People involved with the BID

Neil Strudwick (chairman)

Goldcrest Jewellers

I would like to introduce myself as your new BID chairman Mr Neil Strudwick

My wife and I run our own business at Goldcrest Jewellers in Hardye Arcade, and have been established since 2010, I have been in the Jewellery trade for nearly 30 years and a Goldsmith for 28 years carrying out repairs through to commissions . When my wife and I first discussed the planning of our business, we were looking for a location that could support our hopes and dreams, and thought Dorchester had suited us well being a individual, vibrant and happening location.

Over eight years our business has grown and won awards with the support of our local people I am passionate about this town with its untapped potential, with its major chain stores standing side by side with medium to small business.

It is well known that high street retail is taking a bashing from all sides with town centres up and down the country becoming no go areas and ghost towns, and it would break my heart to see this beautiful town go this way working with you as your BID chairman, together we can keep this vibe in this town and each business can play a part in this. As BID chairman, together with my fellow volunteer board members we are all here to support you and your business.

Any questions, ideas or you if just want to have a chat for any reason don’t hesitate to get in contact with me or any other BID board members.

Contact Neil – t: 01305 269550

Nick Rawlings (deputy)

Goulds

I am married with 3 grown up children and I have lived in Dorchester all of my life. For the past 28 years I have worked for Goulds. I am also the Chair of the Dorchester Shopwatch Radio link and in my spare time I am a Special Constable stationed at Dorchester.

I am very passionate about Dorchester and believe that the Dorchester BID has done an excellent job over the past 5 years.

Contact Nick – t: 01305 217800

John Fiori

Horse with the Red Umbrella

My name is John Fiori married to Franca for 35 years aged 55. I am the owner of The Horse With The Red Umbrella Tea Rooms, open since 2004. I was born in London from Italian parents and have worked in the catering industry since leaving school.

I worked at the Savoy Hotel and Claridges for 7 years and then my own cafe for 20 years. Having good friends in Dorset we decided to open up shop and move to near Dorchester, where I bought The Horse With The Red Umbrella.

I joined the BID Board to try to help not only my business but others in Dorchester and to try to make Dorchester the best town in Dorset. Having a BID in Dorchester has to be a must because it not only highlights the town but all the retailers hopefully can use the BID to their full advantage.

Contact John – t: 01305 262019

Glenn House

Dodgson’s of Dorchester Ltd

Hi, my name is Glenn House. I have been married since 1989. I have two wonderful daughters, and a rescue dog called Ronnie.

I am a local man, as I was born in Weymouth, and I have lived in and around Dorchester all of my life.

I am the owner of Dodgson’s of Dorchester Ltd, your local DIY shop in South Street.

I was delighted when Phil approached me to join the BID, as I feel I can offer my experience in retail, and also it will be good to be involved in all the great things that the BID already supports, and the projects that will be introduced in the future, whatever they may be. Watch this space…………..

Contact Glenn: t: 01305 262918

Charlotte Spracklen

Centre Manager at Brewery Square

Hi, my name is Charlotte Spracklen and I am the Centre Manager at Brewery Square in Dorchester. I have a four year old daughter, and have lived in Dorchester all my life. I have a passion for Dorchester, tourism, the local community and local businesses and I’m so pleased to be a part of the outstanding BID which we have here in Dorchester.

Steve Farnham

Porter Dodson

Observers / Advisers

Jon Bird

Dorset Council Officer

Cllr Rory Major

Dorset Councillor

Cllr Janet Hewitt

Dorchester Town Councillor

Project Director

Phil Gordon

Project Director

Phil was appointed Project Manager for Dorchester BID in January 2007 and Project Director in March 2008 following the successful ballot.

Phil is a local businessman with over 25 years experience in marketing, sales, product development and distribution helping small businesses grow into larger ones with a broad mix of technical and commercial skills.

Phil says,”I am proud to be 10th generation Dorset and can trace my family back to Marsden Magna where in 1605 my ancestor William Fooks was a Yeoman Farmer. In more recent times my great, great, great grandfather, Thomas Fooks (1775-1845) became Clerk of the Peace for Dorset. I guess I have a lot to live up to, but it seems somehow quite poignant to be involved in a project to help the town in which my ancestors once trod!”

“I was delighted to be given the opportunity to help with the ‘Business Improvement District’ (or BID) initiative as I believe that, as the county town, Dorchester has a lot to offer but needs this kind of project to act as a catalyst for change and improvement. We have a talented and dedicated team of people (drawn from local businesses and the community) who are all firmly behind the project and we’re all determined to make the BID a success. In doing so, we hope to help make Dorchester a more vibrant place to work in, live in or just visit whilst on holiday.”

Contact Phil: t: 07799 494886 Email: philg@dorchesterdorset.com

Lisa Cartwright

Finance Director