Over recent months, Dorset Chamber has been gathering insights from more than 140 local businesses, large and small, to understand their progress towards Net Zero.
The findings make for thought-provoking reading.
Encouragingly, half of Dorset businesses report a solid grasp of Net Zero targets. Three quarters have started planning their transition. Yet, despite this, almost two thirds still haven’t measured their carbon footprint – a figure unchanged from our first survey two years ago. Without stronger regulation or attractive incentives, it seems many businesses will struggle to move Net Zero higher up their list of priorities.

Free training
When it comes to the skills needed to deliver on Net Zero ambitions, the picture is mixed. Only around a third of businesses feel their teams currently have the knowledge required, with no improvement since 2023. Unsurprisingly, larger firms or those working directly in green sectors have a clearer understanding, often helped by hiring specialist expertise. But among most business leaders, there remains uncertainty about the specific skills needed.
Although specific training uptake remains low, a third of respondents said they would be interested in participating – particularly where funded opportunities are available. It’s heartening to see that local support does exist. Both BCP Council and Dorset Council offer free short courses and events to support Net Zero and ESG planning. In addition, Low Carbon Dorset provides free energy-saving advice alongside grant funding for emission reduction projects.
The education sector is also playing its part. Training on sustainability has already reached more than 100 tutors and education staff locally, helping embed green knowledge into mainstream courses. Meanwhile, Bournemouth and Poole College, alongside Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College, are now offering green skills training in construction and engineering, supported by the Local Skills Improvement Fund. April 2025 will see the opening of Bournemouth and Poole College’s new Green Skills Centre for Building Services, further strengthening the county’s green credentials.
On the financial side, half of businesses now feel more prepared to invest in reducing their carbon footprint – a small but important improvement. However, many smaller enterprises still feel they face a steeper challenge.
The momentum towards Net Zero is evident, but it’s clear that more support, clear guidance and sustained investment will be needed if Dorset’s business community is to deliver real change.
by Ian Girling

To explore the full survey findings and the support available, visit: dorsetchamber.co.uk/lsip/findings.

The Hustle Networking Group, launched in December by Amelia Johnson and Roanna Warren, has quickly gained momentum within the North Dorset business community. The monthly meetings, currently held at Hinton Workspace near Sturminster Newton, offer a relaxed opportunity for local professionals, freelancers and business owners to connect.
Attendance has remained at near capacity since the first meeting, says Amelia: ‘We have a good balance between regular attendees and new faces, and there’s a broad mix of sectors including entrepreneurs, industry specialists and business owners.
We want to help local business people in North Dorset build strong relationships with one another, to create a supportive community. By fostering genuine connections, the group helps members learn from each other: we encourage and refer business to each other, and ultimately work together to grow and succeed as a collective.‘
‘Every Hustle meeting feels a little different,’ says Roanna. ‘But there’s always time for coffee, conversation – and breakfast! – as much as for sharing ideas and learning something new. ‘Sessions loosely follow a structure of relaxed networking, short introductions or thought exercises and a guest talk. The aim is always the same: to keep things informal and lively but genuinely useful. Recently we paired everyone up and we had to introduce each other. It was a fun challenge and sparked some brilliant intros.’
Guest speakers have become a regular feature, providing practical advice on areas such as a recnt one on the use of social media, where Charlotte Strong recently shared a talk packed full of practical tips and real-world experience. Dorset Business Mentors joined another session, contributing to discussions and offering mentoring support.

Moving forwards
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive: one attendee describing the February event said:
‘Well—wow! That really was a Hustling Hustle! Uplifting chats, new contacts, marvellous mentors! Thank you so much. I really enjoyed it.’
Another added, ‘I’ve never found another networking group so genuinely supportive. The friendships and connections made here extend far beyond the monthly meetings. It’s a genuinely sociable and welcoming community.’
Future speakers include Roanna Warren and Bexi Harris on digital marketing and branding (May), artist Katie Scorgie on developing a creative career (June), and Liz McCormick on accountancy for small businesses (July).
Organisers have also announced plans to introduce Zoom sessions, evening meetings and informal walk-and-talk events during the summer.

For more information, or to book a place at an upcoming session, contact the organisers via the Hustle LinkedIn group, Roanna on [email protected] or Amelia on [email protected]