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A WAITROSE – WIMBORNE PARTNERSHIP "The most successful branch opening since 2008" 
Branch Manager Ian Burdekin (front left) takes guests on a guided tour (Photo by Beatrice Dopita) Over 40 people attended an exclusive Reception Evening as guests of Waitrose, Wimborne on Wednesday 28th July. The event was organised by Branch Manager Ian Burdekin and his team to meet and say thank you to some key members of Wimborne’s community. Guests were taken on a guided tour behind the scenes to see how a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly supermarket operates and to examine its many “firsts” in high-tech installations and environmental considerations. Well aware of the disruption caused during the past months to Wimborne’s residents, Mr. Burdekin expressed his appreciation and thanks. “I’d like to personally thank you and the residents of Wimborne for the support and tolerance that has been shown. I am delighted to be here as part of the John Lewis partnership – and the Wimborne partnership,” he said. Ian Burdekin joined Waitrose as a trainee over thirty years ago, during which time he held managerial positions within Waitrose in various parts of the country including the Home Counties and Dorset - in Westbourne and Gillingham. He is no stranger to Wimborne – almost a local! having lived along the coast just 18 miles away for over 20 years. And now he is very glad to be working in the county again. During his career he’s witnessed a few changes in the ‘partnership democracy’ watching the Company grow to well over 300 branches. The opening of the Wimborne branch has broken records. "Even taking into account the expected fall off in sales transactions after opening, figures have still exceeded expectations. It’s been the most successful branch opening since 2008. We have bucked all trends for new stores. Long may it continue!” he said. "The team here will be the success of this branch and the reason why customers want to come back. The most important thing is that they choose Waitrose as their primary shop and they keep coming,” he added. Ian’s enthusiasm and dedication to his job as Manager of a brand new store is mirrored in the attitude of his staff. Talking to them one gets the distinct impression there’s that essential ingredient for success - team spirit. All locally sourced, they are helpful, cheerful and polite when dealing with customers. “It’s a great place to work. It makes a big difference when you’re a partner in the Company as you feel responsible to do your best and not let the others down,” said a cheerful team member who took great pains to explain that the canapés we were enjoying could be ordered fresh for any occasion by customers. “Yes, it takes a special team to generate success. When someone joins our organisation, they become a co-owner able to participate and be part of that organisation from the grass roots right the way through to how we invest our money – in pensions and the future,” explained Ian. Community important Whilst Waitrose is eager to support Wimborne as much as it can and play an integral part within its business community - as a ‘partnership’ it does have to plan carefully how it fairly distributes money and spreads donations within the community. “Community matters are very important. Next month a group of my partners will decide which charities benefit on a monthly basis,” he advised. The Company has already supported and pledged donations for many of the town’s activities through the Chamber of Trade and also for the Wimborne BID initiative. President of Wimborne’s Chamber of Trade, Malcolm Angel gave a warm welcome to Waitrose – their newest member. “We have to say a big ‘thank you’ to Waitrose for being here. It’s been a long time coming. Over 80% of our members in the Chamber of Trade wanted you here and they shall be watching you every inch of the way! Like many other towns, Wimborne has been hit by the recession and the fact that you came in - like the cavalry - is really a good thing. There does seem to have been a slight increase in footfall since Waitrose came, so hopefully we can now see some trade building up for businesses in the town as well.” Local environmentalists have been working closely with Waitrose – and vigilantly watching - to ensure the delicate balance of wildlife, especially along the river bank, is preserved and encouraged at all costs. Their efforts with Waitrose will be on going. Embracing these needs, the grounds around the store have been carefully landscaped to provide environmental support. “We are committed to making that land really work for the community and the wildlife,” assured Mr. Burdekin. Reassured by what she saw and heard of the supermarket’s efforts was Wimborne’s Liberal Democrat MP for North Dorset & Poole, Annette Brooke. “Now Waitrose is up and running it is important to focus on the many benefits to local businesses and indeed residents. I was very impressed with the store and its operation,"she said. Wimborne’s Mayor, Terry Wheeler welcomed the efforts of Waitrose so far. “Judging from the numbers visiting the store in these early days it looks like being a success – let us hope this leads to a revival of the town’s prosperity after the trials of the last few years. Waitrose is certainly doing its best to involve itself within our community and we should welcome this. We hope that Waitrose will also support the Chamber of Trade's aim for Wimborne to become a BID town, which in turn should improve the town's shopping environment - for both the traders and the shoppers. With the reconstruction of the shops damaged by the fire last year it will hopefully be business as usual for the town soon," he said. Joan Tidd - 30/07/10 |
