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

THERE is no doubt we are facing challenging times. Whilst the economy is still growing, the rate of growth has noticeably slowed and we’ve seen the first interest rate change in 10 years as inflation begins to creep up. We’ve seen the nervousness some businesses are beginning to experience as Brexit draws nearer and we face a huge amount of unknowns that could have major impact on British businesses. It’s essential the voice of business is heard and our politicians genuinely understand the concerns of business.

In September of this year we held the first Dorset town chamber conference, attended by chambers and business groups from Bournemouth, Bridport, Broadstone, Dorchester, Ferndown, Lyme Regis, Poole, Swanage, Verwood and Weymouth and Portland. The event was a huge success, bringing chambers and business groups together to explore the key economic issues facing Dorset businesses and discuss how we can work together.

Over the last four years we’ve been working hard to develop partnerships to strengthen the voice of businesses in Dorset. We have recently been delighted to welcome Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce, the latest of nine town chambers to now link to Dorset Chamber through affiliation. This affiliation provides a platform for Dorset Chamber, as the county chamber, to connect and link with the town chambers across Dorset and come together on key issues as required. “Stronger together” as Vincent Boni, Dorset Chamber president, often states. These are new ground-breaking partnerships at a time when it is essential we support businesses across Dorset. We very much look forward to working with Bournemouth Chamber.

Earlier this year we also announced the formation of the Dorset Business Alliance, a new strategic partnership between Dorset Chamber, the Institute of Directors and the Federation of Small Businesses as the leading business membership organisations in Dorset. This provides a forum to collectively engage key stakeholders such as politicians, local authorities and the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). Indeed this partnership has been very much welcomed by the LEP to help enable business engagement.

Much progress has been made in over the last couple of years around the development of new partnerships and alliances. Within this it’s always important organisations don’t lose their identity or purpose; however by coming together on key issues we are much stronger and we can work alongside each other, reduce duplication – and most importantly, support business growth in Dorset.

I’d like to close this article with a thank you. Last week I attended an evening Ferndown Chamber of Commerce committee meeting. As with many town chambers, the committee comprised a group of eight or nine people, all volunteers, all giving up their time, working together on many projects for the good of their town. And I emphasise for the good of the town as the work of town chambers goes towards supporting the whole community, not just businesses. I was struck by their commitment and enthusiasm in striving to make Ferndown a better place to both live and work. This kind of support and volunteer work in developing communities and supporting businesses is taking place in chambers all across Dorset. I believe this is very much to be admired and we should take the time to remember this and support our chambers of commerce.