Published: April 19, 2024 | Updated: 19th April 2024
Dorset Business Festival is back for a second year, featuring a fortnight-long itinerary of networking, thought leadership and celebrations.
Organised by Dorset Chamber, the festival will run from 30 September to 10 October and centre around an expo, conference and awards ceremony.
Last year’s inaugural three-day event attracted more than 1,000 participating businesses.
Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber, announced the 2024 programme alongside Lester Aldridge, premier festival partner for the second year running.
Blue Sky Financial Planning, Bournemouth and Poole College, Dorset Council and YMCA Bournemouth have also returned as sponsors alongside a fresh face, EV specialists ElectriX.
Ian said: “I’m thrilled to announce that the Dorset Business Festival is returning for a second year.
“Last year’s event was a tremendous success, which we’re building upon this year with an extended programme of exciting events and activities over two weeks.
“We’ve chosen ‘business as a force for good’ as our theme to champion the local business community and gain greater recognition for the role it plays in job creation, funding for public services through taxation, driving economic growth and community cohesion.
“It also reflects the chamber’s mission statement to enable better lives through business.
“Many thanks to all our festival partners for their support. We can’t wait for the festival to begin!”
The build-up gets underway with the launch of the Dorset Business Awards at the Dorset County Museum in Dorchester on 23 April, when categories will be announced.
Entries open on 1 May and close on 13 June.
Among the other events are a ‘meet the finalists’ gathering, a networking breakfast at Rick Stein’s restaurant in Poole, and an expo and conference at the Hilton Bournemouth.
Grant Esterhuizen, partner at Lester Aldridge, added: “As premier partner of Dorset Business Festival for a second year, Lester Aldridge remains committed to the fusion of business and social responsibility.
“We see commerce as a force for good, driving positive change within our communities.
“Supporting this festival aligns with Lester Aldridge’s commitment to shaping a better future through responsible business practices.”
The conference is set to launch with more details about speakers and its itinerary on 15 May.
Bookings will open for the breakfast networking event in June.
To get the best of Dorset Biz News straight to your inbox every week, sign up for our newsletter!
