Wessex Internet is a dynamic and fast-growing internet service provider that is changing the way full fibre broadband is rolled out in rural areas. We believe that the countryside deserves lightning-fast broadband and are passionate about delivering a fantastic service to our customers.
Our Civils Infrastructure Team are looking for experienced machine operators to join our Vibratory Mole Plough and Directional Drilling teams. Our unique trenchless equipment allows for simple and efficient network build across varying soil types and terrain.
Reporting into one of experienced team leaders you will be working within Wessex Internet’s Civil Engineering Department. Initially your main role will be operating one of our 2.7ton Kubota diggers, supporting the smooth running of the mole plough and or drilling machines.
Our successful candidate will have experience within a civils construction role or come from a farming background with experience of using agricultural machinery. Knowledge and experience of working across agricultural land and or experience in excavation works and cabling will support in understanding the challenges faced when building new infrastructure across tricky terrain.
Wessex Internet is a dynamic and fast-growing internet service provider that is changing the way full fibre broadband is rolled out in rural areas. We believe that the countryside deserves lightning-fast broadband and are passionate about delivering a fantastic service to our customers.
We’re looking for an experienced recruiter to lead our ambitious recruitment drive. This role gives the opportunity for the right candidate to make a significant mark on the company through sourcing exceptional people to ensure the organisation has the right people, in the right roles, at the right time.
Your main objective will be to directly source our future talent, using agencies as a last resort. Who better to find the right the people for our organisation, than someone who lives and breathes our values and culture, understands our vision and bold long-term plans? You will be responsible for leading end to end recruitment and onboarding for all roles and be the go to person for all recruitment related queries.
Wessex Internet is a dynamic and fast-growing internet service provider that is changing the way full fibre broadband is rolled out in rural areas. We believe that the countryside deserves lightning-fast broadband and are passionate about delivering a fantastic service to our customers.
We are looking for a part qualified accountant to join our Finance team. Reporting into our Finance Manager, you will assist and help develop the efficient operation of our business.
The role involves a variety of responsibilities and will require you to have a strong customer focus, and high attention to detail; be a natural problem solver and enjoy solving queries.
Key responsibilities will include month end close and routines/calculations, managing the supplier invoice approval and processing process, bank and card payment reconciliations and departmental cost reporting.
Valentine’s Day is coming! Last year we offered a proper old-fashioned local paper Valentines message board – we were in lockdown, we were all a bit miserable, and we thought it might raise a smile.
We were so happy to be right – we had over 100 messages, some beautiful, some hilarious, and each one warm and happy-making.
So of course we’re doing it again!
Totally free, a message for your Valentine – just fill in your words and we’ll print them for your secret love to find.
Want Gorgeous Girl to know you think she’s wonderful every single day? Do it! Want to tell Shnookums you love his toes? Of COURSE you do! Want to tell EF that with or without marmalade you love his grumpy face more each day? Come on in!
Let’s feel the love, and spread some smiles for Valentine’s Day. Deadline is midnight Tuesday 1st, so be quick – click below to fill in your message. Go go go:
Form now closed – they’ll be published in the February issue, out on the 4th.
In a frenzied sellers market, many of us are wondering if now is a good time to move. Two local estate agents share the truth about the local housing market – and whether they would be honest about your home.
Nearly one-third of homes in England and Wales sold for more than their asking price in 2021 — twice the average over the previous decade — underlining the strength of the ‘sellers’ market’ during the pandemic as well as the impact of stock shortages.
What will the property market look like in 2022? With the ongoing pandemic affecting choice of location as homeowners compete for properties better suited to home-working, and interest rates set to rise further, there are plenty of factors affecting the market.
So we gathered two experienced local experts to talk specifically about what’s happening in our own marke in north Dorset, to see what’s selling and who’s buying, and most importnatly, some insider tips on how to make the whole process as painless as possible. Sarah Cull from Strutt and Parker’s Salisbury office has been an estate agent in the South Wiltshire/ North Dorset area for over twenty years. Laura Lewis of Edwards Estate Agents is the experienced head of the Wimborne office, with an insightful knowledge of the middle of the county.
Have there been fundamental changes? Has covid caused any permanent changes to the housing market, or are things returning to ‘normal’?
“I think everyone’s aware the property market has been extremely busy over the last year, with record numbers of transactions and record- breaking prices being achieved” acknowledged Laura Lewis “Local prices have increased 10.2% in 12 months. Covid has
definitely changed what buyers look for in a home – the way we live and work has altered. The home has to become the office too, and the office and outside space is highly prioritised.” Sarah Cull agrees the changes feel like a ‘new normal’:
”it’s all just business as usual – masks for appointments, a handy bottle of sanitiser in the car door etc. Some things have definitely changed – Virtual Viewing tours which were so useful at the very beginning of the pandemic are now firmly a permanent part of any marketing package.”
