Our August networking breakfast – part of a collaboration with Sherborne Chamber of Trade and Commerce – has been hailed a success with more than 70 attendees, taking the opportunity to network and make new connections.
Many thanks to Leweston School in Sherborne for hosting the event, which included a sumptuous breakfast and facilitated table networking. As part of an on-going Chamber initiative, there was also an opportunity for members to book one-to-one meetings with other businesses to help forge new links.
This month, attendees included six new members who received a very warm welcome. They are Steve Dominey, Clarity Copiers; Nick Bunting, Cornish Mutual; Verna Haywood, George Albert Hotel & Spa; Christine Jewels, Italian Language Services; Craig Oakes, Oakes Insure and Fiona Hansford, Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.
In addition to our new members, we also welcomed visitors from a range of local businesses, charities and educational establishments including, BNI Business, Wise Ability Services, Dorset Local Enterprise and Federation of Small Business.
Retain & Retrain
After the breakfast, Dorchester Chamber’s President Steve Farnham thanked members for attending and took the opportunity to stress the importance of collaboration in the business community.
He also addressed the issue of affordable housing and the impact this has on staff recruitment, which is a key priority of the Chamber’s Retain & Retrain Campaign.
Chair of Sherborne Chamber, Jane Wood also talked to the group, saying she was delighted to be part of this collaborative networking breakfast. As well as outlining the need for affordable housing and a stronger focus on apprenticeships, Jane also acknowledged the wonderful real-life lessons – including a strong work ethic – which small business owners and those who are self-employed, are passing on the next generation.
David Makepeace from the Dorset Echo, our event sponsor, gave a speech about the value of local newspapers to both the business and wider community – while noting that the Echo has been serving the area for more than 100 years.
Many thanks to our sponsors, the Dorset Echo. Below are some fabulous photos taken during the morning by our official photographer, Siân Court of SKC Photography.
Don’t miss our September breakfast on Tuesday 11th September at Carluccios, Brewery Square in Dorchester. Click on forthcoming events for more details and to book your place.
