Gales Solicitor, Matthew Moore oversees successful Citizens Advice mergers

As Chair of Citizens Advice Bournemouth Matthew Moore, Senior Partner at Gales Solicitors in Bournemouth, has overseen the successful merger of Citizens Advice Bournemouth with Citizens Advice Christchurch and Citizens Advice Poole, formerly 3 separate organisations.

Matthew advised, “This has meant a considerable amount of time, effort and commitment over the past 2.5 years. However, as a result of the successful merger the Citizens Advice has now been able to expand its services across the conurbation.

“The merger was completed ahead of the Councils’ merger as it was necessary to establish one organisation, enabling the organisation to deliver a seamless service.  This has allowed us to develop a wider range of projects and services, with significantly more funding opportunities available as a result of being a larger organisation. We can therefore support an increased spread of local residents.  About 5 years ago Bournemouth Citizens Advice was almost 80 % dependent on Bournemouth Council funding.  As a result of the positive changes that we have made over the last few years, this statistic has reduced to 30% as the overall funding from all sources has increased.”

Continuing Matthew advised, “Turnover for the organisation is expected to exceed £1m in the next financial year.  Looking forward to the future, I am proud to have paid a part in the growth and progression of the organisation.”