Business leaders have reached a new milestone in a drive to link chambers of commerce in Dorset.
Broadstone Chamber of Trade and Commerce has become the first in East Dorset to become affiliated to the countywide Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).
DCCI chief executive Ian Girling and Broadstone chairman Simon Merry officially signed the paperwork at DCCI’s headquarters in Poole.
Ian said: “We are gaining considerable momentum with Broadstone becoming the first chamber in east Dorset to become affiliated to DCCI.
“Broadstone will retain its independence and character but by standing together we are stronger.
“We will have more influence at local and national level but also work in close partnership to support members and drive business growth.”
DCCI, the voice of business in Dorset with more than 740 members, is the county chamber accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).
Under the new partnership Broadstone members will be able to give input into national BCC surveys, which could help develop Government policy.
Simon was among the DCCI delegation which attended the BCC in London in February when speakers included Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls.
He said: “Broadstone is the only chamber in Dorset dedicated to a suburban commercial area rather than a town.
“As a forward-thinking chamber we share DCCI’s vision and are proud to become the first in east Dorset to become officially affiliated. It will support us in our aim to make Broadstone first choice for local retail, services and leisure.”
Simon added: “We look forward to working closely together for the benefit of our members and the wider business community.”
The chamber aims to draw more trade into Broadstone, and support the local economy, members and community. It meets quarterly and holds two networking events a month.
By joining forces, chambers will have more say with local and national decision-makers, local authorities, funding bodies and the Local Enterprise Partnership as well as foster stronger links to encourage more business.
The two organisations will also be able to work together in the development of further services to support and help businesses grow.
Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce (WPCC) became the first in the county to affiliate to DCCI last September.
The new affiliation with Broadstone’s 98 members takes the combined might of the chambers to a membership of more than 1,000.
DCCI is encouraging more town chambers to follow suit to foster more joined up thinking and co-ordination among the business community countywide.
