The race is on for 2012 trade (From Dorset Echo)

The race is on for 2012 trade

10:56am Tuesday 3rd June 2008 in

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THE theme for this year's Open 4 Business festival was today unveiled as maximising the 2012 opportunity'.

Organisers have chosen the strapline in view of the Olympic hand over to this country at the end of August and the specific role that Weymouth and Portland will play in hosting sailing events.

The autumn extravaganza promises to be one of the biggest and best yet with a fortnight of main events sandwiched by other activities in the surrounding months.

It will commence officially on October 6 with a launch at the Portland Spa. But events will start at the beginning of September and continue until end of October.

Within the core Open 4 Business fortnight, the wide range of events includes conferences seminars, workshops, exhibitions, visits and business surgeries.

The events are grouped into a number of themes related to seizing success from the 2012 Games.

• What 2012 means to South and West Dorset
• Engaging Dorset-wide businesses
• The accommodation sector
• Food. drink and catering
• Creative industries - The cultural Olympiad
• Marine sector
• Innovations and ideas
• Business diagnostics and learning
• Networking events each specific to a business interest group.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council regeneration and business development officer Gareth Jones is the chairman of the Open 4 Business project working group.

He will work closely with his counterpart from West Dorset District Council, Robert Moore, and three contracted companies to form the working group.

The companies are Popcorn Marketing, Creative Solutions and Poundbury Systems. Popcorn is handling marketing and public relations. Creative Solutions is responsible for event planning and the awards dinner.

Poundbury Systems is hosting the Open 4 Business website supported by Cocoa Media.

The highlight of the Open 4 Business festival promises to be the awards dinner and ceremony. Again, this year it is being held at Weymouth College.

The date is October 16.

The award categories for 2008 are:

• Learning in Workplace
• Community Responsibility
• First Time in Business
• Innovation in Business
• Excelling in Customer Service
• Small Business of the Year
• Business of the Year There are sponsorship opportunities for organisations and businesses. Three of the seven categories have already been taken.

Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor should contact Gareth Jones 01305 838476.

Details about Open 4 Business and the awards can be found on the Open 4 Business Website www.o4business.co.uk