DORSET enterprises are being invited to a free, five-day “audio conference” looking at the future of business.

Dorset Growth Hub says the event – which replaces its traditional conference – will help people consider what to prioritise.

Organisers of BEYOND2020 – The Future of Business were concerned that business people were suffering “Zoom fatigue” and decided on a new format.

Each day will see the release of three podcasts which will be available for 24 hours only, and which will be followed the next day by a Q&A panel featuring the guest speakers from each episode.

The conference will run from October 19-23 and will explore a different topic each day: Sustainability, Culture, Diversity and Inclusion, Attracting New Business and Future Trends.

Last year, the growth hub held a conference at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium, with speakers from Dyson. Monzo and Jimmy’s Iced Coffee.

Mary Lloyd, marketing manager at the hub, said “After running over 60 online events on Zoom, we started to think about how we could do something new and exciting, bringing together businesses from Dorset alongside larger national brands.

“We went through the process of thinking we would just cancel the conference all together, and wait until next year, but I think businesses really need a little positivity and inspiration to just keep going at the moment. As an organisation, we are trying new platforms, pushing boundaries as we try to reach as many businesses as possible to provide helpful content that can make a difference.

“The episodes we have recorded so far are really practical, full of tips and inspiration for ambitious business owners and managers.

“The topics we have chosen are rarely covered locally, but are priorities that we think are paramount going into the next 12 months, and will be spoken about from differing perspectives, from local start-ups like Ethicly and Street Agency, established local brands like OnBuy and RNLI, to national brands like ITV and Wessannen (Clipper Tea, Kallo & Whole Earth) – we have some great speakers lined up.”

The event is funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

To register, visit beyond2020.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/