Trade links between Dorset and Scotland are set to be enhanced thanks to direct flights between Bournemouth and Glasgow.
A delegation from Dorset Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), the voice of business in the county with more than 800 members, met with counterparts from Glasgow Chamber of Commerce at the city’s historic George Square.
Representing more than 2,000 members between them, the two Chambers are looking to develop trading opportunities, from engineering, finance, tourism, trade exhibitions and leisure marine to defence, renewable energy technology, mass participation events and food and drink.
The visit to the economic powerhouse was sponsored by Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, which recently introduced twice-daily flights between Bournemouth and Glasgow.
Six DCCI members took off from Bournemouth just before 9am and were back at just after 5pm. By contrast, the 912-mile round-trip would take 16 hours non-stop by road.
Seated just a few feet away from King George III’s red wax seal, which marked the 1783 Royal Charter for the founding of the Glasgow Chamber, the two parties explored ways to strengthen commercial ties for their member base.
They met in the board room at the Chamber’s Merchants House, which overlooks George Square. The Chamber is the oldest one in the English-speaking world with continuous records.
Ian Girling, DCCI’s chief executive, and Stuart Patrick, Glasgow Chamber’s chief executive, shared knowledge of the Chambers’ work, their memberships and the economic make-up of Dorset and Glasgow.
Afterwards, Ian said: “Today’s talks were highly positive, with Flybe’s direct flights providing the route background for commercial opportunities for the 2,000-plus members which both Chambers represent.
“An excellent relationship has been forged with Stuart and the team at Glasgow Chamber, one we have agreed to fruitfully develop.”
Stuart said: “The trade delegation from Dorset was warmly welcomed by the Glasgow Chamber – we can provide our members with access to DCCI’s in-depth knowledge of the markets and players in Dorset and further afield on the South Coast.
“Thanks to the DCCI, plus the promotion of AFC Bournemouth to the Premiership League and Flybe’s direct flights to the county, Glasgow will be hearing a lot more about Dorset and what it can offer businesses in Scotland.”
Paul Willoughby, Flybe’s Regional General Manager UK (South), said: “It was our pleasure to sponsor the DCCI trade delegation, helping to facilitate potential trade links and forging lasting relationships that will be of mutual benefit.
“We are committed to strengthening business links and the convenient flights between Bournemouth and Glasgow airports means that the business communities, including that of the wider Dorset catchment area, are in an advantageous position to capitalise on this relatively new route.”
Members of the Dorset delegation comprised Ian, Paul, Paul Knight, the managing director of Bournemouth Airport, Ron Wain, the joint managing director of digital content specialist Deep South Media, Paul Collins, a director at car dealership group Westover, and David McNair, a director at Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital.
Flybe officially opened a new base at Bournemouth Airport in May, with two 78-seat Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft flying nine routes.
These feature up to 53 flights a week to and from Glasgow, Amsterdam, Biarritz, Deauville, Dublin, Jersey, Manchester, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Toulon–Hyères.