A homegrown success story
Founded by seasoned media professional Duncan Williams, the Poole Post began as a simple idea: to create an online focal point for the local community where posts and stories about Poole could be shared, read, and discussed. Williams, who studied digital publishing at Weymouth College, saw early on that residents were increasingly reaching for their phones and devices to stay informed about their neighbourhood.
“There are few people today who do not check their phones more than once a day to access information and news about their neighbourhood. The original concept of the Poole Post was quite simply to provide a focal aggregation site where posts on social media about Poole in Dorset could be read and, if desired, responded to,” Williams explained.
What started as a localised hub for Poole has since grown into a county-wide platform, recognised for both its independence and its innovative use of digital technology.
Recognition from the SME Southern Enterprise Awards
The SME Awards team confirmed that after a rigorous merit-led evaluation process, the Poole Post emerged as the deserving recipient of Best Digital News Publication 2025 - Dorset. Judges praised the outlet for “its grassroots approach to local news, its adaptability to digital-first readership habits, and its commitment to giving communities a voice.”
In its official statement, SME Awards noted that the Poole Post embodies the values of modern local journalism: accessible, digital, and community-driven.
Partnership with Dorset News
A major factor in the Poole Post’s success has been its dynamic partnership with Dorset News, a young and ambitious team based in Weymouth and headed by Editor-in-Chief Kallum Gethins and breaking news reporter Jake Brewer.
Gethins and Brewer have quickly gained recognition for their willingness to embrace new technologies. Dorset News is acknowledged as one of the first media outlets in the region to experiment with artificial intelligence tools for local reporting, allowing them to respond quickly to breaking news and expand their reach across digital platforms.
“Acknowledgement by the SME business awards is a rewarding gesture as we continue to expand our audience and readership across the Dorset county using a multimedia approach,” said Gethins.
Adding to this, Gethins commented on his editorial priorities: “As Editor-in-Chief, my focus is on ensuring we maintain credibility, accuracy, and accessibility while adapting to the changing ways people consume their news. Dorset deserves a robust digital press that combines modern tools with traditional journalistic values, and our work with the Poole Post is helping achieve that.”
Jake Brewer added: “Poole is a town where there is always something happening. Alongside our coverage in Weymouth, I feel confident that our team here at Dorset News has the county well covered. Working with the Poole Post has given us the ability to bring local stories to wider audiences while staying true to our roots.”
The importance of independent digital journalism
At a time when many traditional print outlets have struggled with falling readership and shrinking budgets, the rise of independent digital newspapers like the Poole Post reflects a shift in how communities engage with local news.
Digital platforms offer immediacy, flexibility, and accessibility. But just as importantly, they allow for greater interaction between journalists and readers. Williams and his team have consistently emphasised the importance of building a two-way relationship with the community.
This approach has not only provided Dorset residents with reliable coverage of breaking news but also created a platform for local businesses, charities, and grassroots organisations to share their stories.
Williams said: “Local independent journalism plays a vital role in holding decision-makers to account, but it also has a positive role to play in celebrating the everyday life of a community. Whether it’s covering council meetings, new housing developments, school events, or local arts, every story contributes to a sense of place. Winning this award is recognition not just of the work we’ve done, but of the value Dorset residents themselves place on having a trusted digital newspaper that reflects their lives.”
A county with stories to tell
The award also shines a spotlight on Dorset itself - a county with rich history, diverse communities, and global appeal. Poole, in particular, remains one of Britain’s most attractive coastal towns, renowned for its beaches at Sandbanks, its thriving harbour, and its lively cultural scene.
As Brewer put it: “Poole is unique because it’s both a traditional seaside town and a modern hub for businesses and families. There’s always something happening, and our job is to make sure those stories get told.”
By working together, the Poole Post and Dorset News have created a county-wide digital news network capable of responding to everything from breaking stories to long-form features.
Looking ahead
With the Southern Enterprise Award now under their belt, the Poole Post team remains committed to expanding its digital reach, strengthening its partnerships, and continuing to serve as a trusted news source for Dorset residents.
Williams summed up the vision moving forward: “Recognition from the SME Awards is a fantastic milestone, but for us, the real measure of success will always be the trust of our readers. We want to continue building a digital newspaper that Dorset can be proud of - one that remains relevant, reliable, and rooted in the community.”
Serving the region with trusted Dorset News
The accolade of Best Digital News Publication 2025 - Dorset is more than just an award for the Poole Post. It represents the strength of independent digital journalism, the dedication of a small but passionate team, and the enduring appetite of Dorset’s communities for reliable local news.
In a changing media landscape, the message is clear: digital-first, community-driven news is here to stay - and the Poole Post is leading the way with Dorset News.
