At the beginning of November, Christchurch and East Dorset Councils were proud to host events at both Highcliffe Castle and Canford Magna Golf Club with over 100 local businesses in attendance.
After some breakfast and a chance to mingle and view the exhibitors’ stands, the guests were then ushered into the main rooms to take their seats for further networking.
The two events were the latest in a series aimed at communicating the councils’ ongoing investment in business support services and strengthening local business networking.
The events updated businesses on the progress that the councils have made in supporting growth in the local economy and provided the opportunity for businesses to feedback on where more support is needed.
The Green PEA (Positive Environmental Action) organisation also delivered a presentation on the work they are doing to help businesses reduce running costs in an environmentally positive way. Attendees at the events heard how support from the councils had helped Green PEA to extend their services into the Christchurch and East Dorset area.
Overall, both venues proved great environments for friendly networking and constructive discussions. It was a great opportunity for members of the local business community to exchange information and develop professional contacts whilst influencing the development of our Growth Plan.
Cllr Claire Bath, Portfolio Holder for the Economy at Christchurch Borough Council, said: “These events have been vital in developing our Growth Plan and we are grateful for the enthusiasm of local businesses in getting involved and in sharing their ideas with us.”
Cllr Simon Tong, Portfolio Holder for the Economy at East Dorset District Council, added: “We have ambitious plans to deliver improved support to local businesses; the events allowed us to communicate this and obtain feedback on our ideas. Business people who attended told us that these events are very useful so we look forward to organising more in the near future.”
Over 93% of attendees rated the venue, networking opportunities, catering, speakers, content and pre-event communications as either good or excellent. Following the success of our quarterly breakfast events this year, Christchurch and East Dorset Councils will continue to hold more events of this type in 2016.
Presentations from the two events can be accessed here: https://www.dorsetforyou.com/media/209759/Supporting-Business—Supporting-Growth-Presentation-November-2015/ppt/Supporting_Business_-_Supporting_Growth_PowerPoint_Presentation_November_2015.pdf