Business
‘Vibrant’ Swanage business community gets its own awards Successfully running for the last two years, The Purbeck Business Awards in Dorset, has attracted so many entries from Swanage businesses, that the town is to get its own awards ... 
Swanage outdoor shop gears up for 20th birthday Not quite as old as the Jurassic Coast but the independent and family-run retailer, Jurassic Outdoor in Swanage, Dorset, is celebrating a significant milestone and inviting everyone to come along ... 
Angela Rayner gives thumbs up to Sandford Lidl Work has started on a site in Sandford, Dorset, after the government approved planning permission for a new Lidl supermarket, which could be open by Christmas 2025 
Studland luxury hotel plan refused by government inspector The proposal to redevelop Knoll House Hotel in Studland, Dorset, into a five star luxury resort has been quashed by the government’s planning inspector 
The Purbeck Apothecary sets up shop in Swanage Local resident Lorraine Love is turning her passion into a business with the opening of a herbal medicine clinic and shop in Swanage, Dorset 
Cornish Bakery reopens in Swanage after major revamp Following a significant overhaul, the Cornish Bakery in Swanage, Dorset, opened its doors for the first time in two weeks and welcomed customers in from the February rain. 
Former Swanage church is for sale and going for a song Swanage’s former Salvation Army church has just been put up for sale at a bargain price of £350,000 - and could become one of the most unusual homes in town. 
Oh, deer – zoo law spells end to Farmer Palmer’s Purbeck herd A much loved deer feeding experience at Farmer Palmer’s farm park near Wareham in Dorset is to close after strict enforcement of zoo licensing laws. 
Purbeck Ice Cream scoops gold with new flavours A Purbeck company has just received six prestigious Taste of the West awards for its products, four of them gold, which will soon be served from one of Britain's latest ... 
Swanage’s seafront sauna finally steams into action After a few unexpected delays, the new sauna overlooking Swanage Bay in Dorset and ideally located for sea swimmers, is now operational and taking bookings 
Purbeck pub Rivo’s Hub opens its doors as it revs up for 2025 Amazing automobiles made a pit stop at a newly reopened Sandford pub in Dorset, to take part in a new year’s day classic car rally, the first event of many ... 
Purbeck Business Awards are back for a third year Entries have opened for The Purbeck Business Awards with a chance of becoming a winner in 2025 
Swanage’s seafront sauna arrives to warm up winter Despite unavoidable delays, a new sauna for beachgoers, sea swimmers and even shoppers has finally been craned into position on Swanage seafront with breathtaking views over the bay 
Surprise rates bill is bad moos for Lucy’s Farm in Swanage Swanage artist Lucy Tidbury is calling for greater support for small businesses after being hit by an unexpected four-figure bill for business rates on a small storage shed 
Huge victory for Purbeck shoppers as Lidl store approved A new controversial budget supermarket has been granted planning permission at Sandford near Wareham in Dorset by the narrowest of margins 
Vacant school site in Swanage goes up for sale Purbeck View School in Swanage, Dorset, has been put up for sale, marketed as an opportunity to build a new development of 92 homes 
Swanage Antiques helps Paddington light up darkest Peru Swanage’s newest antique shop owner, Alex Koerber, will be keeping a close eye on the new Paddington Bear movie, as one of his antiques is expected to feature as a ... 
Swanage outdoor company owners buy Dorset Adventure Park The inflatable water park and mud trail at Corfe Castle in Dorset has been sold to the directors of the Swanage-based company Cumulus Outdoors 
Purbeck florist reaches regional finals of wedding awards An eco friendly florist from Corfe Castle in Dorset has won a coveted place in the South West regional finals of a national wedding industry competition 
Estate agent marks 60 years of selling homes in Swanage A surprise party was held at the Swanage estate agents Corbens to celebrate a pretty impressive milestone for one of its directors 
Gear change to drive revival of Sandford pub The Sandford pub near Wareham in Dorset, is set to reopen as a welcoming hub to celebrate all things automotive with American style motorbike and vehicle events 
Top of the crops as Purbeck fruit farm goes up for sale There’s a new opportunity for families to live the good life in Purbeck as an established pick your own fruit farm has been put up for sale. 
