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Dorset Chamber

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Dorset Chamber

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Dorset's leading business support organisation, accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce.

International trade advice and export documentation, events and training, event management, Dorset Business Awards, Membership Services, Dorset Business Focus Magazine, special projects, marketing and PR, information and signposting

28/10/2026

In response to today's Autumn Budget, Gareth Sherwood, president of Dorset Chamber, said: “As ever, there will be quite a lot in the detail, and I’m sure more will be understood in the coming hours as we wade through the fine print; the implications will be different for you depending on the size and nature of your business.

“The business rates changes should make a meaningful difference to qualifying smaller retailers, pubs and hospitality businesses. There are also opportunities for manufacturing, technology and other businesses able to access the investment and energy support being offered.

“Employment costs, however, remain unchanged and a significant disappointment. Many businesses had hoped to see the previous increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions reversed, which was unlikely, but would have helped.

“This Budget is a level of business as usual, with no major shocks, even the expected tax on banks was lower than expected; it therefore appears unlikely to be an inflationary Budget which will be welcome. But one question I keep coming back to is whether the Budget makes it easier for an established business to grow, much of which will come from businesses employing more people, developing a new product or winning new contracts.

“The most useful way to consider the Budget is through the practical decisions people make every day. Can a business afford to recruit? Is there sufficient confidence to invest? Can a young person find a worthwhile career locally? Can the people doing those jobs afford somewhere to live?

“There are measures here that will help, others that leave existing pressures largely unchanged, and opportunities that will depend on what happens next. Our role as Chambers of Commerce is to understand those effects, listen to the businesses we represent and work constructively to ensure the opportunities translate into real benefits across Wessex.

“Ultimately, a successful economy isn’t simply about how many businesses we start, but how many we help to thrive, employ people and grow.”

https://ow.ly/b1Cg5101M4G

27/10/2026

Dorset businesses need a Budget that supports growth, not one that adds to the cost of doing business.

Ahead of tomorrow's Budget, Dorset Chamber has written to the Chancellor and all Dorset MPs to raise serious concerns about rising employment costs and the impact on local businesses.

Our recent Business Voice Forum highlighted the pressures facing employers:
- 68% identified employer National Insurance and employment taxes as their biggest concern.
- 47% reported recruiting fewer people.
- 26% were reducing growth plans.

These findings reflect feedback from businesses attending our forum, but the message is clear: rising employment costs are holding businesses back.

We’re calling on Government to avoid further increases in employment taxes, review the impact of recent changes and give businesses the certainty they need to plan, recruit and invest.

Dorset Chamber is here to make sure the voice of business is heard where decisions are made.

We’ll continue to stand up for Dorset businesses, champion their interests and push for policies that support jobs, investment and economic growth.

To view our Business Priorities: https://dorsetchamber.co.uk/business-priorities/

27/10/2026

Join us in welcoming Ferndown & Uddens BID Ltd to the Dorset Chamber business community!

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a partnership between the local business community that develops and takes forward projects that will benefit their trading environment.

The Ferndown and Uddens BID covers the Ferndown and Uddens Industrial Estates in Dorset. It is a not-for-profit company managed by a Board made up of company owners and representatives from across the Estates.

The BID Business Plan sets out businesses’ priorities for improvements for the area, as well as how the BID will be managed and operated.

Find out more about what they do: https://ow.ly/K6pa5101140

27/10/2026

Kindful Studios, a recently refurbished content hub, has opened its doors at FOUNDRY Poole in The Dolphin Poole.

The new space dedicated to social media content creation, video production, and podcast recording is a venture managed by the creative content creation agency, Kindful Creative.

The Poole-based agency has invested almost £15,000 into renovating the studios to feature state-of-the-art recording equipment, including new 4k cameras, professional lighting, tripods, and modern furnishings.

John Grinnell, Centre Manager of The Dolphin, added: “We are fortunate in Poole to be home to some of the county’s most creative, dynamic brands and entrepreneurs, so it is only right that we provide a service such as Kindful Studios to our locals.

Read the full article here: https://ow.ly/GPCE5100W36

27/10/2026

Can Directors Go Their Own Way?

