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Dorset directors debate region’s transport solutions


Good transport is vital to business, especially in the current economic climate, but how the UK’s ageing infrastructure can be improved with limited public funds is the cause of some debate among business leaders.


The Institute of Directors polled 1,245 members on the state of the UK’s transport infrastructure and found some two-thirds felt it represents poor value for money, compared with 7% who think it represents good value; 58% said it is poorly integrated, with the goal of an integrated transport system is as elusive as ever.


“This is where privately-funded road development can assist,“ said Warren Munson, chairman of Dorset Institute of Directors. “Although this would inevitably be accompanied by tolls, if it speeds up improvements in infrastructure it has to be welcomed. The M6 toll road is a good example.“


of the biggest frustrations for local business people is the time it can take to cross the Poole/ Bournemouth conurbation and the lack of decent road connections to the West Country and, in particular, Bristol.“


Investment to improve existing intercity and commuter rail services is also seen as more important than a new high- speed rail line.


Warren Munson


IoD members believe improvements to existing urban and local roads and motorways are far more important than new road construction: “We have seen a number of improvements to the local road network, including the Weymouth relief road, in recent years, but one


“With the increase in fuel prices the use of rail transportation appears to be becoming more important and in respect of travel to London an improvement in the travel time from Southampton down to Dorset would be appreciated,“ Munson continued. “It seems it can take as long as it does to travel from Southampton to Bournemouth as from Southampton to London.“


Seward (Wessex) goes to Eden


Scores of jobs have been safeguarded with the sale of a major car dealership in east Dorset by administrators Smith & Williamson.


Eden (GM) has acquired the assets and two retail sites of Seward (Wessex), where more than 135 people are employed, for an undisclosed seven- figure sum. The businesses will be known as Eden Branksome and Eden Christchurch.


Greg Palfrey and Stephen Adshead, from the south coast office of accountancy group Smith & Williamson, were appointed joint administrators of Seward (Wessex) in February to manage the company’s affairs, business and property after the business ran into financial difficulties. They successfully traded the firm as a going concern for four weeks while a buyer was found.


Palfrey, who heads Smith & Williamson’s restructuring and recovery services for the regions, said: “We always felt confident a buyer would come forward because Seward (Wessex) was a strong brand.“


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www.wilkinskennedy.com THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – MAY 2012 www.businessmag.co.uk


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