirements introduced gradually between 2026 and 2030 through delegated and implementing acts. This phased approach gives businesses some time to adapt, but companies exporting regularly to the EU should not wait until the individual deadlines are approaching before reviewing their packaging. What to do now The PPWR should be treated as more than another labelling requirement. It has potential implications for procurement, packaging design, product development, supply chains, costs and customer relationships. /company/dorset-chamber/

UK businesses exporting to the EU should review their packaging portfolio, identify which products are affected, check their EPR responsibilities and ensure that the necessary technical data and documentation are available. Early action will also give companies time to work with packaging suppliers and customers, redesign products where necessary and assess the potential financial impact of the new requirements. Looking ahead With the PPWR now entering its implementation phase, packaging compliance needs to become part of wider export and supply-chain planning. For UK businesses that rely on the EU market, understanding the requirements now will be essential to maintaining market access and avoiding potentially costly compliance problems as further requirements come into force. The businesses most likely to manage the transition successfully will be those that treat packaging as a strategic compliance issue rather than simply an operational or purchasing decision.

To contact the team to discuss any International Trade queries, email export@dorsetchamber.co.uk.

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Scan for more events

International Trade Training Diary

Date

DORSET BUSINESS FOCUS / NEWS

Event

Time

Venue

Documentary Letters of Credit

9.30am – 12.30pm

Online (Microsoft Teams)

Preference Rules of Origin

9.30am – 12.30pm

Online (Microsoft Teams)

Inward and Outward Processing

9.30am – 12.30pm

Online (Microsoft Teams)

Incoterms ®

9.30am – 12.30pm

Online (Microsoft Teams)

Customs Procedures and Documentation

9.30am – 12.30pm

Online (Microsoft Teams)

Export Documentation

9.30am – 12.30pm

Online (Microsoft Teams)

Understanding Commodity Codes

9.30am – 12.30pm

Online (Microsoft Teams)

Understanding Exporting

9.30am – 12.30pm

Online (Microsoft Teams)

Import Procedures

9.30am – 12.30pm

Online (Microsoft Teams)

Documentary Letters of credit

9.30am – 12.30pm

Online (Microsoft Teams)

ATA Carnet - Your Passport For Goods

9.30am – 1.30pm

Online (Microsoft Teams)

Preference Rules of Origin

9.30am – 1.30pm

Online (Microsoft Teams)

Inward and Outward Processing

9.30am – 1.30pm

Online (Microsoft Teams)

Incoterms ®

9.30am – 12.30pm

Online (Microsoft Teams)

Customs Procedures & Documentation

9.30am – 12.30pm

Online (Microsoft Teams)

Export Documentation

9.30am – 12.30pm

Online (Microsoft Teams)

Understanding Commodity Codes

9.30am – 12.30pm

Online (Microsoft Teams)

Understanding Exporting

9.30am – 1.30pm

Online (Microsoft Teams)

Import Procedures

9.30am – 12.30pm

Online (Microsoft Teams)

Oct

Nov

Dec

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Q3 2026 | Dorset Business Focus

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DORSET BUSINESS FOCUS / NEWS

Associated Town Chambers

Bridport & West Bay Business Chamber

www.bridportbusiness.org.uk Our mission is to ensure that Bridport provides the ideal environment for businesses to thrive and to supply the goods and services that the town and surrounding area needs to remain economically vibrant.

Gillingham Chamber of Commerce

www.gcci.co.uk Gillingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been around since the 1930’s. Many of our members come from outside the High Street where diversity encompasses old family firms, industrial estate units and new modern work from home and digital businesses. We are very much involved in local initiatives and other groups such as the Town Council, Gillingham School, Gillingham in Gear, Dementia Friends and Town Team in particular.

Dorchester Chamber for Business

Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce

www.bournemouthchamber.org.uk For over 100 years Bournemouth Chamber of Trade & Commerce (BCTC) has served as the leading voice of business in our communities. Founded in 1916 by a select group of small business entrepreneurs, the Chamber has steadily grown to service Boscombe, Kinson, Moordown, Pokesdown, Southbourne, Wallisdown, and Winton.

www.dorchesterchamber.co.uk We play an active role helping to promote local business and enterprise, representing a wide range of businesses both large and small. Our priority is to help our members work together to boost trade. In addition, we are also working with community partners on our Retain & Retrain campaign to promote apprenticeships and similar initiatives to further enhance employability in Dorchester.

