STRIDE Dorset has booked business speaker John Acton for its two-hour innovation exchange this December.

The event comes as part of a four-month programme to support local startups and small businesses with advice, practical help and potential funding.

John has 30 years’ experience in senior leadership roles within global organisations.

While managing director of DPD Group, he drove five consecutive years of triple market growth in the international business, taking it from a £4 billion to a £9 billion group.

John also helped set up peer2peer Boards to support business leaders.

He’ll be talking and taking questions at the event, held in conjunction with Dorset Council at the BattleLab in Wool near Dorchester.

Jessica Dennis, who’s running the STRIDE Dorset programme, said: “John’s experience and ability to communicate are of great value.

“He’s worked with hundreds of businesses, from large corporations to SMEs and startups, and understands the problems and issues that businesspeople face.

“Securing him to speak at our information exchange event is a real coup and all businesses are invited.

“STRIDE Dorset is based on a similar programme in Cornwall that’s helped many innovative businesses get products and services to market.

“Our programme is deliberately intensive and runs only to February, and the innovation exchange is one of a number of opportunities we offer to business.”

John added: “My talk will cover 12 simple steps to build a great business.

“Following a successful corporate career, I set up my own leadership and development business.

“Since 2012, we’ve guided hundreds of leaders to build better businesses while getting that work-life blend right.

“I’m looking forward to speaking to Dorset business leaders, taking questions and sharing what I’ve learned to help others.”

The event takes place between 11.30am and 1.30pm on Thursday 5 December. Coffee and lunch are free, but places are limited.

• To book, visit the Eventbrite page.