Dorset Chamber could be the Chamber of the Year, thanks to its focus on innovation and support for Dorset members in challenging times
Dorset Chamber has received a prestigious nomination for the Chamber of the Year award from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), confirming its exceptional contribution to the Dorset business community. Representing firms employing nearly six million people in the UK, BCC has recognised Dorset Chamber’s outstanding efforts.
This month Ian Girling, Dorset Chamber’s CEO, made an online presentation to a panel of judges. The announcement of Chamber of the Year will be made during the first-ever Dorset Business Festival, a four-day event in Bournemouth that includes The Future of Business conference, a business expo, and the first Dorset Business Awards since the pandemic.
The accolade arrives as Dorset Chamber gears up to celebrate its 75th anniversary, underscoring its longstanding commitment to the region’s business landscape.
Ian Girling highlighted the significance of this nomination; ‘We are in the running against four other chambers, out of the 53 accredited chambers which make up BCC’s UK network, having submitted a detailed award entry which demonstrates how we are delivering the best experience possible for our members in these challenging and changing times.’
Dorset Chamber’s proactive approach to business support has been a hallmark of its success. The organisation has been at the forefront of advocating for various workplace matters, from raising awareness about the impact of menopause to hosting online workshops addressing environmental, social, and governance issues.
Caron Khan, the President of Dorset Chamber, emphasised the chamber’s achievements, stating, ‘To date, 360 businesses have engaged in our latest programmes, and we had a highly successful re-accreditation by BCC, with several areas of best practice and innovative new ideas highlighted, including online networking events connecting chambers across the UK and a ‘got-your-back’ campaign for pressurised business owners.’
Dorset Chamber’s commitment to excellence is further evidenced by its excellent rating in a Net Promoter Score survey of its members. The organisation has been rated as the leading chamber nationally, boasting 113 five-star reviews. Its strong presence on social media, reaching nearly 18,000 users, and a monthly business magazine that reaches 10,000 readers have solidified its reputation.
Ian Girling underscored the chamber’s ethos, stating, ‘Our chamber is very much about what we can do for members, not what members can do for us, with regular touch points in-person and online.’
Dorset Chamber faces competition from four other chambers shortlisted for the award: Cumbria, Glasgow, North-East England, and Staffordshire.