In the recent edition of the Dorset Business Focus Magazine, Alexandra Bray at Lester Aldridge Solicitors shares how a recent UK Supreme Court decision in Saxon Woods Investments Limited and others v Costa has provided some important guidance.

The Court considered whether a director who genuinely believed he was acting in the company’s best interests could still breach his duties if he pursued that objective in a way that undermined the board’s agreed strategy.

Read the full article here: https://ow.ly/eTxl5100vcP

27/10/2026

Students from SWRAC will be hosted at Hoburne Naish holiday park in Highcliffe on Fridays for the next academic year. Hoburne has created a work experience programme to boost the confidence, skills, and employability of young people with SEN.

Students will be encouraged to learn and work alongside staff across departments including housekeeping, leisure, retail, and customer service.

Adrian Gunner CEO of SWRAC said: “We are thrilled to have established this new partnership with Hoburne. The company has an excellent reputation in UK hospitality, strong values, and standards, and will provide an excellent working and learning environment for our students.”

Read the full article here: https://ow.ly/xJkO5100uKm

26/10/2026

More than 400 people came together at Bournemouth Pavilion this week for a powerful screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing, bringing the climate and nature crisis into sharp focus and highlighting the importance of collective action.

Held on Tuesday 20 October, the event brought together residents, businesses, community organisations and local leaders to confront some of the biggest challenges facing our society, and importantly, explore what can be done about them.

The event was sponsored by LUSH UK and We Have The POWER, with support from Dorset Wildlife Trust, Dorset Chamber, BCP Council and Transition Town Poole. It was hosted by Cllr Andy Hadley and opened by Dorset Chamber President, Gareth Sherwood DL.

The People’s Emergency Briefing film brings together leading UK experts to explain the impact of climate change and nature loss on our health, economy, food systems, global politics and everyday lives.

The message was clear: the challenges are significant, but the opportunity to act remains. And everyone has a part to play.

Read the full article here: https://ow.ly/fIn251010wn

26/10/2026

What's the latest news in Dorset?

Read today's headlines from Dorset Chamber Members and Business Partners, with articles including:
Dorset Cricket coach recognised at Lord’s as state school cricket Hub membership grows 81%
Shop! opens as Lighthouse Poole and Poole Museum join forces
New trainees begin exciting careers with TC-Group Bournemouth

To read these articles and more visit our news page: https://ow.ly/BQTk5100VPJ

26/10/2026

A stronger voice for business. A stronger future for our region.

Today, we're proud to announce the launch of the Wessex Chamber Alliance, bringing together Dorset Chamber, Business West and Somerset Chamber of Commerce - Somerset, WI to give businesses a stronger, united voice in shaping the future of our region.

As discussions around devolution gather pace, we're making one thing clear: business must have a seat at the table.

Decisions about infrastructure, skills, investment and economic growth directly affect the businesses that create jobs, support communities and drive our economy forward. That's why we've joined forces to ensure the views, experiences and priorities of businesses across Dorset and the wider Wessex region are heard at the highest level – and help shape decisions from the outset.

Together, we represent thousands of businesses, giving us a powerful collective voice to champion the needs of our business communities and influence the policies that will shape our region's future.

We've also issued a joint open letter calling on Government and local leaders to ensure businesses have a meaningful role in future devolution arrangements.

Read more about the Wessex Chamber Alliance and the open letter here: https://ow.ly/FwAf5100UuW

26/10/2026

Snows Motor Group has begun construction of a new environmentally friendly dealership in Poole, with the business set to open its doors to customers in summer 2027.

The new showroom on Yarrow Road, Tower Park, will showcase vehicles from Toyota and Lexus and represents a significant investment by Snows.

The building has been designed with sustainability at its core. Recycled stone and clay will be used during construction, while the roof will be fitted with solar panels. Lower ceiling heights will help reduce energy consumption, and the site will operate without fossil fuels for heating or power.

Read the full article here: https://ow.ly/Lit25100sxx

Address

Unit B, Acorn Office Park, Ling Road, Tower Park
Poole
BH124NZ

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+441202714800

Website

http://www.dorsetchamber.co.uk/

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