New jobs created at Quarters of Southbourne

Fourteen jobs have been created at a new restaurant in Southbourne thanks to engagement with the National Coastal Tourism Academy. Seven of the new staff were previously unemployed.

Clive Mace, owner of The Grove Tavern, Southbourne, was one of the first businesses to undertake a one-to-one business interview with the NCTA during which he revealed he was searching for new premises but was being thwarted.

“I was actually giving up on finding anything in Southbourne and was considering premises in Southampton,” said Mr Mace. “But thankfully the NCTA provided me with business data including Bournemouth Council’s Seafront Strategy, visitor surveys and key industry contacts that allowed me to put together a business plan and seize an opportunity the minute it arose.”

(The Quarters team, with their Bournemouth Ambassador certificates)

As a result Quarters Chicken opened on Seabourne Road, Southbourne, last month, providing 14 new full- time jobs. “We’re thrilled to say the restaurant has been extremely busy since the day it opened. It’s always a challenge launching a new business but I’m delighted to say prospects so far are looking great and I’m grateful to the NCTA for their help.”

All of Mr Mace’s staff at both The Grove Tavern and the new restaurant has undertaken the free online Bournemouth Ambassador resort knowledge training. The NCTA is also administering an Action Team project with Mr Mace, to create a customer feedback system. It will help ensure he can respond swiftly, boost his customer service and ensure consistently top quality food.

NCTA director Samantha Richardson praised the new venture, saying: “It is excellent news that Quarters Chicken has opened and that the NCTA has been instrumental in helping a new business get off the ground in Bournemouth.

“Helping to create jobs and lift the local tourism economy is the very reason the NCTA came into being. Mr Mace is clearly dedicated to the local area and it’s great to see a number of formerly unemployed young people now in work.

“We’re delighted he has benefitted from some of our initiatives and hope he will be immensely successful. His was one of the very first businesses we consulted with when we started just over one year ago, so it’s a tremendous result. Perhaps I can urge any visitor-facing business to get in touch if they would like a personal business consultation, we can help provide support in a wide range of sectors to help boost profitability.”

Seven staff members were previously unemployed and some were recent school leavers seeking employment.

By Sheron Crossman