AROUND 100 people attended Borough of Poole’s annual State of the Area Debate, which focused this year on raising aspirations locally. Business representatives, public and voluntary sector workers and residents attended the Poole Civic Centre event, held to discuss topical issues and influence the work of the council.

A number of speakers who now run successful businesses within the borough spoke at the debate, before an ‘any questions’ style panel chaired by Poole Partnership chairman Richard Dimbleby Borough of Poole leader Cllr Elaine Atkinson said: “It was inspiring to hear the aspirational journeys of our speakers, telling of how their own careers have successfully developed and how what seems to be failure can bring out the best in people.

“Following this debate I was encouraged to hear businesses say that they would like to do more in partnership and in schools to prepare our young people for their future needs and to engage with the Poole sponsored Young Enterprise Scheme currently working with over 30 schools in Dorset.”

Among the speakers at last Monday’s debate was Hannah Allen, of Bournemouth Churches Housing Association; Stephanie Stevenson, founder of HNB Salons, and Seun Olason of Fog Beauty Limited.

Borough of Poole Lib Dem group leader Cllr Mike Brooke said: “It is very clear that the business community needs to work much more closely with our schools and the council to ensure that Poole’s young people develop the skills that will enable them to fulfil their ambitions.”

A recorded message from Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith was also played during the evening, congratulating the council for pursuing a partnership with national employment charity ‘Tomorrow’s People.”

This initiative was launched to support people ‘furthest from the workplace’ back into employment.