Businesses in Swanage have joined forces with counterparts countywide in the pan-Dorset chambers of commerce alliance.
Swanage and District Chamber of Trade has become the eighth town chamber – and the first in Purbeck – to become affiliated to Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).
It joins Weymouth and Portland, Broadstone, Dorchester, Poole, Bridport, Ferndown and Shaftesbury in the growing network.
DCCI is leading the initiative to support local chambers and give Dorset a more influential voice at regional and national level.
DCCI chief executive Ian Girling said: “Swanage is a vibrant and forward thinking chamber which will be a valuable member of the affiliation network.
“We are very pleased to welcome them as our eighth affiliated chamber as the movement goes from strength to strength.
“Together we can give Dorset a powerful voice for business, bring chambers closer together and provide a national link through our accreditation by the British Chambers of Commerce.”
DCCI has about 800 members representing more than 37,000 employees and is the only county chamber accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), representing the business voice in Whitehall and Westminster.
Swanage has about 100 members and aims to promote the town and its members. Its affiliation followed hot on the heels of Shaftesbury earlier this year.
It brings the total number of businesses in the affiliation network to more than 1500.
President Caroline Finch said: “The affiliation programme is a brilliant initiative which brings smaller businesses countywide into the DCCI fold.
“Our members are very keen to see how we share ideas and best practice with other town chambers and DCCI, and see how we can work together.
“It is important for Swanage to be part of this wider business community both for the benefit of our members, the town, local economy and Dorset.”
The affiliation means that Swanage will be involved in the BCC’s national Quarterly Economic Survey, and join DCCI’s Chamber Forum, discussing key issues affecting businesses across the county.
Chamber members will also be able to access certain events and DCCI training at member rates as well as share good practice and ideas with other town chambers.
Visit www.swanagechamberoftrade.co.uk/ and www.dcci.co.uk for more details.
