MORE than 100 business people attended events to hear about plans for economic growth in Christchurch and East Dorset.

The two breakfast sessions were held by Christchurch and East Dorset councils and also provided guests with a chance to network.

They took place at Dudsbury Golf Club and Christchurch Harbour Hotel.

Guests also heard from successful local business people. John Mills from Keith Spicer Ltd talked about the Wimborne-based business, which is one of the UK’s biggest suppliers of tea, founded in 1934 by 24-year-old Keith Spicer using his family’s front parlour in Bournemouth and a butcher’s bicycle as a distribution fleet.

Ian Griffiths from Purewell Electrical talked about his business, founded by his father in 1955, which rode out the recession of recent years and last year opened a £2.1m superstore at Wivlerley Road, Somerford.

Guests also heard about plans at Bournemouth Airport from managing director Paul Knight and group principal planner Andrew Murray.

There was also an update on the Superfast Dorset project, which aims to bring faster broadband to the whole country, from project lead Dugald Lockhart.

The two councils’ growth projects adviser, James Hassett, talked about the ongoing developments planned at the airport business parks.

Cllr Claire Bath, cabinet member for the economy at Christchurch Borough Council, said: “Feedback from the business people attending the events was very positive. I’m sure that most people valued the opportunity to hear about developments which are taking place to strengthen the local economy, as well as getting the opportunity to network.”

Cllr Simon Tong, lead member for the economy at East Dorset District Council, added: “These events built on the ones we held to launch our Growth Plan in November. We aim to continue our dialogue with local businesses and explore further how we can work in partnership to make the area a better one in which to conduct business and to attract more businesses to make their base here.”

A newsletter has been produced about developments which are helping businesses in Christchurch and East Dorset grow. It can be found, along with information about the Growth Plan, on the councils’ website at dorsetforyou.com/economic-development/Christchurch-and-east-dorset

More information on the Growth Plan is also available from the councils’ economic development team by emailing economy@christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk

Updates are also posted on Facebook at facebook.com/CEDCGoing4Growth and LinkedIn, at linkedin.com/company/Christchurch-and-east-dorset-district-council, and via Twitter by following @cd_edd_councils