BUSINESSES in Poole are backing the campaign to create a pan-Dorset network of chambers of commerce.

Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has been leading a push to unite business groups in the county.

Poole Chamber of Trade and Commerce has become the fourth organisation to become affiliated with the county chamber, following those in Broadstone, Weymouth & Portland and Dorchester.

Poole has nearly 100 members, bringing the combined strength of the chambers to nearly 1,200 businesses.

DCCI chief executive Ian Girling signed an agreement with Poole president Roger Wililams after a jointly hosted lunch at the RNLI headaquarters in Poole.

Mr Girling said the county and town chambers were not in competition and could achieve success by becoming closer.

He said: “I want us to work together to create a really good environment for businesses in Dorset to trade and be successful.

“The role of the town chambers is vital. It is essential to provide a framework for business.

“We work at different levels. We can come together and collectively be a very strong voice for the business community.

“It doesn’t mean that the chambers are diluted. The town chamber will continue with its role and have its identity and we will do the same.

“It gives us a far greater opportunity to come together in certain areas, speak as one voice for businesses across the county and really raise the profile of businesses in Dorset.”

Mr Wlliams added: “We are very pleased to affiliate with the DCCI.

“It will give us a bigger voice, a greater opportunity to do things and we are delighted to join the alliance.

“It will enable us to extend our networking, gain more associates, members and business colleagues.”

Benefits for Poole will include access to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) survey, input to the new DCCI Business Pulse survey and a quarterly forum, annual policy meetings and events, subscription to the DCCI e-newsletter, attendance at some events at DCCI member prices and access to DCCI training at member rates.

DCCI, whose 750 members represent 37,000 employees, is the only county chamber accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce.