by Ian Girling, chief executive, Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry

THE last 12 months has been period of uncertainty for UK businesses following our vote to leave the EU in June last year.

However after the surprise of the referendum result, and once the dust had settled, we didn’t see the economic crash that was widely predicted by many and indeed, with a fall in the value of the pound, we’ve seen a rise in exports and a generally very positive business climate.

The positive attitude and resilience of businesses is commendable. Many businesses are reporting a strong trading position and our view is that the economy has continued to prosper since the referendum. It’s now essential that this growth is maintained as Theresa May begins the complex process of beginning to taking us out of the European Union.

This of course will cause uncertainty as we enter an unprecedented situation. And whilst there are of course concerns regarding the future, it must be said most businesses I speak to see a positive future and continued opportunities when outside of the EU.

In April the Prime Minister made the surprise announcement that a general election would be held on June 8. Clearly the PM wishes to hold a position whereby she has a mandate from the electorate to lead us through these negotiations and she has called the election at a time when there are still wide political divisions regarding our EU membership as well as many other issues.

As all the parties put forward their manifestos, it’s absolutely essential the growth of the UK economy is the bedrock of our future, regardless of political colours. Continued investment in the NHS, education and our national infrastructure all depend on a successful and growing economy – and support for business is absolutely essential within this.

All parties must listen to the voice of business as policies are developed. Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a member of the British Chambers of Commerce, a leading national voice for business, engaged at the highest levels of government, pushing the agenda for economic growth forward through policies to enable UK businesses to prosper. In Dorset we very much embrace this approach and we were recently very pleased to announce the formation of the Dorset Business Alliance, a ground-breaking new strategic partnership between Dorset Chamber, the FSB and the Institute of Directors, providing a platform for us to come together on shared issues of interest and concern for business.

Periodically engaging key stakeholders such as the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, MPs and local authorities, our ambition is to work as a strategic partnership representing over 5,000 businesses in Dorset, from sole traders to large corporates, and ensure there is powerful voice for all businesses and we are heard. We all retain our independence as the key national organisations representing business but coming together on common issues gives us an even stronger voice. We share concerns for businesses on issues such as taxation, international trade, business rates and legislation and regulation.

These issues must be taken into account if our economy is to continue to prosper – and need to be at the heart of our future growth in the UK.

Within the Dorset Business Alliance we will be pushing the case for business growth and we invite our members to call on us to represent you on specific issues of concern. It’s essential that we continue to grow our economy and provide an environment where business can grow and prosper, particularly as we shape our future outside of the EU.