Why Weymouth & Portland Still Shine: A Town Built on People, Pride and Positivity

Why Weymouth & Portland Still Shine: A Town Built on People, Pride and Positivity

At a time when so much of the national conversation focuses on decline, closures and challenges, Weymouth and Portland continue to tell a very different story — one rooted in pride, perseverance and community spirit.

For many local business owners, Weymouth isn’t just a place to trade. It’s home.

Tristan Murless, who has run a family electrical contracting business in Weymouth for four decades, knows this feeling better than most.

“I’ve been running a family electrical contracting business in Weymouth for the last 40yrs. My business has carried out many large national contracts all across the country and the best part of working nationwide is always the journey home, the thought, then the view of Weymouth from the Ridgeway.

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“Our business is built on a reputation of keeping things as local as possible, honesty and integrity.

Every day that I walk or drive around our wonderful town I feel the luckiest guy alive. Our town is full of fantastic folk and I proud to call it my town.”

That sense of belonging is echoed throughout the town centre, where independent businesses continue to thrive through connection, collaboration and resilience.

Tattoo artist Kerry Gilbert of Morning Star Tattoo has been part of the Weymouth business community for seven years and says the warmth of the town is impossible to ignore.

“The town centre is warm and welcoming, I have owned a business in the town for seven years and I love the community that I have found myself surrounded in, be it other business owners or customers.

A lot complain that we have little here in the town or that a lot of companies have left Weymouth, there are so many wonderful independent shops here and they all need support.

“Negativity breeds negativity and this is what most fix on, I moved in to the area 19 years ago and Weymouth has more positive than my home town, and I am proud to be a part of this wonderful town.”

“Longstanding traders also point to perspective — understanding the rhythms of a seaside town and recognising opportunity rather than dwelling on quiet months.”

Shaun Hennessy, who has traded in Weymouth for over 35 years, puts it simply:

“Weymouth — the jewel in the Jurassic Coast as they say…

Well this particular jewel despite all the mud thrown at it still continues to shine. Obviously being a seasonal resort January is the month of gloom, all the shoppers are at home and the Sun is in hiding.

But this as every year once the tide turns the town will awake and all will be rosy again.

“High Street business in Weymouth is suffering along with all town and city centre but having traded here for over 35 years I can see many businesses not only happy but growing as traders who offer what the client needs — be it product or service — at the right price and to the right standard are seeing their business grow and flourish.

Remember that if one just moans and complains one is too busy to see the market…”

Across the water on Portland, businesses are also harnessing the area’s unique natural environment to create something truly special.

Kelly Park of Portland Seaweed Spa believes positivity — and wellbeing — are key.

“Portland Seaweed Spa helps make Portland & Weymouth be the best place to live because we utilise our natural surroundings using mineral rich Seaweed & Salt locally sourced to restore your mind body & soul.

Here, we’ve created a unique, nurturing and therapeutic environment, allowing you space and time to rest and reconnect.”

Together, these voices paint a clear picture: Weymouth and Portland are not towns defined by headlines or hard seasons, but by people who care deeply about where they live, work and invest.

From independent shops and long-established traders to wellness spaces rooted in the landscape itself, the strength of Weymouth & Portland lies in its community — supportive, resilient and proudly local.

And as many here will tell you, when the tide turns and the town comes alive once more, this jewel on the Jurassic Coast doesn’t just sparkle — it shines.