An expanding business organisation is raising the status of its strongest supporters to reflect their increasing importance.
Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) is transforming its Patrons membership scheme as it steps up links with businesses to drive the economy.
Under the change, Patrons will now become known as ‘DCCI Business Partners’ – with the strapline ‘DCCI Business Partners Driving Economic Growth in Dorset’ .
They will take gold or platinum status and there will be just one Business Partner per sector.
Premier Partners – currently only AFC Bournemouth – will remain at the top of the membership pyramid.
The move comes as DCCI, which represents 700 members employing 37,000 people, continues to grow and modernise.
Chief executive Ian Girling said: “Our Patrons are among our strongest and most valued supporters.
“They are also highly influential as business leaders, employers and drivers of the economy in Dorset.
“Launching the new scheme recognises their increasing importance to the Chamber as we expand our high quality services and seek to develop more links countywide.
“We feel ‘Business Partner’ is a stronger reflection of the value we place on those supporters and reflects a more engaged and pro-active relationship.
“The change also reflects the dynamic and innovative approach we are committed to at the Chamber as we look forward to the future with confidence.”
DCCI, the voice of business in Dorset, has 18 Patrons, who became known as Business Partners on July 1.
The Business Partners are AFC Bournemouth, Barclays, Bournemouth Airport, Bournemouth University, Daily Echo/Dorset Echo, Deep South Media, Field International, Heart 102.3 FM, JP Morgan, Lester Aldridge, Meggitt, Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital, Paragon, Poole Harbour Commissioners, Savills, Saxe Coburg, Team Jobs and the Westover Group.
Business Partners will have a high profile as Dorset business leaders but also have influence at the Chamber in lobbying the Government and British Chambers of Commerce over economic policy.
They will have access to Chamber events, services, training, business support and offers as well as opportunities to network with businesses of the same calibre.