Locals aim for global success in Swanage pub takeover A group of Swanage friends who liked their local pub so much that they bought the tenancy are ready to return the Globe to its former glory. 
Dorset’s first seaweed spa opens in Studland A new health experience is making waves on the beach at Studland, and it’s all thanks to an abundance of Purbeck’s overlooked superfood - seaweed. 
Teaching kids about dogs as Swanage outdoor company expands activities Swanage outdoor adventure company Cumulus Outdoors is getting a helping paw from man’s best friend for summer 2024. 
Historic Kingston manor house goes on market for £4 million One of the oldest continuously occupied homes in Dorset has been put on the market and comes with a view that is absolutely priceless. 
Anvil Point lighthouse clock sells at auction for thousands over estimate A Victorian clock which was made for Anvil Point lighthouse near Swanage in Dorset, was estimated to sell at between £800 to £1,200. 
Boost in services for Swanage’s cash economy Following an outcry over the closure of the last bank branch in Swanage in Dorset, a new multi-bank cash deposit machine has been installed in the town - one of ... 
Swanage and Herston FC offers local firms chance to strike it lucky A Purbeck company could get to emulate the likes of Nike, American Express or Etihad Airways, and all for a bargain price of just £75. 
Salt Pig company buys Langton Matravers adventure farm One of Purbeck’s best loved family attractions is under new ownership - with exciting new plans for the future. 
Sounding good – launch of new radio station for Purbeck A new radio station with many familiar names has begun broadcasting to Purbeck from a studio in the heart of Swanage. 
Open invitation to explore one of Swanage’s best kept secrets Cauldron Barn Farm Park in Swanage, Dorset, is holding a number of open days inviting everyone to visit the former 1960s caravan park that's now a residential park for the ... 
Hidden heart of Swanage launches new campaign to woo visitors Independent and artisan businesses in a tucked away part of Swanage town centre in Dorset, are hoping a new initiative will help shoppers beat a path to their door. 
Scare for Skippy inspired Swanage’s new animal ambulance A new 24 hour pet ambulance service has been launched by Swanage woman Charlotte Walker after her boxer dog nearly died in a late night emergency. 
Swanage shop scoops top UK retailer award A convenience store that has been in the same Swanage family for more than 100 years has received recognition for its outstanding contribution to the community. 
Future in doubt for Wareham Sheddies after eviction threat Talented woodworkers are facing an uncertain time as an eviction wrangle leaves their future in Purbeck very much in the balance. 
Proposed Swanage seaweed farm takes care not to make waves A seaweed farm more than a mile off the Swanage coast could help to lead a revolution in aquaculture if it is granted permission to go ahead later this year. 
Entrepreneurs widen Swanage’s dining choices with new venture A new food destination called The Narrows has just opened in Swanage’s historic High Street, which is fast becoming a thriving hub of activity again. 
New chapter in store for Corfe Castle village shop A Dorset village store with a 300 year history is passing into new hands as the couple who rescued it from ruin 10 years ago are retiring to see the ... 
Swanage to get seafront sauna and new beach cafe With the increasing popularity of all year round sea swimming, a new service will provide a sauna facility on Swanage seafront in Dorset, alongside a new beach cafe offering top ... 
Financial administrators put Langton care home up for sale The Old Rectory care home at Langton Matravers near Swanage in Dorset has been listed for sale after the company running it went into liquidation. 
Oil well at Wytch Farm to be shut down within four years Oil company Perenco UK says it will start to close down operations at Wytch Farm near Corfe Castle in Dorset from the end of 2027 as oil reserves begin to ... 
From Swanage Pier to the cloud, community radio moves online Former Purbeck Coast community radio station presenter Lex McKee is back on air again and others are expected to join him. 