Sherborne Chamber of Trade and Commerce

Shaftesbury Chamber of Commerce

www.sherbornechamber.co.uk The Sherborne Chamber of Commerce exists to promote its members’ businesses and the wider business community. It has a membership in excess of 150. The chamber is involved in just about every event that takes place in the town, supporting the Sherborne community, attracting media interest and creating a memorable experience for visitors to the town.

www.shaftesburychamber.co.uk The Shaftesbury Chamber has around 100 members from its two business parks and independent High Street businesses. They hold monthly networking meetings and are very active in the development of the town’s economy. Unlike many other towns, Christmas lights and activities are entirely run and paid for by chamber members.

Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce

Swanage & District Chamber of Trade www.swanagechamberoftrade.co.uk We have many ways of helping to promote all businesses in Swanage, the most popular of these is the Swanage Map. This is provided to tourists free of charge through all local hotels and the tourist information centre. As a member, you will be taking an active part in helping develop business opportunities in Swanage.

Q3 2026 | Dorset Business Focus

SturBiz - Sturminster Newton Chamber of Commerce

www.facebook.com/SturBiz The Sturminster Newton Chamber of Commerce was set up in 2018 and named SturBiz for simplicity. Its mission is to promote and enhance Sturminster Newton and surrounding area’s economy and its businesses and support a thriving and effective business community.

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www.wpchamber.co.uk The chamber has been supporting businesses for over 100 years, encouraging and inspiring businesses of all sizes. We’ve helped many people to find their feet in the local business community, by providing an environment where they can connect with likeminded people. In recent years we’ve represented the concerns of businesses to the local councils, contributing to a significant cut in the cost of car parking charges. We played an important role in the establishment of the Weymouth BID, in whose operation we take a keen interest.

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DORSET BUSINESS FOCUS / NEWS

Dorset Chamber

welcomes our New Members

Sylver Entertainment Founded in 2020 by Victoria Barrell and Simon Lazenby, Sylver Entertainment is an awardwinning production house specialising in developing exceptional ideas from their genesis through to delivery. Be it feature documentaries, premium TV series or commercial branded content, Sylver’s focus is always on quality. Working with the finest film-making talent in the world, the Sylver team has a proven track record of creating and financing stories in order to bring them to life. www.sylverent.com

British Broth Company

Amicus Law Solicitors

Lume Interiors

S M Electronics Design Ltd

Sectora Group

New Gen Renewables

Q3 2026 | Dorset Business Focus

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DORSET BUSINESS / NEW MEMBERS DORSET FOCUS BUSINESS FOCUS / NEWS

Up Top Roofing, Scaffolding + Solar

Burns Property Management & Lettings Limited

Employ My Ability

The Holiday Inn Bournemouth

Seetec

LA Trading

To become a Dorset Chamber member, contact: Lore of the Sky

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Royal Bath Hotel

membership@dorsetchamber.co.uk

DORSET BUSINESS FOCUS / NEWS

Q3 2026 | Dorset Business Focus

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DORSET BUSINESS FOCUS / NEWS

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DORSET BUSINESS FOCUS / BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Accountants & Tax Advisors

