Five star chamber as Bridport joins alliance

Businesses in Bridport have thrown their weight behind a campaign for a pan-Dorset network of chambers of commerce to fight the county’s corner. 

Bridport Business has become the fifth town chamber – and the first in the west of the county – to become affiliated to the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).

DCCI has been forging the alliance of business groups to give them a stronger voice locally, regionally and nationally.

DCCI chief executive Ian Girling signed the affiliation agreement with Bridport Business president Richard Smith, watched by members of the chamber’s executive committee.

Richard said: “Affiliation with DCCI and fellow chambers countywide will make us stronger and benefit businesses in the Bridport and West Bay area as well as the local economy.

“As a well-established chamber with a growing and increasingly active membership, we also aim to play a full part in the pan-Dorset movement to fight the county’s corner.”

The Bridport Business chamber of trade of commerce has 60 members, bringing the total number of businesses in the affiliation movement to nearly 1300.

Richard signed the agreement with Ian at his company OS Telecom’s offices in Downes Street, Bridport.

They were joined by secretary Lucy Hart, who is also secretary of the Melplash Agricultural Society, vice-president Steve Lincoln from P&L Accounts and marketing officer Claire MacDonald from CFM Marketing. Karen Hussey, from AG Down funeral directors, is also on the committee.

Bridport Business’s affiliation comes hot on the heels of the Poole, Dorchester, Broadstone and Weymouth and Portland chambers.

Ian said: “As a thriving market town and economic centre, Bridport is a valuable new partner in our campaign to make Dorset’s voice heard.

“Bridport Business is the furthest chamber west to sign so far and we hope others will follow their lead as the movement goes from strength to strength.”

DCCI, the voice of business in Dorset with more than 800 members representing 37,000 employees, is the only county chamber accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

Under the new affiliation initiative town chambers and DCCI both retain their independence and integrity.

Town chambers work at a local level on issues of concern and trading conditions. DCCI has a more strategic role with a wider economic overview.

The affiliation movement will also give county chambers a louder voice to represent business locally, regionally and nationally.  

Benefits for Bridport 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.  

Future Bridport Business events include its inaugural Business Showcase at the arts centre on October 12 for members and non-members. It is also holding a networking lunch on July 15 at Highlands End.

Email Lucy Hart on [email protected] for more information or to join the chamber.

 Visit www.dcci.co.uk for more about DCCI, its events, training, services, awards, membership and activities.