THE DCCI AGM takes place on September 17. Okay, I accept that this is not the most exciting happening in Dorset this autumn - AGMs are rarely exciting - but this one will be different in one significant way.

I have written previously about our intention to restructure the chamber and to introduce new blood to our board.

A certain number of directors are required to resign at each AGM but in previous years have been able to stand for re-election.

As established directors, they have usually been re-elected without difficulty. This year, for the first time, we are applying a rule which means that a retiring director cannot stand for re-election if he or she has been a director for more than six years.

Applying this rule, we have seven directors retiring this year and only three of those can offer themselves for re-election.

This gives us an opportunity to find four new directors. I very much want to see some new people involved in the DCCI.

We are not ageist or sexist but we are particularly keen to see a better balanced board with more women and with more directors in their 30s and 40s.

If you think you might be interested in joining us to help ensure that Dorset remains one of the best chambers of commerce in the UK then contact either Tony Bridger or me as soon as possible.

By Roger Woolley, President, Dorset Chamber of Commerce & Industry

The Daily Echo is proud to support local companies by sponsoring the DCCI as a patron.