Consultancy - Compliance Risk Advisory

Russell Philips Limited

Faithworks

SDH Crisis management

Forest Holme Hospice

Albert Goodman

Sellerly Limited

Friendly Food Club

Arnold Accounting & Bookkeeping Services Ltd

The ‘R’ Zone

Health Sciences University

Transformative Coaching and Consulting Pvt Ltd

HealthBus Trust

Atreus Accountants Ltd Azets

Vistera Partners

Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs

Brett Pittwood

Wired to Lead

Home Start Wessex

Chorus Accounting Limited

Business Recovery & Insolvency

Hope HTS

Couriers & Freight Forwarding

International Care Network

AOG Worldwide Ltd

Jim Cronin Memorial Fund for Primate Welfare & Conservation

Chase Freight Ltd

Forvis Mazars Grasp Accounting & Advisory Limited

Antony Batty & Co Limited

Hill Osborne

Even Keel Solutions Limited

Hunts Accountants Limited

Leonard Curtis

HWB Chartered Accountants

Business Support Services

Morris Lane PKF Francis Clark Saffery LLP TC Group The Affinity Group

Help and Care

Transworld Business Advisors South Bucks

Corporate Gifts & Clothing 4Couture.com The Perfect Source Limited

Julia’s House

Cyber Security

Leonardo Carer Support

Bluefin Cyber

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care

ESET UK

Acquit Debt Collection and Outsourced Credit Control

Lighthouse Poole

Day Nurseries

BrooksKebbey Limited

Macmillan Caring Locally

Tops Day Nurseries

Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride

Digital Agencies

Discovery

Mosaic -Supporting bereaved children

Studio Global

Dorset Business Angels

MYTIME Young Carers

Equilibrium Services

La Trading - Internal Taxi Advertising Ltd

Pavilion Dance South West

Future Force Partnership Ltd

Plants and Minds

Digital Marketing Consultant

Air Conditioning

X-Press Legal Services Ltd

Poole Sea Cadets

Digital Hype

Summit Mechanical Services Ltd

Dorset

Reconnect Events CIC

Enviary

Architects

Care

Samaritans of Bournemouth and District

Blossom Home Care

FlowerKittle architects

Right At Home

Sexual Trauma and Recovery Services - Dorset Rape Crisis

Distribution

DMW Architects Ltd Western Design Architects

Silverstars Care Ltd

Advertising

Audio Visual Equipment LTN Productions

Talbot Village Trust

Southbourne Beach Care Home

Catering & Catering Equipment

Kong Company Ltd Riverside Aromatics Ltd

The Arts Development Company

Education

The Isabel Baker Foundation

Bournemouth and Poole College

The Power House Poole

Bournemouth University

The Tank Museum

Brockenhurst College

Burbs Kitchen Ltd

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity

Coastland College

Comax Ltd

Volunteer Centre Dorset

Employ my Ability

Gama Aviation (Engineering) Ltd

Chamber of Commerce

Wessex Heartbeat

Skills & Learning

Banking

Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce

YMCA Bournemouth

SWRAC

Bridport Business Chamber of Trade and Commerce

Cleaning Services & Supplies

The Bournemouth English Book Centre

Handelsbanken Bournemouth

Christchurch Chamber of Trade and Commerce

Clean Deep Services Ltd

Aviation Bournemouth Airport DAeCO

J.P. Morgan

Bars & Restaurants Cote Brasserie - Dorchester Harry’s Group Rick Stein The Seafood Restaurant The Guildhall Tavern

Blinds & Awnings Ashley Blinds (UK) Ltd

Bookkeeping and Payroll

Dorchester Chamber for Business Dorset Chamber Gillingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry Shaftesbury & District Chamber of Commerce (SDCC) Sherborne Chamber of Trade & Commerce

Kounted

SturBiz - Sturminster Newton Chamber of Commerce

Milburn Finance

Swanage & District Chamber of Trade

Branding & Design

Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce

Amadoo Creative Ltd

Brewery

Charity

AV Dorset Supplies Limited

Commercial Property Maintenance Compass Building Services

The Colleges Partnership Yeovil College Young Enterprise

Electrical Services Dextra Group PLC Xcel Electrical Services Ltd

Wilshaw Glazing Ltd

Energy Efficiency Services

Construction Design & Build

Syntra Systems Limited

CONSERVATORY ROOF INSULATION 247 LTD

LUME Interiors Ltd

Tritility

Mayfield

Engineering

Portakabin Ltd Stepnell Ltd

A & M Defence & Marine Services Ltd ABP Technologies Ltd

Suttles

Ammtek Electronic Engineering Solutions

Construction & Surveyors

Amtek Engineering Solutions Ltd

Baypoint Surveys Ltd

Aviation & Defence Spares

Como Associates Ltd

AW Precision Engineering Ltd

Graham Garner & Partners Ltd

Charter Tech Ltd

Greendale Construction Ltd

Chemring Technology Solutions Ltd

CAN (Community Action Network)

