A NEW business forum has been launched to support engineering and manufacturing in Dorset.

Eight organisations have come together to found the Dorset Engineering and Manufacturing Forum (EMF), providing advice and support as well as a platform for networking and collaboration.

The project brings together the public and private sectors in providing impartial advice and support.

The partners include Bournemouth and Poole College, Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Princecroft Willis, Borough of Poole, Dorset Skills Hub, Ishida Europe, Field International and Aish Technologies.

The group consolidates existing forums and provides engineering and manufacturing businesses with the opportunity to discuss issues such as international trade opportunities, skills, strategies for growth and supply chain development.

The group is open to all businesses in the sector, is free to attend and will meet three times per year in locations across Dorset. A LinkedIn group has also been developed to enable businesses to connect online.

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “Engineering and manufacturing is incredibly important to the Dorset economy. Working with partners I was keen we developed a group that focuses on specific support for the sector.”

James Robinson, director at Princecroft Willis, said: “In my role at Princecroft Willis and as chair of the Nuffield Industrial Estate Association I am passionate about the sector and delighted we are involved and actively supporting.”

Guy Dix of Ishida Europe said “I think it is vital we have a network where engineering and manufacturing businesses can come together and share ideas, network and work and trade with each other.

“Businesses such as Ishida Europe and our colleagues Field International and Aish Technologies feel this is a vital role in driving the sector forward.”

The next Dorset EMF event will take place at the RNLI in Poole on Tuesday, June 16. For more information contact Duncan Newman on 01202 633298 or d.newman@poole.gov.uk