Post by Poole Studio on Jul 18, 2007 18:50:18 GMT 1
www.thisisdorset.net/search/display.var.1199196.0.pottery_boss_seeking_ties_with_council.php
Pottery boss seeking ties with council
By James Morton
NEW Poole Pottery owner Lifestyle is keen to foster close ties with Poole council as it sets about plotting the new course for the company.
Lifestyle's priority is to find an alternative site to the Sopers Lane factory, which it says is uneconomical to run.
It is hunting for a new site in Poole for a scaled-down studio pottery, with a manufacturing and retail presence.
And the company is liaising with the local authority to assess the needs of the town and what the pottery offers in terms of the economy.
Lifestyle managing director Peter Bello (pictured) said: "I want to see what the council's priority is. I know Poole Pottery brings a lot of tourism to the Quay, for example.
"It is essential we work closely together and it can only benefit both of us.
"There are commercial realities, so I'm interested to hear what they've got to say.
"We are looking for a site and if anybody can suggest a suitable site to keep some manufacturing in the area, we'd certainly be very interested to talk to them."
When the pottery's Quayside shop and factory closed down just before Christmas, it was estimated the loss of the iconic business could cost the town's economy up to £10 million.
So the council is understandably keen to work closely with the new owners to find the right site and direction for the pottery.
Jim Bright, strategic director for the council, and Peter Wheelhouse, economic development manager, were among the first to meet with Mr Bello when he arrived in Poole on Tuesday.
Mr Bright said: "The meeting was constructive and it was agreed that we will work together to try to advance the company's plans and ensure the tradition and heritage of the brand is maintained.
"Going forward, the main focus will be the identification of a site in Poole for the new pottery studio and visitor centre."
7:19pm Friday 16th February 2007
Pottery boss seeking ties with council
By James Morton
NEW Poole Pottery owner Lifestyle is keen to foster close ties with Poole council as it sets about plotting the new course for the company.
Lifestyle's priority is to find an alternative site to the Sopers Lane factory, which it says is uneconomical to run.
It is hunting for a new site in Poole for a scaled-down studio pottery, with a manufacturing and retail presence.
And the company is liaising with the local authority to assess the needs of the town and what the pottery offers in terms of the economy.
Lifestyle managing director Peter Bello (pictured) said: "I want to see what the council's priority is. I know Poole Pottery brings a lot of tourism to the Quay, for example.
"It is essential we work closely together and it can only benefit both of us.
"There are commercial realities, so I'm interested to hear what they've got to say.
"We are looking for a site and if anybody can suggest a suitable site to keep some manufacturing in the area, we'd certainly be very interested to talk to them."
When the pottery's Quayside shop and factory closed down just before Christmas, it was estimated the loss of the iconic business could cost the town's economy up to £10 million.
So the council is understandably keen to work closely with the new owners to find the right site and direction for the pottery.
Jim Bright, strategic director for the council, and Peter Wheelhouse, economic development manager, were among the first to meet with Mr Bello when he arrived in Poole on Tuesday.
Mr Bright said: "The meeting was constructive and it was agreed that we will work together to try to advance the company's plans and ensure the tradition and heritage of the brand is maintained.
"Going forward, the main focus will be the identification of a site in Poole for the new pottery studio and visitor centre."
7:19pm Friday 16th February 2007