YOUNG people will be inspired by careers in STEM industries when Poole Maritime Festival kicks off in June. Around 100 students from nine schools across Dorset will take part in a challenge set by Young Enterprise to solve a maritime-related dilemma. Supported by local business leaders and academics from the marine sector, the contest encourages the next generation to take an active interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The event is one of eight business activities planned during the festival, which runs throughout June.

Poole council's economic development team is partnering with a number of organisations to deliver a programme of events specially designed for local and regional businesses.

As well as networking opportunities, there will be workshops, conferences, exhibitions and discussions.

Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry is hosting a Breakfast Network on Tuesday, June 5, at Rick Stein in Sandbanks.

The Dynamic Women in Business breakfast networking event will also be held that day at Parkstone Yacht Club. Speakers include Poole council leader Cllr Janet Walton and the chief operating officer of Actisense, Lesley Keets.

Dorset Growth Hub are hosting a Marine Business Bootcamp at Lake Yard, designed to bring together businesses, stakeholders, skills and funding opportunities.

On Wednesday, June 6, Poole Harbour Study Group will hold a conference at Poole Harbour Commissioners at the port entitled 'A Spotlight on Poole Harbour: Environment and Economics’.

The day will conclude with an invitation-only reception hosted by Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). This is a networking opportunity for business leaders, featuring the Dorset Ambassadors and the South West Marine Cluster.

Borough of Poole and British Marine's Trade XChange is taking place on Thursday, June 7, at Lighthouse.

The business programme will finish with an invitation-only boat reception to celebrate the local and global businesses attending the programme. In partnership with British Marine and City Cruises the event will feature a talk from Jim Stewart, chief executive of PHC and chairman of Dorset LEP, and a tour of the harbour.

Adrian Trevett, economic development manager, Borough of Poole, said: “We have created an interesting and diverse business programme that enables our local and regional businesses to be part of the Poole Maritime Festival. Not only do these events support existing businesses, whether these are large or small, but they will encourage our young people to consider careers in STEM industries and help bridge the skills shortage in these areas. We hope as many businesses as possible take the opportunity to sign up to these events.”

Cllr Mohan Iyengar, cabinet member for Poole Maritime Festival, added: “Last year's event was one of the largest maritime events in Europe. This year we don't have the EU funding, yet the business programme is even better. It's about bringing local businesses together and being ready for the opportunities and challenges coming up. And for Poole as a whole, it's about strengthening our reputation as a marine hub with a long standing heritage and a great future ahead."