Businesses from across Weymouth came together for We Are Weymouth’s Annual General Meeting on 15 June 2026 to reflect on a successful year, discuss the challenges facing the town’s business community and look ahead to future plans.
Opening the meeting, Chair of the Board Graham Perry acknowledged the financial pressures currently affecting businesses, including rising National Insurance contributions, increased wage costs and changes to business rates.
While noting these challenges are being felt nationally, he encouraged businesses to continue working together to promote Weymouth and support one another.
“By staying positive, supporting one another, and continuing to promote Weymouth as a welcoming destination, we can make a real difference,” said Graham. “The messages we share, the experiences we create – they all contribute to shaping the town’s future.”
Despite a reduction in BID levy income caused by property revaluations, lower business rates and the continued conversion of commercial premises into residential properties, We Are Weymouth reported that it had delivered more than ever during 2025/26.
The organisation achieved a combined marketing reach of 284 million across online, print, broadcast and PR activity.
Projects delivered during the year included the Dusk ’til Dark campaign, the Christmas programme, the crime reduction partnership and the BID Ranger scheme. Marketing campaigns were also developed to encourage visitors outside the peak summer season.
Town centre improvements included the installation of new flags and banners, while the Fossil Trail was introduced in partnership with local business Dead Walk Designs. The project was fully funded by Dorset Council without using BID levy funding. It attracted significant footfall, received widespread media coverage and became a key feature of Dino Week 2026.
Chief Operations Officer Dawn Rondeau-Irvine said: “It’s been a tough year for a lot of our businesses, and our goal is always to remain in conversation with levy payers and work on their behalf. When I look at what we’ve delivered throughout 25/26 – from placemaking to safety, events throughout the year and lobbying to government – it all comes from direct feedback with our levy payers, and it’s very satisfying to see the town full with locals and visitors participating in our initiatives. Our annual AGM is a great way to highlight key moments, and we must thank Coastal Vibes for the stunning backdrop and cruise.”
Following the formal business of the meeting, Vice Chair Lynne Fisher announced the winners of the 2026 Spring Window Competition.
Businesses across the town spent April creating spring-themed window displays, with the public casting 423 independently monitored votes to decide the winners.
Hospitality
- 1st: Suttons
- 2nd: Dry Dock
- 3rd: The Tea Shop
Charity
- 1st: Sue Ryder Lodmoor
- 2nd: Margaret Green Animal Rescue
- 3rd: RSPCA
Services
- 1st: Jamesia Blooms
Retail
- 1st: Craftlines
- 2nd: BiBi’s Boutique & Home
- 3rd: Cornucopia
A Special Commendation was presented to Jacqui Dixon from Asda in recognition of entering every competition despite the challenges of having a limited window display space and time available.
Suttons Coffee Shop was also named the overall Winner of Winners after receiving the highest number of votes across all categories.
“Four hundred and twenty-three votes is the best response we’ve had to this competition, and it shows just how much people care about the way our town centre looks,” said Lynne Fisher. “Suttons taking Winner of Winners after coming so close in previous years was a real moment, but honestly every business that put a display together deserves credit – it all adds up to a town that feels looked after.”
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