Dorset joined dozens of other counties across Britain to bang the drum for business as the economy strengthens after the severest economic slump of its kind in living memory.
A delegation from the Dorset Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), representing 700 members employing nearly 37,000 people, attended the British Chambers of Commerce annual conference in London.
The event, which generated national headlines as speakers clashed over points of view in front of 200 business leaders, was entitled State of the National – Good to Great.
Prominent businessmen and women, politicians and media figures debated issues from trade support and exports to skills and apprenticeships.
DCCI members who attended were the DCCI, Saxe Coburg, Field International, Pidela Consulting, AFC Bournemouth, Savills and Deep South Media.
Ian Girling, DCCI’s chief executive, said: “The main feeling in the conference was that the economy is most definitely on the up, with low inflation and rock-bottom interest rates enabling members to plan ahead and invest.
“There are, however, caveats. It was clear that companies need to upskill staff, explore exports in high-growth markets across the world, do more to create apprenticeship places and forge strong links between schools and business for employability reasons.
“Focusing on exports, we may have a great ‘Made in Britain’ brand globally but the UK’s share of global exports fell from 4.4% in 2000 to just 2.6% in 2012; the government’s target is £1 trillion by 2020.
“The DCCI will support any Dorset companies who want to consider exports – figures show that 120,000 businesses nationally could export sustainably.”
Export Britain, the new online resource from the British Chambers of Commerce, showcases opportunities in key international markets, and links UK exporters to support available from British Chambers and business groups both in the UK and around the world.
Ian added: “There was one huge vote of confidence from delegates in young people; green cards – not red ones – were held up in response to a panel question about whether there is the right young talent in the UK to build the economy.
“As business legend Theo Paphitis told the conference, we are looking for passion, drive, ambition and confidence in a new employee – we can teach them everything else.”
“Delegates also voted in green to say that we’re having a ‘good’ recovery.”
Speakers at the event included Karren Brady, Vice Chairman of West Ham FC and the government’s Small Business Ambassador, Education Secretary Michael Gove, Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls, Lord Mandelson, Ken Clarke MP, Minister without Portfolio, Alan Halsall, Co-Chairman, Business for Britain, and Chairman of Silver Cross and former BBC economist Stephanie Flanders, now Chief Market Strategist, UK and Europe, JP Morgan Asset Management.
Also on stage were Dr Andrew Sentance CBE, Theo Paphitis, Chairman of Ryman Stationary and former Dragons’ Den panellist, Dr Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vicky Pryce, a senior economist and business consultant, Sir John Parker GBE, Chairman, Anglo American, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond and Justin Urquhart Stewart, the co-founder of Seven Investment Management.
Other panellists included Ann Cairns, President, International Markets, MasterCard Worldwide, Jill McDonald, North West Division President and Chief Executive, McDonald’s UK, Nora Senior, President, British Chambers of Commerce, and Lord Adonis.
National headlines were made when Ed Balls was confronted over Labour’s business record, Lord Adonis called for an apprenticeships revolution, Lord Mandelson said Britain could cut energy prices by working with Europe, Michael Gove described how improved state schools are competing with private schools and Karren Brady revealed how one firm had to send staff on letter-writing courses because they couldn’t communicate with clients.