Harry J Palmer Ltd

Curtiss Wright Nuclear

Care South

MC Roofing Ltd

Fischer Panda UK | Power Solutions

Cash for Kids South Coast

Quoin Property Consulting Limited

IEC / Alpro Limited

Savills

INDUS Engineering Services

ActionCOACH Dorset

Citizens Advice Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole

Scan-Cloud-Design

Littlemore Scientific Engineering

Amanda O’Rourke Coaching

Diverse Abilities

Sibbett Gregory

Modulift UK Ltd

Chantal Dempsey Coaching

DorPIP

Siteright Construction Supplies Ltd

Parvalux Electric Motors

Elemental Solutions Ltd

Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance

Spetisbury Construction Ltd

Pragma

Evolve

Dorset Community Action

TAC Projects

Reidsteel

KIMCO

Dorset Community Foundation

Up Top Roofing

Rivencore Global Solutions Limited

Lynette Deutsch Advisory

Dorset Reclaim

Scaffolding + Solar

S M Electronics Design Ltd

Michelle Reade Coaching

Dorset Visual Arts

Vail Williams

Safi Valves Ltd

P.Griffin Consulting Ltd

Dorset Wildlife Trust

Westmade Building Contractors

Tides Marine International Ltd

Hall & Woodhouse Ltd

Broadband & VOIP Juice Broadband

Business Associations Wimborne BID

Business Coaching/ Consultancy

Q3 2026 | Dorset Business Focus

100 & First Foundation Age UK NSWD Autism Unlimited Bournemouth Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets

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DORSET BUSINESS FOCUS / BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Entertainment Magic by Alfie Seafood & Sounds

Environmental Services & ESG Support Auditel Carbon Solutions

Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital Poole Therapies and Associates Limited t/a Poole Therapies WALX

Holiday Parks West Dorset Leisure Holidays

Efeca

Home Improvements

ESG PRO Limited

Rural Ranges Ltd

Event Management & Equipment

Hotels & Conferencing

Kitchen Design

Superior Seals Limited

Alecta Technical Solutions

Tecan Ltd

Lifts Supply & Installation

Trimetals Limited

Bourne Lifts Ltd

Time & Data Systems International Ltd Tyrol Tyre Sealant Manufacturer

Local Authority

Vapormatic UK Limited

BCP Council

Wessex Filters Ltd

Dorset Council

Wyndham Page Ltd

Manufacturing

Yunex Traffic

Marine

BH Live

A & E Connock (Perfumery & Cosmetics) Ltd

CrowdComms

Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel

Abbey Supply Co Ltd

Avon Marina

Havencrown Marquee Cleaning Machines Ltd

Captains Club Hotel

Advanced Instruments Ltd

Spot Zero EU Ltd

Chewton Glen

AlfaTronix Ltd

Sandpolo Ltd

Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa

ASMPT SMT UK Ltd

Export Packing & Freight

Hotel Collingwood

BEST Fittings Ltd

Marketing PR & Web Developers

Hotel Du Vin & Bistro Poole

Binks UK Limited

Kingston Country Courtyard

British Broth Company

Digital Storm

Marsham Court Hotel

C.C.Moore & Co Ltd

Evomark

Oceana Hotels

Caleva Process Solutions Ltd

Halo Design Associates

Queens Hotel & Spa Bournemouth

Caterpillar Marine Power UK Ltd

Intergage Ltd

Royal Bath Hotel

CBRNergetics Ltd

LA Marketing & Automation Ltd

Summer Lodge Hotel

Concept Cables Ltd

Motley Digital Ltd

The Green House Hotel

Corecroft Business Services Limited

Overt Digital Media

The Hilton Bournemouth

Coty International BV

Runway Growth Consulting Ltd

The Holiday Inn Bournemouth

CT Production Ltd.

The Inspiration Agency

The Nici

Cygnus Instruments Ltd Darlena Ltd

Media & Film

The Priory

Dometic Group Ltd

First Capital Finance Ltd

BH Film Festival C.I.C.

