Future Leaders, the Dorset Chamber group helping to develop the next generation of Dorset’s business talent, has received big backing.

Law firm Frettens and accountants and business advisors Mazars have come on board to sponsor the programme, which is free to join for people up to the age of 30.

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber, said: “Future Leaders not only provides personal and professional development for young business people, it is also about succession planning for our local economy.

“Frettens Solicitors and Mazars are both long-standing and highly-committed members of Dorset Chamber with a passion to supporting the development of their younger staff and we are very grateful for their support.

“This is an innovative and energetic programme that is making a huge impact and I would urge businesses to encourage their young people to become involved.”

The group has its own committee to set its agenda and decide activities.

Toni Taylor, Managing Director of recruitment agency Tru Talent and Chair of the forum, is also a member of the Dorset Chamber board, helping to ensure the voice of younger people is heard.

Toni said: “The support of Frettens and Mazars will be invaluable in helping us to grow the programme and bring its benefits to even more young business people as they develop their careers.”

Future Leaders was formed in 2022 after discussions between Dorset Chamber and Mazars, which wanted to develop a business network for its younger employees and support their personal and professional development.

Mazars is an international audit, tax and advisory firm with offices at Merck House in Seldown, Poole.

Lesley Fox, audit partner at Mazars in Poole, said: “We are delighted to continue our longstanding relationship with the Dorset Chamber through our sponsorship of the Future Leaders Forum.

“We have been involved since developing the initial concept and want to continue to support younger professionals in the business community with their personal development.

“It’s a fantastic initiative and provides the opportunity for individuals to get together and build new relationships.”

Frettens Solicitors, with more than 100 staff, was founded in 1978 and has offices in Christchurch and Ringwood.

Matthew Fretten, managing partner, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Dorset Chamber in their Future Leaders programme, it really is a fantastic initiative.

“We know how important it is for businesses to invest in the next generation of professionals, and Future Leaders does a brilliant job of highlighting that.

“It’s clear that the chamber is as passionate as we are about supporting young people in business and we are thrilled to be a part of it.”

Future Leaders has regular events and meetings. They include inspirational guest speakers, networking opportunities with like-minded young people, social get-togethers and sporting activities.

Discussions at meetings cover themes, such as networking skills, development of soft and interpersonal skills, public speaking, financial planning, confidence building and key issues such as sustainability.

Recent events have included behind-the-scenes tours of cosmetic giant Lush’s Green Hub and Premier League side AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium.

The chamber, Dorset’s ‘voice of business’ and leading business support organisation, has 650 members and celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Its vision is to ‘enable better lives through business’.

For more details about the Future Leaders, visit www.dorsetchamber.co.uk/business-support/future-leaders/.