Banking giant HSBC has joined forces with the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry as they step up international trade support for local businesses.

HSBC Dorset has become the 29th Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry member to become a business partner.

The bank – one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations – will be supporting the chamber’s work with those clients looking to develop new markets both domestically and overseas.

It also aims to help the chamber bridge the gap between business and the workplace.

The bank, which has retail, corporate and commercial services, employs 300 people in Dorset.

Business banking area director Jane Fancy, corporate area director Anthony Reed and senior corporate relationship director Nicky Busst were welcomed by Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling.

Mr Girling said: “HSBC is a longstanding chamber member and an integral part of the Dorset business community and we are delighted to welcome the bank as a Platinum Business Partner.

“Our international trade team helped more than 250 businesses export £160m worth of goods last year.

“With HSBC’s expertise we are looking forward to providing even greater support to more businesses in international trade as well as at a local level to help drive the economy forward.”

Dorset Chamber has two Premier and 27 Platinum Business Partners – with just one space left in this top tier of membership.

HSBC corporate area director Anthony Reed said: “Becoming a Platinum Business Partner gives us the opportunity to work in collaboration with the chamber at a more strategic level.

“HSBC was founded on international trade and we are looking forward to working with the chamber and local businesses to help Dorset business expand locally and into new markets.

“The chamber has many successful initiatives including its international trade support and its work to build greater links between education and business.

“We cover over 54 international markets and almost 90% of world trade flows which puts us in a strong position to support businesses looking for international opportunities.

“We also offer support for UK expansion via our SME Fund and are uniquely placed to support businesses at all stages of the growth journey, using industry knowledge and expertise to provide the appropriate funding solutions and advice.”

HSBC serves about 17 million customers in the UK, over 700 UK based trade specialists and employs 1,900 people on the South Coast.

Its Dorset office is based in Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth.

DCCI, Dorset’s leading business support organisation, has two Premier Business Partners: AFC Bournemouth and Brighter Productions.

Its Platinum Business Partners are A-One Insurance Group, Beales Gourmet at The Italian Villa, Bournemouth Airport, the Bournemouth and Poole College, Bournemouth University, Coretx, the Daily Echo/Dorset Echo, Deep South Media, Digital Storm, the Dolphin Centre, Field International, Greendale Construction, Global, HSBC, JP Morgan, Lester Aldridge, Meggitt, Nuffield Health, Ouch Training Team, PKF Francis Clark, Purple HR, Poole Harbour Commissioners, Savills, Sunseeker, TeamJobs, Travel Counsellors for Business and the Westover Group.

Contact head of membership services Anne Warner on 01202 714816 and anne.warner@dcci.co.uk for more details about the business partner scheme.