More than 60 members attended the Dorchester Chamber for Business July breakfast held at Kingston Maurward.

The event featured an educational theme, focussing on the chamber’s Retain & Retrain campaign.

Sponsored by Kingston Maurward and Keep 106, the event provided an opportunity for the wider community to find out more about local initiatives to support young people.

During his speech to members, Steve Farnham, President of Dorchester Chamber for Business, reinforced how important education and the young workforce are to the future of Dorchester Chamber and Dorchester.

He said: “It was great to hear that Kingston Maurwood and the Dorset Studio School are leading initiatives to train the young who are looking for an alternative learning path with more focus on practical and land-based skills.

Mr Farnham said: “We are also proud that one of our members can boast a National Apprenticeship Award winner and are delighted to congratulate Benji Reid on achieving that accolade.”

He added that we need to encourage young people to demonstrate that they can achieve the best skills, qualifications, and training right here in Dorchester and that businesses in the town can fulfil their career aspirations. “It is not only the young that need training – with the ever-changing climate we are keen to help Dorchester Chamber members receive the training they need to stay afresh and ahead of the game.”

Key speakers at the breakfast included Luke Rake, Principal, Kingston Maurward, Steve Bulley, Dorchester Chamber who reinforced the importance of the Chamber’s Retain and Retrain campaign. Other speakers were DCCI’s Young Chamber, Annetta Minard, Headteacher of Dorset Studio School, Christopher Moyse, Blueberry Wealth, Apprentice of the Year winner and Benjamin Reid from Advanced Business Administration.

Exec Member Steve Bulley, who is also Head of Business Engagement at Dorset Chamber, said: "Dorchester Chamber for Business is keen to provide appropriate and relevant training for members and their staff – as we all have the ability to grow our knowledge base.

"As part of the affiliation with Dorset Chamber and on the theme of education there will be a major Careers Fair this September at the BIC in Bournemouth with over 4,000 students attending."

After the breakfast, there was an extended networking period. In addition, both members and non-members had the opportunity to meet with Dorchester Chamber Executive members on a one-to-one basis to discuss requirements regarding training and any support they would like the Chamber to provide.