Business leaders from across Dorset have joined forces behind a new initiative designed to strengthen the county’s voice on the issues affecting local firms. It will meet three times a year to help shape the chamber’s lobbying priorities at both local and national level, and provide a mechanism for businesses across the county to feed into future policy, helping ensure concerns from different sectors and areas of Dorset are represented in discussions with government. Around 60 representatives from businesses, town chambers of commerce, Dorset Council, BCP Council and the British Chambers of Commerce attended the launch of Dorset Chamber’s Business Voice Forum at Merley House in Poole. Among the issues identified were taxation and regulation, access to finance, education and skills, infrastructure, affordable housing, digital innovation and business resilience.
During the launch event, delegates also highlighted concerns including late payments, attracting and retaining skilled workers, and promoting a stronger identity for Dorset. A vote at the event placed tax and regulatory reform, stronger links between business and education, and affordable housing among the highest priorities.
Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said the county needed ‘a powerful and strong voice’ to influence decision-makers on issues affecting businesses, the economy and local communities.
The Business Voice Forum will now gather feedback before finalising its policy priorities, which will guide the chamber’s lobbying work through its links with the British Chambers of Commerce.
Image: Speakers at the Dorset Chamber Business Voice Forum launch
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