We Are Weymouth held its Annual General Meeting on 15th June 2026, bringing together levy paying businesses from across the town to look back on a year of real achievement, talk honestly about the challenges everyone’s facing, and look ahead to what’s next.
A tough year, handled head-on
Chair of the Board Graham Perry opened the meeting by acknowledging the financial pressure businesses are under right now – rising National Insurance, higher wage costs, shifting business rates. None of that’s unique to Weymouth, but it’s real, and it shaped a lot of the conversation in the room.
His message was straightforward: stand still and things get harder. Keep promoting Weymouth as a destination, keep supporting each other, and the town moves forward anyway.
“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.”
Doing more with less
BID levy income actually fell this year, thanks to property revaluations, reduced business rates, and a steady trickle of commercial properties converting to residential. Less money coming in. And yet We Are Weymouth delivered more than ever in 2025/26, reaching a combined marketing audience of 284 million across online, print, broadcast and PR.
Dusk ’til Dark, the Christmas programme, the crime reduction partnership and the BID Ranger scheme all kept running, alongside shoulder season campaigns built specifically to pull visitors into town outside the summer peak. On the placemaking side, new flags and banners went up in the town centre, and the Fossil Trail was expanded – developed with local business Dead Walk Designs and fully funded by Dorset Council, with no BID levy money involved. It drove footfall, picked up strong press coverage, and became a key part of Dino Week 2026.
Dawn Rondeau-Irvine, Chief Operations Officer at We Are Weymouth, put it like this:
“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.”
And the Spring Window Competition winners are…
Following the formal business, Vice Chair Lynne Fisher announced the results of the 2026 Spring Window Competition. Local businesses spent April transforming their shopfronts into spring themed displays, and the public cast 423 independently-monitored votes to pick the winners.
Hospitality 1st: Suttons 2nd: Dry Dock 3rd: The Tea Shop
Charity 1st: Sue Ryder Lodmoor 2nd: Margaret Green Animal Rescue 3rd: RSPCA
Taylor’s Rehoming Services 1st: Jamesia Blooms
Retail 1st: Craftlines 2nd: BiBi’s Boutique & Home 3rd: Cornucopia
Special Commendation: Jacqui Dixon from Asda, recognised for entering every single competition despite a challenging window space and limited display time.
Winner of Winners: Suttons Coffee Shop, with the highest 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.”
