A series of high-profile debates about the EU referendum are to be staged by Dorset’s leading business support organisation to allow campaigners to fight their corners.
Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) will hold separate events for the ‘in’ and ‘out’ camps across Dorset over the coming months.
The Chamber, the voice of business in Dorset, aims to provide business owners across the county with information on both the implications of both leaving and staying in Europe and enabling people to make an informed decision in the referendum.
It is also planning to hold focus groups with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and will also incorporate a poll into its Dorset Economic Survey online.
Chief executive Ian Girling said: “The referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union is sure to spark fierce debate over the coming months.
“There will be strong cases arguments on both sides, although many people may not have yet taken a firm position on Britain’s future in the EU.
“It is important to have a vibrant discussion in Dorset and, as a Chamber, we want to ensure businesses and the wider community are able to make an informed decision.”
He added: “We intend to invite a diverse group of people to each debate to ensure we have a wide cross-section of views and are able to gain a full picture of the implications of a yes or no vote.
“We are set for an exciting few months and are looking forward to the people of Dorset making their voices heard as we as a nation face one of the most important decisions for a generation.”
DCCI is aiming to work with the official ‘in’ and ‘out’ campaign groups to stage the events as well as the BCC,of which DCCI is the only accredited chamber in the county.
There will be separate sessions for each camp to present its arguments in front of an invited and ticketed audience in both east and west Dorset.
More details will be announced in the coming weeks as DCCI – which has more than 800 members representing more than 37,000 staff – aims to become a hub for the Euro debate.
DCCI also hopes to involve its eight affiliated town chambers across the county in the events.
A recent poll by the BCC before PM David Cameron’s final renegotiation package showed that 63% of businesspeople would vote to remain in the European Union, 27% would vote to leave, and 10% were unsure. However, some 50% said their vote could change depending on the package.
The new Dorset Business Survey commencing on February 22, incorporating the British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic survey, will also offer business owners the opportunity to give their views as to whether we should stay or leave the EU.
For more details contact DCCI events co-ordinator Vikki Southern on 01202 714805 and at [email protected].
