You probably don't need to be reminded that Beales is one of Bournemouth's institutions.

The department store chain was founded in the town in 1881 and its fortunes were bound up with the resort's history. From 1900 to 1987, there was always a member of the Beale family on the local council.

The news that Beales might go into administration any day now came as a shock. The management has more than one iron in the fire and it is hoped that a "stronger, leaner" Beales will go on. But in a month dominated by gloomy news about the high street, this was the story that will really have resonated locally. And it certainly calls into question the wisdom of a business rates system that dates from the days when Amazon was only the name of a river. 

To keep up with this story and all the Dorset business news, do visit www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/business, and follow me on LinkedIn or Twitter, where I'm @echodaz