Dorset LEP has invested £2.15m to fund a Public Trade Office and a Border Control Post to more effectively manage and safeguard trade between the European Union and Poole for the future. The new trade office and border post will create and safeguard jobs while attracting new businesses to Dorset.
“These two projects at Poole Harbour are vital works,” says Bob Cripps, Poole Harbour Commissioners. “Construction of the Public Trade Office will maintain the commercial viability of the port and establishing a Border Control Post will enable secure trade with the EU.”
In order to be able to facilitate the flow of freight traffic between the EU and the port, extensive freight clearance facilities are needed. Therefore, current customs facilities on the port are being re-constructed. The trade office facility will aim to enable efficient and effective processing of this freight, a process provided by Poole Harbour Commissioners and to be operated by UK Border Force.
A further portion of Dorset LEP allocation, match funded by Poole Harbour Commissioners, will fund the construction of offices and welfare facilities for 46 port staff (stevedores, foremen, port operations and accounts), replacing existing facilities which will be demolished to enable construction of a Border Control Post facility.
Construction works are progressing well, with UK Border Force operating from temporary facilities.
“The economic benefit of ensuring a viable port in Poole for the future is a significant one,” says Lorna Carver, Dorset LEP director. “Our resilient Dorset businesses which currently trade through the port, and businesses hoping to export and import in the future, should have access to an efficient and secure gateway to Europe.”
