One of the nation’s top economic commentators has been confirmed as the keynote conference speaker at the inaugural Dorset Business Festival.

David Smith, pictured left, Economics Editor of The Sunday Times, will open the topic-based conference on Tuesday October 10.

It will be followed by an expo the following day, October 11, and the return of the Dorset Business Awards on Thursday October 12.

David Smith has been Economics Editor of The Sunday Times since 1989.

He is also Chief Leader Writer, Assistant Editor and Policy Adviser as well as the author of several books.

Dorset Chamber is staging the Dorset Business Festival at the Hilton Bournemouth.

It is the first event of its kind in the chamber’s 74-year history.

Law firm Lester Aldridge is the Premier Festival Partner with Blue Sky Financial Planning, Bournemouth and Poole College, Dorset Council, The Dolphin and the YMCA Bouurnemouth as Festival Partners.

Ian Girling, pictured left, Dorset Chamber’s Chief Executive, said: “Excitement is growing for the Dorset Business Festival.

“We are thrilled to welcome Blue Sky Financial Planning, Bournemouth and Poole College, Dorset Council, The Dolphin Centre and the YMCA as Festival Partners.

“They are all longstanding and highly valued supporters of the chamber, whose enthusiasm and commitment will turbocharge the event.

“The festival promises to be a superb celebration of business, which will also address the very real issues being faced by many owners, directors and managers today.”

As reported by DorsetBizNews, Dorset Chamber has also secured presenter and former BBC Breakfast Business Correspondent Declan Curry as host of the conference.

Declan Curry.

Topics at the conference are likely to include technology and the environmental, social and governance agenda.

There will also be networking opportunities.

The expo will feature stands, presentations and networking while the Dorset Business Awards – returning after four years – will be presented in ten categories following judging by an independent panel of business leaders and experts.

Dorset Chamber is officially launching the festival at its President’s Lunch hosted by Caron Khan tomorrow, April 19, at the Italian Villa in Poole.

The special guest and keynote speaker is Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

Tickets for the Festival will open for sale on May 9.