Running a business in good times is difficult enough let alone being at the helm during the current storm of economic challenges from record inflation to acute labour shortages.
Now, to help business owners, directors and senior managers in Dorset better steer through rough waters, a special support programme has been unveiled.
Business Growth Groups – aimed at businesses with up to 250 staff and fully funded – is being delivered by Dorset Chamber in partnership with Dorset LEP.
Free to attend, the online programme explores a range of key themes that could make a positive difference for participants and the companies they are responsible for.
Topics cover growth strategies, financial resilience, recruitment and retention, leadership and management and net-zero solutions to address climate breakdown.
Dorset Chamber’s Ian Girling said: “Dorset is home to 52,000 businesses and they are facing a unique economic storm that tests the mettle of even the most proficient of senior management teams.
“Firms, however well run they are, and having emerged intact from the pandemic, must deal with difficult challenges which require the same kind of resilience.
“From the corrosive impact of record-high inflation (10.1%) on profitability and staff salaries, along with supply chain issues, acute labour and skills shortages, talent poaching, rising borrowing costs and a flatlining UK economy, compounded by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine causing all sorts of negative consequences from energy prices to trade, the headwinds keep on coming.
“In partnership with Dorset LEP, the Business Growth Groups programme will help business owners, directors and senior managers better steer through these rough waters.”
With a limit of 12 participants, each session will provide the opportunity to discuss and share thoughts on general issues facing businesses.
Each participant will be two confidential, virtual one-to-one sessions to help focus on the challenges and opportunities within their businesses and ensure they get the most from the programme.
There will also be an opportunity to attend a specific session around business growth potential through international trade and advice on how to take those first steps in exploring new markets.
Ian added: “The programme is open to businesses in all sectors and we particularly welcome applications from businesses in marine, maritime, advanced engineering, manufacturing, defence and security, agritech, aquaculture and digital health and care.
“We are also keen to welcome businesses with an interest in automation, ‘one health’, net zero and businesses that are growth ready.”
To express an interest, please click https://dorsetchamber.co.uk/business-growth-groups-form/