I WOULD like to say a big welcome to my first bi-weekly chief executive’s column.

I’ll be sharing my thoughts, ideas and experiences as I settle in to my new role as chief executive of Dorset Chamber.

I started at the chamber just before Christmas and I am hugely excited about working with businesses and partners across Dorset and beyond.

I’m privileged to work with a great team and we are starting to bring together some exciting new ideas for developing the support the chamber offers our business community.

Community is an important word for me – we know that being in business can be lonely and I have been struck by how important being part of a community actually is in business – having peers where you can share ideas, develop opportunities and learn together.

Dorset has a thriving business sector and I am proud to be a part of this.

I am also excited about the development of the Business Growth Hub for Dorset.

The Growth Hub, through the Dorset LEP and led by DCCI and WSX Enterprise, will go live in April offering a business advice service, something I believe is much needed.

So I look forward to sharing my experiences with you as I settle in.

I attended a chamber dinner last week for chief executives and was struck by the diversity and energy of our business leaders.

We really do have a great deal going for us and I am truly excited about the role the Chamber can take in driving business success in Dorset.