Two leading organisations in Dorset have joined forces to launch a new business support scheme.
Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) are aiming to boost the local economy with this innovative service.
Called Dorset Gateway, the initiative provides free advice, account management, brokerage, bid writing as well as wider support to firms countywide.
Dorset LEP – the business-led public and private sector partnership – secured government funding to establish the service, which will be delivered in partnership with DCCI.
And heading up the service are new appointments; Dorset Gateway manager Finn Morgan and Gateway Advisor Suzannah Kennedy.
In her new role, Suzannah will be helping both new and established businesses find the support they need.
She said: “Many businesses are unaware of the wealth of high-quality support available to help them realise their potential.
“I am looking forward to providing them with the expert advice to gain the support they need to grow, create jobs, attract investment and drive the local economy.”
Suzannah has nearly 20 years of corporate experience and has worked at JP Morgan and Bournemouth Borough Council.
She will help individual businesses access the best support, acting as a one-stop shop and single point of contact for business.
Dorset Gateway manager Finn Morgan has 18 years’ experience in a range of roles, covering corporate policy, business support, strategic planning and economic development.
He said: “I am incredibly excited to be overseeing this service to help local businesses grow.
“I will be working with Suzannah to help established and new businesses access all the opportunities available to them.”
Dorset Gateway will also help support business growth, improve digital capabilities, help firms access finance and provide mentoring services.
Dorset LEP director Lorna Carver said: “The success of businesses is essential to both Dorset and the wider economy.
“Dorset LEP is committed to working with local businesses in order to improve opportunities for start-ups and those that are seeking to grow their operations.
“With this in mind, we are delighted to be working with Dorset Chamber to deliver this important service to drive business growth, stimulate innovation and increase productivity across the county.”
Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling added: “We are delighted to be delivering this service on behalf of Dorset LEP.
“As Dorset’s leading business organisation with a wide range of partner relationships across the county, we can help businesses, both new and established and across all sectors, benefit from this great service.”
As well as the free business support brokerage, the Dorset Gateway also includes professional business account management and a fully-funded bid-writing support service, offering up to 40 hours of support for businesses looking to access funding that will stimulate increased productivity and growth.
Bid writing support expert Kevin Brooks has over 27 years’ experience. As a bid specialist, technical writer and projects business consultant he has helped to shape and win multi-million pound bids for a range of public and private sector organisations during his career.
Call Dorset Gateway on 01202 714800 for more details or visit the website.
Photo: (L-R) Bid writing support expert Kevin Brooks, Dorset LEP board member and chief executive of DCCI Ian Girling, Dorset LEP business engagement and Dorset Gateway manager Finn Morgan, business support advisor Suzannah Kennedy