Running a business in good times is difficult enough let alone being at the helm during the current storm of economic challenges from record inflation to acute labour shortages.

This special support programme was designed to help business owners, directors and senior managers in Dorset better steer through rough waters.

Business Growth Groups - aimed at businesses with up to 250 staff and fully funded - was delivered by Dorset Chamber in partnership with Dorset LEP.

Free to attend, the online programme explored a range of key themes that could make a positive difference for participants and the companies they are responsible for.

Topics covered growth strategies, financial resilience, recruitment and retention, leadership and management and net-zero solutions to address climate breakdown.

With a limit of 12 participants, each session provided the opportunity to discuss and share thoughts on general issues facing businesses.

Each participant received two confidential, virtual one-to-one sessions to help focus on the challenges and opportunities within their businesses and to ensure they got the most from the programme.

There was also an opportunity to attend a specific session around business growth potential through international trade and advice on how to take those first steps in exploring new markets.

The programme was open to businesses in all sectors particularly marine, maritime, advanced engineering, manufacturing, defence and security, agritech, aquaculture and digital health and care. Also businesses with an interest in automation, ‘one health’, net zero and businesses that are growth ready.