What do you see 2022 bringing? Will the ‘rush to the country’ slow down, are certain types of houses more in demand? Sarah: “We are still seeing an extreme shortage of houses, and many keen buyers which will continue to drive prices. The impact of the Omicron wave is yet to be seen but we very much feel that country living will remain ‘en vogue’.” Laura agrees: ” There is currently the lowest ever available stock on Rightmove for sale per estate agency branch. With this, the imbalance between supply and demand means we are seeing multiple buyers per property. Homes which offer space to work from home, generous gardens and desirable locations are very much in high demand and we can’t see this changing!”
What are the popular features?
What makes a house easier to sell – not the basics of ‘number of bedrooms, big kitchen, nice garden’, but something that you know adds a powerful attraction?
Laura: “Buyers are loving garden rooms at the moment, they a great bonus room with flexibility. It offers extra space to work, relax, escape the family or use as a home gym. I also think a vaulted ceiling in a home is a show stopper!”
Sarah: “I totally agree. Outside space is still a big seller; home offices, outside kitchens and beautiful gardens can all really help to sell a home.”
A house owner has a presentable but busy family home, and you call to say they have a new viewing; in two hours.
What would you hope they would do with that time to give the house the best chance? Sarah: “Make the beds, air the house, clean and clear any clutter, put the toilet seats down, get the dogs and any dogs beds out of the way and try to pop some fresh flowers on the kitchen table. “ Laura: “Buyers want to see their home in a house. If clients are selling a busy family home then they are likely to be selling to another busy family, who understand and have the same needs! So it’s ok to show where you keep the toys, it’s ok to have a high chair in the kitchen or clothes out in the utility.
We recommend that the house looks clean (if not always perfectly tidy!) and smells fresh.”
Will you point out a problem?
When initially valuing a house you can see a couple of glaring issues which your experience tells you will put buyers off. What do you do – will you be honest with the homeowner?
Laura: “I’m always completely honest. If there are any recommendations that can be made to help a property be more attractive to market, I’ll share them! Also, if there are any issues that cant be resolved, transparency is key with buyers.” Sarah: “As agents we are employed for our expertise and for knowing what buyers think and warm to – I wouldn’t be doing my job properly if I kept those thoughts to myself.”
Is the market still moving super-fast? If so, what tips do you have for potential buyers who are finding the speed of the market difficult? Sarah: The best advice is to get yourself in a position where you can go ahead, have your finances lined up and a buyer in tow if you need to sell. There is a lot of competition still, with many properties going to ‘best bids’ and the ability to swiftly move forwards is paramount.” Laura: “The market is still moving fast and like Sarah, my best advice is for buyers to get themselves in the best position possible by finding a buyer for their own property first.
Get a mortgage agreement in principle, and be prepared to show the agent you wish to purchase from that you have the ability to buy.”
Location, location, location?
Are there specifically desirable locations within the Blackmore Vale area? Laura: “We are very lucky to live and work in such a beautiful and popular location. Both Wimborne & Blandford are very well desired and we have very high demand for prices here – and increasing prices”
Sarah: “Tisbury and The Donheads have been very popular locations of late, primarily due to the rail line and good road links, not to mention the great pubs, shops, beautiful countryside and charming village atmospheres.”
The Farm Consultancy Group is delighted that John Hunt has joined the Sherborne Office as Environmental Consultant, covering the South West.
John Hunt
After graduating from the Royal Agricultural College in 2011, John worked for Rothamsted Research in Devon as a Farm Experiment and Trials Manager for eight years, and then for the Westcountry Rivers Trust as a Senior Farm Advisor.
John’s remit with the Farm Consultancy Group is to provide farm and environmental advice, including Countryside Stewardship, the Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS), the Sustainable Farm Incentive (SFI) and woodland grants to support the FCG client portfolio. As a FACTS qualified advisor, John also specialises in nutrient management planning, Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, soil health, and maximising the efficient use of fertilisers, livestock manures and slurries. In addition, John holds a BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection covering grassland and forage crops and is a member of the BASIS Professional Register. John said ‘I’m looking forward to working with a variety of different farm types across the whole South West. It’s a challenging time in agriculture and I believe this new role will help farms adjust to the new environmental schemes and maximise their potential.’
John joins the Farm Consultancy Group team of over 20 independent consultants and advisors across their eight offices, providing bespoke agricultural and business advice to farmers and land owners across England and Wales.