Swanage’s new florist shop opens for Valentine’s Day Fulfilling a lifelong ambition, a new florist shop is opening in Swanage and it's just in time for one of the busiest days of the year. Purbeck Business Awards 2024 winners announced The names of the 11 winners of the Purbeck Business Awards 2024 have been revealed with Wareham’s Italian Kitchen restaurant scooping the top title of b0usiness of the year. 
Official launch for new Purbeck cider with a golden touch A new cider for Purbeck to treasure has been created, with the intention of making it the flagship drink of Dorset. 
Swanage bakery applies for planning after redesign completed The Italian Bakery in Swanage, Dorset has submitted a retrospective planning application for a new look shop front, a year after the work was done. Planning upset for new luxury resort in Studland Plans for a £65 million rebuild of Studland’s much loved Knoll House Hotel, creating 86 new jobs, have been refused by Dorset Council. 
Purbeck care home closes due to ‘financial difficulties’ The company running a residential care home in Langton Matravers near Swanage in Dorset has ceased trading with a loss of jobs and with residents now having to find new ... 
Purbeck volunteers who save chickens around the cluck More than 25,000 hens have been saved by a Purbeck family after they set up Chicken Rescue UK less than two years ago. 
Purbeck forester branches out with Tree of the Week website The popular Tree of the Week social media posts which started out as a joke by a Purbeck woodland manager, have expanded into artwork and now there's a new website. 
Twenty year battle to build Purbeck wind farm is finally over A wind and solar farm which will generate enough power to run every home in Purbeck has finally been completed. 
Business is blooming in Swanage town centre Bucking the national trend of empty shop units, Swanage in Dorset is seeing lots more new businesses opening up in the heart of the seaside town. 
Restaurant with perfect view of Swanage Bay to open in 2024 Four family friends from a Swanage catering company in Dorset are about to open their first restaurant overlooking the bay - and feel that the Covid pandemic is actually to ... 
Co-op shoppers help raise huge windfall for Swanage groups Three good causes in Swanage have benefited to the tune of more than £24,000 thanks to the Co-op supermarket’s annual local community fund event. 
Christmas gifts Allsort’d at new Swanage shop A brand new retail outlet in Swanage in Dorset is showcasing the artistic talents of Allsort’d, a group of local young adults with learning disabilities and associated difficulties. 
New restaurant brings the flavours of the Med to Swanage The taste of the Mediterranean is coming to Swanage when a new restaurant opens in Station Road in November 2023. 
New Holme for The Salt Pig in Purbeck Two Purbeck businesses with a passion for sustainability are joining forces to boost the farm shop at a garden centre, well known for its pioneering approach to business. 
Purbeck Business Awards: Entries open for 2024 Following the success of the first Purbeck Business Awards in 2023, entries are now open for 2024 and there’s some new categories. 
New kid in Corfe as local business expands A new delicatessen - The Green Goat - has opened across the road from The Pink Goat restaurant and cafe in Corfe Castle in Dorset, boosting the number of shops ... 
Supermarket to open new convenience store in Swanage Convenience store McColl's is closing in Swanage - but the shop is to reopen as a mini Morrisons supermarket with a promise to deliver value. 
Swanage ice cream kiosk business up for grabs The chance to sell ice cream and snacks along Swanage seafront in Dorset is being offered to businesses, along with other opportunities on Swanage Town Council owned land including the ... 
New summer festival ends appley for Purbeck Cider Despite a worrying weather forecast, the success of a new summer festival was one more reason to celebrate a successful year at Purbeck Cider. 
Sweet taste of success for Purbeck food and drink producers Top awards for great taste, dubbed the Oscars of the British food industry have been dished out to Purbeck companies. 
Ice cream kiosks in Swanage closed down owing council thousands The contract to operate two ice cream kiosks on Swanage’s Main Beach has been terminated after the tenants broke the terms of the agreement with Swanage Town Council. 
Pizza start-up to take over Swanage restaurant A business idea developed during lockdown by a Swanage couple to sell takeaway pizza has been so successful, they are now all set to open a cafe and pizzeria. 
