CONFERENCE CALL: Some members of the delegation from Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) which attended the 2017 British Chambers of Commerce conference in London
A record delegation from Dorset gained national recognition for the county at the British Chambers of Commerce conference in London.
The 20-strong group from the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) made the county’s presence felt during the annual extravaganza.
DCCI, Dorset’s leading business support organisation, was one of only a handful of chambers to be showcased in a video to thousands of business leaders and politicians at the opening of the event.
Phil Popham, chief executive of DCCI Platinum Business Partner Sunseeker International, also appeared on the main stage as a panellist in a debate about Brexit.
Representatives from DCCI also networked and promoted the county during the conference – the highlight of the chamber movement’s year – at the QEII Centre opposite Westminster Abbey.
Speakers included Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, former Chancellor George Osborne, Business Secretary Greg Clark, Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell and PM Theresa May via video.
Conference
Ian Girling, DCCI chief executive, said: “There was a tremendous sense of business confidence in the conference hall.
“The national recognition for Dorset, including a video about the success of our trailblazing Young Chamber programme at the opening of proceedings, really demonstrated just how seriously we are being taken as a county.
“Phil Popham, who recently joined the DCCI board as a non-executive director, gave a commanding performance in his panel discussion whilst also flying the flag for Dorset.
“Dorset punches above its weight as a business community. This was the Chamber’s best attendance at a conference so far and it shows how determined we are to make our voice heard at the highest level.”
DCCI President Vincent Boni, who is managing director at Newsquest Hampshire, Dorset and Cornwall, which includes the Daily Echo and the Dorset Echo, led the delegation with Mr Girling.
Directors and senior figures also attended from DCCI’s Platinum Business Partners Barclays, Bournemouth University, Deep South Media, Dorset/Daily Echo, Field International, Lester Aldridge, Savills, Sunseeker International and Team Jobs, as well as executives from QuoStar Solutions and DAL Strategy.
Brexit dominated much of the proceedings as one of the conference’s themes along with Growing Business in the Regions and Nations, and Keeping the UK Competitive.
DCCI, the voice of business in Dorset, is the only chamber of commerce in Dorset accredited by the BCC.
For more details contact account director James Tourgout on 07827 806400 and james.tourgout@deepsouthmedia.co.uk
