BUSINESSES in Dorset must prepare now for the workplace of the future.

That was the message at the first ever Dorset Business Festival Conference which was attended by more than 150 people.

The event was held by Dorset Chamber at the Hilton Bournemouth.

Dorset Chamber’s chief executive, Ian Girling, said: “We touched upon some really important issues today – we know we must develop our workplaces as we look to the future, including reducing our carbon footprints, knowing how to incorporate AI responsibly and productively into work tasks and that local employers must do all they can to engage regularly with schools and colleges.”

Business journalist broadcaster Declan Curry hosted the event which was open to the whole business community.

A range of topics were discussed by panels of experts, including the workplace of the future, ESG for business growth, town centre regeneration, AI and technology for the future, and skills for future growth.

Mr Girling added: “It was apparent that businesses need to prepare now for the workplace of the future. However, many are already on the case thankfully – and the conference will have initiated boardroom conversations which will power positive change so that businesses are as ready as they can be for tomorrow’s working world.”

Digital polls of delegates also provided real-time feedback on workplace issues with almost three quarters of respondents saying it was “tricky” to recruit the right people for their business.

David Smith, economics editor at The Sunday Times since 1989, was the keynote speaker.

He illustrated how the UK has been battered since the global financial crash in 2008-9.

These included Brexit, the pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the cost-of-living crisis.

On what the UK’s growth and productivity problem could mean for Dorset, which has 52,000 businesses with 90 per cent employing 10 people or less, David said: “Worker shortages should be starting to ease, as should cost pressures. But plenty of longer-term challenges remain, including transport infrastructure, skills, etc, and the levelling up agenda is not what it was.”