Pedal powered Porsches set to make a splash at Studland A Studland beachside business is about to expand the UK’s greenest fleet of company cars with the addition of four open top Porsches. 
New snorkel school explores life under the sea in Swanage A new snorkelling school is opening in Swanage in time for World Ocean Day, to show children and adults the exciting underwater world that exists in the bay. 
Surrey couple ditch corporate life for Dorset safari venture A new Swanage company is gearing up for a busy summer offering a very different tourist experience - taking visitors on safari! 
Christmas angels sought to help light up the streets of Swanage Swanage Chamber of Trade has appealed for a benefactor to cover the cost of extra Christmas lights in town for 2023. 
Historic Studland home goes on the market for £5 million A National Trust property overlooking Studland Bay, which was used as a location for the BBC drama adaptation of Howards End, has been put up for sale for the first ... 
New scheme to reward loyalty of shoppers in Swanage A loyalty card for Swanage called the Purbeck Pass is being launched to benefit shoppers and businesses through the year. 
Business blossoms for Corfe Castle venture From a workshop in Corfe Castle, Dorset Dried Flowers is branching out, boosted by scooping the award for best eco business at the Purbeck Business Awards 2023. 
Swanage hails new cash machine at town centre Post Office Even a hail storm couldn't stop the installation of a new cash machine at Swanage's town centre Post Office bringing it closer to becoming a banking hub. 
Studland adventure company forages ahead with new season An outdoor adventure company which began in Studland with just four kayaks and a hut, is back and bigger than ever for the new season. 
Farm and fortune as Purbeck favourite scoops top tourism title Farm park attraction Farmer Palmer's near Wareham has won gold at the 2023 South West Tourism Awards. 
Converted church boosts £1m Purbeck house market Chance to buy a piece of ecclesiastical history at Langton Matravers for Easter as a former Wesleyan church swells the record number of million pound properties up for sale in ... 
Swanage fish and chip chain hooks top UK title You'd batter believe it - Comedian Jason Manford has presented a top prize to a fish and chip business with two shops in Swanage. 
Purbeck Business Awards 2023 winners announced Winning certificates have been presented to 12 local companies at the inaugural Purbeck Business Awards at a ceremony at Kingston Country Courtyard near Corfe Castle. 
Purbeck boat hire business to expand despite opposition A business owner has praised Dorset councillors for ‘seeing sense’ after unexpectly allowing him to build larger premises within Wareham's conservation area. 
Historic Swanage pub saved from bankruptcy A London property developer with a passion for beekeeping has rescued the Anchor Inn in Swanage. 
New Salt Pig eatery in Studland replaces old Middle Beach cafe Following the controversial closure of Middle Beach cafe by the National Trust, a new venture has been set up nearby - The Sandy Salt Pig. 
Store wars as Co-op objects to new Lidl at Wareham The Co-op has told Dorset Council planners that, “There is no need for an additional foodstore in Purbeck”. 
Rosy outlook for bold new Swanage venture A stylish new shop in Swanage has already received a warm welcome from customers and fellow business owners. 
Take the plunge at Blue Pool thanks to new wedding licence Couples who got engaged over Christmas and the New Year have a new venue in Purbeck to consider in 2023. 
Best Christmas lights in Swanage: the winners revealed! A competition to find the best festive lights displayed by a business or local resident in Swanage has yet again proved to be a tricky task. 
Swanage pub closes due to ‘financial difficulties’ as bills soar The Anchor Inn in Swanage has shut its doors indefinitely due to the financial impact of Covid and rising energy costs. Last chance to enter Purbeck Business Awards The deadline for entries and nominations for the first ever Purbeck Business Awards is looming and people are being urged to complete their entries in time. 
New video campaign to boost Christmas shopping in Swanage With the Sandbanks Ferry out of service and not bringing its usual daytrippers into Swanage in the run up to Christmas, the town’s Chamber of Trade has been out filming ... 
