With a new manifesto for the new financial year, Dorset Chamber’s Ian Girling takes a look at what the Chamber does for Dorset businesses
Hello and welcome to my April column. As I write this, the sun is actually shining and it feels like spring is finally in the air!
This month will see Dorset Chamber publish our manifesto for the year April 2023 to March 2024, setting out our priorities for the year ahead. I thought I’d take this opportunity to share a very brief overview.
Member benefits
This year will see us continue to add value to our member businesses, as well as maintaining our focus on increasing membership as the leading business support organisation in Dorset.
We will continue to work on enhancing the whole range of benefits we offer that protect, connect, promote and save our members money.
International trade
One of our key roles as a Chamber accredited to the British Chambers of Commerce is building a global economy through international trade. We will continue to encourage Dorset businesses to consider international trade opportunities and seek new overseas markets through our general advice and training programme. We continue to offer a first class documentation programme for Dorset exporters.
Lobbying
One of our most important roles is our voice for businesses: we lobby at both a local, regional and national level. We’ll continue to provide media comment and campaign for business on key issues.
Networking
This year our busy events programme will include a wide range of networking opportunities and the opportunity to learn from expert speakers on a range of critical business issues. Our successful sector-based events will also offer business leaders the opportunity to meet and discuss common issues on an industry basis.
The Festival
Finally, April sees the official launch of the Dorset Business Festival in association with Lester Aldridge. The three day celebration of Dorset businesses is taking place in October. Consisting of a conference, a business exhibition and the return of the Dorset Business Festival, this promises to be the business event of the year in Dorset.
If you’d like to find out how Dorset Chamber could help your business, please visit dorsetchamber.co.uk or call us on 01202 714800. We’d be delighted to hear from you!
