Businesses were urged to reach out to the world when Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) held its annual meeting.
Other new campaigns outlined for 2016 at the AGM included the launch of an ambitious Young Chamber programme and a fresh focus on apprenticeships.
Chief executive Ian Girling set out the aims during the meeting when new office bearers and elected council members were also appointed.
David McNair became president with Vincent Boni as senior vice-president and Paul Tansey junior vice-president.
David said: “It is an exciting time to become president.
“The Chamber is going from strength to strength and I am proud to be involved on so many levels.
“As a business community we have the opportunity to work together to put Dorset on the national map with the Chamber at its heart.”
David, who is director of the Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital, Newsquest Dorset managing director Vincent and Intergage managing director Paul previously held their positions on an acting basis.
Nearly 60 members of DCCI, the voice of business in Dorset, saw former president Rob Mitchell – who stepped down to focus on his commercial director role at AFC Bournemouth in June – present the chain of office to David.
Ian outlined the business support organisation’s plans for a 2016 campaign to drive export growth through its well-established International Trade Services department.
DCCI’s will lead the way with such measures as promotion of international trade opportunities, events, expert one to one advice, training, social media as well case studies of success stories.
Ian said: “Our aim is to really help Dorset punch above its weight when it comes to international trade.
“Our membership already includes very many successful exporters and we want to encourage more businesses to access the global market, especially first time exporters.
“We will be providing the essential support to help them explore opportunities and see that they could be very exporting very successfully.”
DCCI’s Young Chamber scheme will offer specific membership and activities for schools to link education and business. It will include careers advice and help for young people to gain skills so they are ready for the workplace.
It will also promote the value of apprenticeships to encourage more businesses and young people to become involved and help address skills gaps.
The new moves came as DCCI enters the second year of its ambitious five-year plan for 2015 – 2020 under the motto, Leading Business in Dorset
Newly elected members of the DCCI Council were also appointed at the AGM. They are Stephen John Bendell of Bendell Publicity Consultants, James Lattimer of Salad Creative Ltd, Nicola Newman of the Ansbury careers service provider, Alex Picot of Dorset Community Action, Helen Stacey of Aspire Jobs Ltd, James Stelfox of Quostar Solutions Ltd and Ian James Robinson of Princecroft Willis.
The meeting was held at the Hallmark Carlton Hotel in Bournemouth.
