HR Consultant in Dorchester

History

Dorchester has served as the county town of Dorset since 1305, but its history as a settlement dates back much further. People have been living there since the Iron Age and it had a significant Roman presence. When the Duke of Monmouth’s attempted rebellion failed in 1685, it was at Dorchester that Judge Jeffries conducted what became known as the “Bloody Assizes”, ordering the execution of 74 rebels. 

The town is also significant in trade union history. It was here that the Tolpuddle Martyrs were sentenced to be transported to Australia. Perhaps the town’s most famous resident, however, was the novelist Thomas Hardy, who was born and died there. Today around 20,000 people live in Dorchester.

Location and Travel

Located in the southern part of the UK, Dorchester is not far from England’s historic Jurassic Coast, as well as other famous natural features such as Durdle Door and Chesil Beach, as well as the Cerne Abbas Giant. Nearby Lyme Regis is famous for the filming of the movie The French Lieutenant’s Woman and Weymouth is the launch point for ferries to the Channel Islands. You can also reach the New Forest in just an hour.

There are two main railway stations in Dorchester. Dorchester West can take you to and from the West Country, including Yeovil, Bristol and Bath. Other routes come into Dorchester South, which sits right next to bus stops, coach stops and a taxi rank. This includes trains from London and Southampton. Local bus routes run to Weymouth, Blandford and Bridport.

Local Amenities

One thing that is plentiful in Dorchester is museums. From serious history such as in the Courthouse Museum to more child-friendly options in the Teddy Bear Museum, there are places of interest for all the family. Live music, theatre and other outdoor events are hosted at Maumbury Rings and Borough Gardens. There are also outdoor play areas and a skate park as well as various sporting facilities.

You can find most of the major high street brands in Dorchester as well as numerous local, independent businesses. Main roads for shoppers include the High Street, Durngate Street and Trinity Street. Every Wednesday there is an outdoor market. Hardye, Tudor and Antelope Walk are local arcades in a pedestrianised area. You can also find independent retailers and coffee shops in nearby Poundbury. Brewery Square is the place to go for different places to eat.

Providing HR Support to Dorchester Businesses

With a mix of big names and smaller independents and startups, Dorchester businesses require a range of different HR solutions. At The HR Dept Dorchester we offer local businesses wide ranging expertise when it comes to employment law and can bring our extensive experience to bear with on-hand support on everything from new contracts to employee dismissal.

We can offer ongoing advice on your responsibilities in the face of a changing legislative landscape,, allowing you to concentrate on other important aspects of establishing and growing your business. We know the Dorchester business community and landscape so drop us a call today to say hi and find out what we can do to help you get your business’s HR up to speed.