Business festival back for a second year running

The Dorset Business Festival is back for a second year with an extended programme of events.

Dorset Chamber has launched this year’s celebration with the theme of ‘Business as a Force for Good’ from September 30 to October 10.

The festival fortnight will feature networking, thought leadership and celebrations during a packed itinerary based around an Expo, Conference and the prestigious Dorset Business Awards.

It follows the success of last year’s, inaugural three-day event when more than 1,000 businesses took part.

Dorset Chamber Chief Executive Ian Girling announced the 2024 extravaganza with Lester Aldridge, the Premier Festival Partner for the second year running.

Blue Financial Planning, Bournemouth and Poole College, Dorset Council and YMCA Bournemouth have returned as Festival Partners. EV specialists, ElectriX, has also come on board as a partner for this year’s festival.

Ian said: “I am thrilled to announce that the Dorset Business Festival is returning for a second year.

“Last year’s event was a tremendous success which we are building upon this year with an extended programme of exciting events and activities over two weeks.

“We have chosen ‘Business as a Force for Good’ as our theme to champion the local business community and gain greater recognition for the role it plays in job creation, funding for public services through taxation, driving economic growth and community cohesion.

“It also reflect the chamber’s mission statement to enable better lives through business.

“Many thanks to all of our festival partners for their support. We can’t wait for the festival to begin.”

The festival build-up gets underway with the launch of the Dorset Business Awards at the Dorset County Museum in Dorchester on April 23 when categories will be announced. Awards open on 1 May and close on 13 June.

The Conference is set to launch with more details about speakers and its itinerary on 15 May.