COUNCILLORS say the Olympic legacy is giving a boost to businesses and traders in the borough.

Councillor Ian Munro-Price, who is spokesman for economic development at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “We can certainly see that the tourist economy has been booming this summer.

“This could be due to a combination of good weather and last year's publicity both creating high numbers of visitors.

“The last year has seen a tough economic climate continuing.

“It has been difficult for many local businesses, but we could be seeing a brighter future emerging.

“There are certainly lots of very positive things happening in the economy right now, with many new jobs due in the near future, including at the Gateway Site, Osprey Quay and Portland Port.

“I think confidence for businesses to expand is based on many factors, and the feel good factor from the Games is just one of them.”

Councillor Ian Bruce, spokesman for tourism and culture at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “The area is more attractive to businesses now.

“Definitely the borough is more appealing than it was before the Olympics.

“I'm sure a lot of the new projects in the area which are bringing new developments and job opportunities are thanks to the 'can do' attitude which was showcased during the Games.

“The work ethic we have in Dorset is excellent and that's very important to employers coming along.”

Julie Cleaver, vice president of the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, said: “The run up to the Olympic Games was painful for some businesses, however I think the longer term gain is now becoming visible to a lot of businesses.

“In other business sectors we are also seeing signs of growth with new jobs being created by companies investing in the town.”

She added: “This year Portland Port also welcomed 17 cruise ships to Portland bringing over 20,000 visitors to the borough.

“It is difficult to capture accurate data, but the general feeling is that business is improving in Weymouth and Portland.

“With the new Weymouth BID management now in place and ready to commence in September, the borough looks in good shape for the future.”

Multi-million investment

  • INVESTMENT in the area has included £80 million worth of schemes at Osprey Quay and £40 million to improve broadband countywide.

The Osprey Quay projects have included the removal of the former MoD oil tank farm, marine units, a new marina and workshops as well as the sailing academy.

A range of national and regional businesses visited a UK Trade and Investment Business event at the Pavilion during the Games to give local businesses the chance to form contacts.

In the private sector, major projects included new business parks on the Granby in Chickerell and a £4 million investment at the Riviera Hotel at Bowleaze Cove.

Business leaders say a better working relationships has developed between the private and public sector.

They say that during the Olympic and Paralympic Games businesses, councils and chambers of commerce worked closely together which helped create the new Weymouth Business Improvement District (BID) in May 2013.