A business initiative has been launched in Dorset to help independent businesses thrive on the high street.
Dorset Chamber, the county’s leading business support organisation, is delivering the ’Supporting our High Streets Business Growth’ programme.
It is open to all independent retailers, shop owners, leisure and hospitality businesses, those in tourism and the visitor economy and other town centre businesses in the Dorset and BCP councils areas.
The free, online programme includes a self-assessment ‘health check’ to benchmark business strengths and identify areas for improvement; insights from industry specialists and successful retailers; practical resources and nine workshops.
All sessions are from 6pm to 8pm to avoid clashing with opening hours, with the first on Wednesday October 15.
Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “Independent retailers, leisure and hospitality businesses are the heartbeat of Dorset’s high streets.
“Rising costs, online competition and changing customer expectations are among the well-documented issues making it tough for businesses to stay strong and profitable.
“This new programme will equip them with vital tools and knowledge to stay competitive, strengthen their operations, improve their skills, boost sales, drive growth and unlock new opportunities.
“We urge those on the high street to seize this valuable opportunity to capitalise on some of the best support and advice available from experts in their field, so they can not only survive but thrive, grow and future proof their businesses.”
Dorset Chamber is delivering the programme for Business Growth Dorset, which is managed by Dorset Council with core funding from the Department for Business & Trade.
The sessions are:
- Business Health Check – October 15
- Effective Merchandising and Window Displays – October 21
- Marketing: Strategies for Independent Retailers – November 4
- Business Planning – November 5
- Essential Finance Management Skills – January 22
- Digital Essentials for Small Businesses – January 29
- Excellence in Sales and Customer Service – February 5
- HR Legislation Update – February 26
- Legal Compliance and Security – March 5
- Developing Talent – Mentoring and Coaching – March 19
Attendees must be registered for the programme to be able to attend any of the sessions.
Business Improvement District (BID) managers and stakeholders are able to join in.
Among the speakers sharing their insights and experience will be Jeannette Walsh, owner of the successful and well established Truly Scrumptious sweet shop on Poole High Street.
Dorset Chamber, the county’s voice of business, has nearly 700 members representing 37,000 employees.
Founded in 1949, is the only chamber in the county accredited to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and is ranked as the leading chamber nationally with 118 five-star reviews on Google.
It has a vision for ‘a vibrant and prosperous Dorset business community that enhances the quality of life for all’.
Visit https://dorsetchamber.co.uk/supporting-our-high-streets-business-growth-programme-2025/ to register.