Bournemouth invites proposals for Dorset Enterprises premises
Bournemouth Council is seeking proposals from organisations to make use of its Dorset Enterprises facility.
Dorset Enterprises is a commercial business which produces high quality products and employs a number of skilled staff. However it has, over recent years, experienced greatly increased competition from overseas manufacturers. This has contributed to an annual loss in 2010/2011 of £541k with the Council currently funding the shortfall. As a result the Council needs to find the best solution for the future of the factory and its staff without any further cost to Council Tax payers.
The Council has been actively considering arrangements with a number of other organisations who specialise in managing businesses that support employment for people with disabilities.
The Council is currently inviting interested organisations to submit their detailed proposals. The deadline for submissions is 29 June 2012. For further information, please see the attached briefing document which includes details of how to request an information pack.
A decision about the future of Dorset Enterprises will only happen once Cabinet has received a detailed options appraisal, and this is not expected until September 2012.
