In It to Win It

Buses should never be seen in isolation from the businesses and communities they serve. Forging links with the wider community can bring considerable benefits.

This goes beyond the obvious partnerships with local councils. It’s therefore as good for Wilts & Dorset as it is for the wider Bournemouth business sector that W&D’s managing director is the new president of the Bournemouth Chamber of Trade & Commerce.

Such a move is a two way street. Take nearby fellow Go Ahead subsidiary Brighton & Hove. Its managing director has played a prominent role within Brighton’s business community for many years. It’s one of a number of reasons why B&H is so respected within its local community, a reason why B&H enjoys such local support and even not inconsiderable growth.

It’s hard to put a price on the benefits this can bring. It goes far beyond mere cachet. It will give W&D the opportunity to get its name across and its case heard, to raise and discuss issues and seek support, within an influential organisation representing 140 strong local businesses, ranging all the way from Marks & Spencer to the Samaritans (yup); from cutting edge ICT providers to education establishments; from Excelsior Coaches to Transdev Yellow Buses.

The chamber was founded in 1916. By coincidence, that was the year W&D’s predecessor’s predecessor was also formed. There’s no doubt that back in the heady days of bus-led economic expansion the wider community would have welcomed with open arms Bournemouth & District Motor Services as it eventually began to become established. 90 years later, in a different environment, the bus industry needs a strong voice in today’s car-oriented climate; with W&D at the heart of the chamber of commerce, it has that voice. It may be easier for a locally branded operator to get involved but that does not preclude local management at the larger groups being able to use similar relationships to their advantage.