Donaldson Filtration GB Ltd

Fit to Retire Ltd

Bo’Ness HR

Dorset Life

Globacare

Fizz Pop Bang Limited

Electronic Technicians Ltd

Global

Enovation Controls Ltd

Lewis & Co (Investments & Pensions) Limited

Harbourlight HR

Image Republic Ltd

Farrow & Ball

Kindful Creative Ltd

Life Matters

Lumine Development Ltd

Field International Group Ltd

Sylver Entertainment

Peter Harding Wealth Management

Novara Virtual Staffing Ltd

FireSTOP Manufacturing Ltd

Motoring Sales & Servicing

Rathbones Group PLC

Purple HR Ltd

SG Financial Ltd

Streetwise HR Ltd

Shield Corporate Finance Ltd

ViewHR Ltd

South West Business Finance

Import/Export Services

John Pipe Limited

Facilities Management Atlas FM

Financial Services Baggette & Company Wealth Management Ltd Barclays Bank Birch Financial Services Blue Sky Financial Planning Ltd BNGU Limited ta LoanLogic Church House Investment Management Eames Laurie Financial Services

Headland HR Limited

Flowbird Transport Limited Fridgenius Ltd Greens Combustion

Actisense

b4b Marketing Caron Khan Consultancy

333 studios Ltd

Breeze Motor Group Hendy Group Mercedes Benz of Poole

Griff IVD Ltd

OKO Global LLP

Hamworthy International Ltd

Snows Toyota & Lexus Bournemouth

International Trade Matters

Hamworthy Combustion Engineering

Van Mossel Ocean

Northern Energy Innovations (NEI)

HB Kaizen Management

Insurance

Honeywell Analytics Ltd

Notary Services

WAY Trustees Limited Y-Not Finance

A-One Insurance Group

Food and Drink

Brown & Brown Poole

Strategic Solutions Financial Services SWIG Finance The Lewis Workplace Pension Trust

ABP Yetminster BV Dairy Dorset Box Limited Hero UK Foods Ltd Keith Spicer Ltd Lore of the Sky Midas Prosecco

Cornish Mutual Coversure Insurance MC Warranty Services NFU Mutual Salisbury and Wareham The Insurance Institute of Bournemouth UK Health Insurance WPA Private Medical Insurance

Hydreco Hydraulics Limited

Paul Wintle Notary Public

I C Brindle & Co Ltd

Office Equipment Suppliers

IMI Thompson Valves Ltd

Logik Copying Systems Ltd

Kallo Foods Ltd

Office Supplies

Lillidale Ltd

Ace Office Environments Ltd

Lotek UK Ltd

Pukka Pads 2000 Limited

Low Energy Designs Ltd

Patents & Trademarks

Lush Manufacturing Ltd

Barker Brettell LLP

Magicard Ltd

IP Consult

Marden Edwards Ltd

Plumbing & Heating

The Jordans & Ryvita Company

Interior Design

W Harvey & Sons

House of Sonnaz

Mar-key Group Limited t/a Mar-Key Group

Funeral Services & Directors

International

Meggitt UK Ltd – Heatric Division

IFGlobal

Motion Control Products Ltd

F C Douch & Son (Funerals)

SapphireFX

NETZSCH Pumps & Systems Ltd

Printing Services & Supplies

Furniture

Omnisonic International Limited

Amberley Adhesive Labels Ltd Harkwell

G P & J Baker Limited

C3IA Solutions Limited

Osprey Europe Limited

Green Energy

CS Group

Packline Ltd

Property Management

Marine Components International

Heat firm Ltd UFHN Ltd

ENHANCED

Penny & Giles Controls Limited (Curtiss-Wright)

entrustIT

Polyhose (UK) Ltd

Flex Epos Ltd

Avonwood Developments (Zone Safe)

Precision Acoustics Ltd

Fusion Tech

Health & Wellbeing

Primetals Technologies Limited

Glitch IT Limited

ProPlastix Limited

DDC Dolphin Limited

Grapevine Telecom Ltd t/a Grapevine

R. Hamilton & Co. Ltd

Incorporated Wellbeing

Grosvenor Technology Ltd

Rotor Blades Limited

Kestrel Medical Ltd

Olivia Network AI

S K C Ltd

Public Relations & Marketing Consultants

Life Balance Chiropractic Centre

Target IT Services

Senscient

Deep South Media Ltd

Livewell Dorset

Vizst Technology

SIGMA ALDRICH COMPANY LIMITED

Liz Lean PR

Latent Drive

Health & Safety

more news online - www.dorsetchamber.co.uk/news

Burns Hamilton

Property Sales and Rental D J Property Frost & Co Professional Lettings Goadsby & Harding (Survey & Valuation) Ltd Move On Sales and Lettings

