After surviving two recessions, Dorset businessman Gordon Fong reflects how the global Covid-pandemic has provided the biggest challenge yet in his 20-year career. In this blog Gordon shares his ideas on how digital can not only help with recovery, but also help put Dorset back on the map. Feast your eyes on his ideas.
The Covid-19 pandemic has shown that Dorset cannot rely on the hospitality and tourism trade alone. It was the digital economy that helped parts of the hospitality sector transform into online businesses to survive. Going forward we need those digital skills and trading sectors coming together so Dorset can compete even stronger.
Whilst Dorset is a great holiday destination in its own right, post-pandemic more staycations will happen, and this represents a huge opportunity. Dorset should make a concerted effort to capture those that normally head towards Devon and Cornwall. Hate to say it, but we can’t be shy about this.
There is traffic that passes through Dorset or skirts over the top along the A303. If nothing else, we want them to have a pit-stop in Dorset and show this captive audience why next time they should stay instead. Digital can have a big role to play in achieving this.
Another component in that strategy is to make Sherborne, Gillingham and Shaftesbury great stopping places for electric vehicles, stacked with charging points, backed by good places to eat and nice walks. If you are going to stop for a 45 minute top-up, why not do so in a lovely setting rather than some service station? Make that a memorable and pleasant part of the trip.
Put in freely available Wi-Fi around those areas, which will keep the kids happy, and foodies can upload and spread the word with ease.
We know any business can have a website, social media accounts, and a YouTube channel to promote themselves. Unfortunately, the smaller businesses just don’t have the time or skills to maximise their potential.
Wouldn’t it be great if there were Digital Tech Hubs dotted around the county that were kitted out with cameras, green screens, podcast microphones and so on, creating studios that can be used for training or hired out for production purposes.
There should be fewer barriers to this technology and more investment to upskill everyone. Fast broadband and mobile communications are also a necessity.
Lastly, I harbour a whimsical idea that I hope will come to fruition in the not-so distant future because people are craving experiences now. A grand “Best of Dorset Banquet” held in an equally grand venue with dishes made by Dorset chefs using Dorset produce. Projectors would immerse us in the surrounds of the farmer’s fields, vineyards, distilleries and walled vegetable gardens. By the use of tablets on each table, food producers and chefs relate their stories and foodie tips to banqueters, and take questions as each course progresses through the evening. There would be wine tastings and demonstrations of cocktail making.
The past year has shown that change is inevitable. The digital ride is going to get faster and faster. We can’t risk delaying we have to jump on board.
We are recruiting. If, like Gordon, you share a passion for a digital future for Dorset, why not apply to join our team? We have new vacancies for a range of new digital projects, click here for more details Dorset Recruitment – Jobs and careers (dorsetcouncil.gov.uk)
I have worked in communications for 25 years, first as a journalist and then in public and private sector public relations. From Southampton originally, I have lived in beautiful Dorset for the last two decades. My passion for Dorset has also turned into a passion for landscape photography. My other great loves are my family and Southampton Football Club.