One of the UK’s top business leaders has praised Dorset Chamber members for helping to directly influence Government coronavirus policy.
Dr Adam Marshall, who is director general of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said concerns raised by Dorset firms had helped the organisation lobby successfully in the corridors of power.
He told how the BCC had cited issues in weekly discussions with Business Secretary Alok Sharma and in conversations with other senior ministers.
Dorset Chamber – the county’s leading business support organisation – welcomed Dr Marshall for its inaugural Business Leaders event, which has replaced its ‘Signature’ events.
He told nearly 50 business owners, directors and senior managers over Zoom how well Dorset was regarded at a national level as a ‘modern, forward-looking and optimistic’ chamber.
Dr Marshall also urged businesses to keep raising concerns so it could continue to influence and change government policy at an early stage.
“Tell us what the issues are, what the trends are and where the difficulties are. Tell us what is going on in your business so we can tell government. Every piece of information is really important.”
Chamber president Liz Willingham led a discussion with Dr Marshall before questions from members.
Subjects included the economic outlook, business support, the value and role of chambers during the pandemic, retail and town centres, banks, international trade and new working patterns.
Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “We were delighted that Adam Marshall could join us for our first Business Leaders event.
“He has been doing a fantastic job, leading the British Chambers of Commerce and helping inform Government at the highest levels.
“As a member of the British Chambers, this has enabled us to effectively lobby at the highest level which has seen some direct changes to policy and help for businesses that have been falling through the gaps.
“We discussed some of the key issues facing Dorset businesses and it was great to hear feedback from Dr Marshall on how well Dorset Chamber is regarded at a national level.”
Dorset Chamber – the voice of business in Dorset – has more than 700 members employing 37,000 people. It is the only chamber in Dorset accredited to the BCC.
Through its 52 accredited chambers in the UK the BCC represents 75,000 businesses which together employ six million people.
Visit www.dorsetchamber.co.uk for more details of coronavirus support available to businesses and to raise any issues.