National Trust to demolish Studland beach cafe due to coastal erosion Climate change has been blamed for the decision to permanently close a beach cafe which has been a vital part of Studland for 120 years. 
Corfe Castle Club regains top title after two difficult years Real ale fans at the Corfe Castle Club have raised a toast to their bar which has been declared the best in Wessex - again. 
Swanage shoppers co-operate to raise bumper payout for charity An impressive £24,000 has been handed out to three local good causes by the Swanage Co-op. 
Swanage to pilot scheme to improve access to cash after bank closures An action group made up of financial institutions and consumer groups has visited Swanage to work out a plan to ensure the town still has a guaranteed supply of cash. 
Purbeck farmer expands pick your own pumpkin to meet growing demand There’s no trick about the latest treat from a Purbeck fruit farm - pick your own pumpkin month at Lenctenbury Farm, near Corfe Castle, has become a screaming success. 
New plans proposed to redevelop Studland hotel The owners of the Knoll House Hotel in Studland are poised to put in a new planning application to totally rebuild the site, after a previous application was turned down. 
New Swanage Post Office opens on time despite Liam’s cancer setback Postmaster Liam Searle has managed to open Swanage’s new Post Office on schedule, despite having to beat off a dangerously aggressive cancer at the same time. 
Purbeck Cider Company back from the brink of disaster Two years after fearing his business wouldn’t survive, founder of Purbeck Cider Company Joe Hartle is now looking to expand. Entries open for new Purbeck business awards A new awards scheme has been launched, not as an excuse for a party but to recognise the quality and range of businesses across Purbeck, according to its organiser. 
Kingston’s old church finally sells at auction for half a million pounds The former church in Kingston near Swanage with spectacular views of Corfe Castle, has finally sold at auction after an earlier million pound deal fell through. 
Last bank branch in Swanage closes its doors for final time Lloyds Bank has closed its branch in Swanage, ending its 126 year history in the town. 
Refocus for Purbeck wedding venue after Covid shutdowns The Covid pandemic has prompted a prestigious wedding venue near Corfe Castle to push forward with its redevelopment plans and to diversify its business. 
Demand for Purbeck Ice Cream shows no signs of softening Ice cream sales are back to their pre-Covid levels for Purbeck Ice Cream despite the current financial pressures on household incomes. 
Moving date for Swanage Post Office announced Swanage Post Office branch is relocating from Kings Road and views are being sought to help improve access and services when it moves to Institute Road. 
Old photos reveal the changing face of Swanage’s high street Posters have been springing up around the town centre as businesses celebrate shopping in bygone times, thanks to Swanage Museum. 
Lloyds Bank cashpoint in Swanage to go when branch closes Along with the closure of the Lloyds Bank branch in Swanage, the cashpoint machine service is also to be removed. 
Corfe Castle pub gets creative to attract punters in uncertain times Following a difficult few years for the hospitality industry, The Greyhound in Corfe Castle is tempting pub-goers back. 
Lockdown spurs new businesses to start in Swanage A passion for pizzas has led a Swanage couple to turn a business idea during lockdown into a flourishing mobile takeaway service. 
Fresh clams to be sold in Swanage in new venture A Swanage fisherman has launched a new business selling locally caught clams. 
Thirty year stamp of approval for Worth Matravers firm A family-run business in Worth Matravers, which was inspired by a long ago trip to India, is celebrating 30 years of trading. 
Budget supermarket proposed for Sandford The supermarket chain Lidl is holding a public consultation to gauge local support for a plan to build a new store at Sandford near Wareham. 
Fresh look for Swanage hotel boosts wedding plans A Swanage hotel has undergone a major refurbishment to encourage more couples to use it as a wedding venue after one of the managers decided to hold his own wedding ... 
Surge in school bookings means Swanage firms set for record year Swanage outdoor education businesses are riding the wave of a boom in school bookings with a record number of children signed up for 2022. 
The last retail bank in Swanage to close Lloyds Banking Group has announced the closure of 28 branches including Lloyds Bank in Swanage. 