DORSET BUSINESS FOCUS / BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Publications IMS Group

Retail & Commercial Interiors

Local IQ

Kiwi Design

Pulford Publicity Ltd

Recruitment

Security Dorset Security Services Ltd Vanguard Security Services Ltd

Serviced Offices

Platinum Recruitment Consultancy Limited

A* Learning Services

Paris Smith LLP Steele Raymond LLP

Impressions Care Agency One Choice Healthcare

Training

M J P Law Ltd Preston Redman LLP

Aspire Jobs Ltd Mploy Staffing Solutions Ltd

Lester Aldridge LLP

Stephens Scown Trethowans

Sports & Leisure

Foundry UK SmartBase

Aspirin Business Solutions Ltd DSTPN JRS Training Micro Nav Limited Ouch Learning and Development SEETEC

Adventure Attractions Ltd

Shoots Training Limited

AFC Bournemouth

SimGAIm

Rubicon Recruitment

Signage

Bournemouth Rugby Club

Sectora Group

BCP Media Group Ltd

Broadstone Golf Club

The Work Shop

Bournemouth Sign Co.

Cricket Dorset Ltd t/a Dorset Cricket Board

Think Signs Ltd

Dorset County Football Association

Recruitment & Software

Social Media Agency

Dorset Museum

Jobizz R&E

Tasty Socials

Recycling & Waste

Software/ Cloud Services

Avon Material Supplies

Poole Software Limited

Muc-Off Ltd

Poole Harbour Commissioners

C Sait LTD

Solar/Green Energy

Salisbury Racecourse

Portland Port

New Gen Renewables LTD

Sculpture by the Lakes Ltd

PRC Streamline Group

Save Energy UK Ltd

Telecommunications

Travel

W H White Limited

4COM Group Ltd

Coastal Cruises Poole Ltd

Solicitors

Bipcom Ltd

Dorset Cruises (Poole) Ltd

Amicus Law Solicitors

Buzz Networks Ltd

R&R Executive Travel Ltd

Maidmans Moving and Storage Limited

Battens Solicitors Limited

Citrus Telecommunications Ltd

Blanchards Bailey LLP

Crystal Clear Telecom Ltd

Utlitities

Store & Secure Self Storage

Retail

Coles Miller Solicitors LLP

Green IP LTD

Dutton Gregory Solicitors LLP

JAM

Ellis Jones Solicitors LLP

Telesoft Technologies Ltd

Will Writing

Poole Bay Holdings Ltd

Frettens LLP

Wessex Internet Limited

Rest Assured Wills

Spend Green CIC

Humphries Kirk LLP

Town Planning Consultants

Workwear

The Dolphin Poole

Laceys Solicitors LLP

Chapman Lily Planning Ltd

Tower Supplies

Tru Talent

Eco Sustainable Solutions houseclearance4u.com W & S Waste Management Ltd

Removals & Storage Britannia Leatherbarrows Removals & Storage Ltd

Dawsons Radio Ltd/Bang & Olufsen Bournemouth

Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park Iford Golf Centre Individuality Swimming Ltd

The Opportunity Provider Ltd (TOP).

Transport & Logistics Bournemouth Swanage Motor Road & Ferry Co Channel Seaways Ltd Great Western Railway Morebus/Excelsior Coaches

D&A Procurement Ltd Power Audit.UK

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Q3 2026 | Dorset Business Focus

/company/dorset-chamber/

/dorsetchamber

@DorsetChamber

DORSET BUSINESS FOCUS / NEWS

more news online - www.dorsetchamber.co.uk/news

Q3 2026 | Dorset Business Focus

/company/dorset-chamber/

/dorsetchamber

@DorsetChamber

DORSET BUSINESS FOCUS / NEWS

more news online - www.dorsetchamber.co.uk/news