Dorset Chamber has revamped its membership offering as it continues to innovate during the coronavirus pandemic.
It has launched an entry level, digital membership for businesses and introduced new benefits for all members. They include £1,000,000 legal expenses insurance for a wide range of areas and access to a 24/7 tax, legal and HR helpline.
The Chamber, Dorset’s leading business support organisation, has also refreshed its website to make it more user-friendly and better able to support businesses.
Chief executive Ian Girling said: “We are always looking forward and seeking to innovate at the Chamber.
“A restructuring of our membership model has been in the pipeline for some time but we decided to accelerate its introduction to meet the growing needs of business amid the changing Covid landscape.
“The new digital, entry level membership will prove highly cost-effective for typically smaller businesses while offering them access to significant benefits, including our very popular Zoom networking sessions.
“All members will have access to our new helplines and legal expenses insurance, giving them invaluable support and peace of mind in the testing times ahead.”
Ian added: “We have an incredibly strong and supportive business community in Dorset.
“By coming together we can help each other survive and thrive, while supporting the local economy and giving Dorset a powerful voice beyond the county’s borders.”
Dorset Chamber’s Business Partners scheme – the top tier of membership – will remain in place.
The new legal expenses insurance provides protection across a range of areas including employment, health and safety, licence protection, property disputes and tax investigations.
It forms part of the Chamber’s pledge to ‘protect, promote and connect’ businesses.
Membership of the Chamber – Dorset’s voice of business – also opens the door to business opportunities, exclusive networking events, information and expertise as well as business support, mentoring and advice.
It provides promotional opportunities, member-to-member offers, exposure in print and on social media, international trade support and free use of the Chamber boardroom when Covid allows.
Annual membership starts at £120 plus VAT.
Dorset Chamber is the only chamber in Dorset accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and has an affiliated network of town chambers.