Supermarket chain buys McColl’s including Swanage store Jobs at the convenience store McColl's in Swanage have been saved after the supermarket Morrisons bought all of McColl’s 1,100 shops across the UK, including the one in Institute Road. 
Popular seaside tea rooms to reopen in Swanage The much-loved Brook Tea Rooms in Swanage is reopening after a lengthy closure following the death of the previous owner. 
Swanage bakery goes Italian as new owners take over The well-known Hayman's bakery in Swanage – popular for traditional British bread, cream cakes and pasties - has been bought by a Wareham firm that specialises in Italian cuisine. 
Chocolate firm founded in Swanage emerges from ‘challenging’ times Production has been flat out for the first ‘normal’ Easter in three years at the chocolate makers, which was founded in Swanage in 2002. 
The Pig Hotel at Studland sold to private equity group A private equity firm that specialises in travel and leisure, has bought the parent company of the Pig Hotels with a view to increasing the number of its properties. 
Couple launch post lockdown venture in Swanage Studio South, located in the heart of Swanage, is aiming to create a hub for artists to draw or paint while relaxing and eating cake. 
New owners of historic Swanage pub reveal tapas bar plans A brother and sister team are hoping to bring a taste of Spain to Swanage after buying the old Purbeck Hotel which has been standing disused for many years. 
As energy costs rise, Swanage businesses invited to join forum A new business group is being launched in Swanage to help local companies become more sustainable while reducing their carbon footprint. 
Post office service returns to Langton Matravers Filling the gap left when the old post office closed, a new outreach post office has started up in Langton Matravers near Swanage. 
Quarry near Swanage blasts a path to ‘net zero carbon’ future A lockdown project with a difference as a quarry near Swanage has spent the last two years reducing its carbon emissions. 
Soft launch of new ice cream shop in Swanage A new luxury ice cream shop, with a distinctively Dorset flavour, has opened its doors in Swanage town centre. 
Dorset firm that’s adding juice to Swanage internet connections A Dorset communications company that specialises in connecting hard-to-reach areas to the internet has expanded its service in the Swanage area. 
Family fish and chip firm expands to prime site in Swanage Swanage is to get a new high-profile fish and chip restaurant to replace Harry Ramsden’s. 
Ambitious £60m plans for Studland hotel rejected by councillors The general manager of Knoll House Hotel in Studland says he’s disappointed that proposals to transform it into an upmarket five star resort have been refused planning permission. 
Decision due on plans for £60m redevelopment of Studland hotel Ambitious proposals for Knoll House Hotel in Studland to be transformed into a luxury five star resort are to be considered by Dorset Council. 
Not just another brick in the wall – Swanage Brickworks takes top prize One of the oldest firms in Swanage has been honoured with a national award for its contribution to a prestigious new building in London. 
Great grandson takes the helm at Swanage newsagents Jenkins newsagents in Swanage has been taken over by the great grandson of a former owner. 
Purbeck quarry celebrates its 100th anniversary A quarry at Worth Matravers - which supplies around half of Dorset’s crushed stone - is celebrating its centenary and a family achievement. 
Swanage retailers’ dismay at lack of Christmas shoppers Shopkeepers in Swanage are reporting a dramatic reduction in the number of Christmas shoppers leading to fears some could struggle to survive. 
Swanage post office set to move to new town centre location The central post office in Swanage is set to move to a new location closer to the heart of the shopping area. 
Controversial Purbeck wind farm to become reality after 20 year battle The final sections of a massive windfarm are arriving at a Purbeck quarry, which will provide eight megawatts of renewable energy. 
Locals celebrate as pub owners save village shop in Langton Matravers An historic pub near Swanage is now doubling up as the village shop after the local post office closed. 
Swanage businesses forced to temporarily close due to Covid Covid rules have left a number of businesses in Swanage temporarily shut because staff have Covid or are self isolating. 
Ultrafast broadband coming to Swanage but delivery date is unclear Ultrafast broadband is on its way to Swanage in a project to upgrade services to 45,000 homes and businesses in Dorset.