Businesses were praised for building Dorset’s continued economic success on solid foundations during the annual DCCI Presidents Lunch. Vincent Boni, the new Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) president hailed the county for punching above its weight.
Guest speaker Lucian Cook, director of Savills Residential Research, told how Dorset businesses were known for their great drive. The comments came as 150 guests attended the lunch – one of the highlights of the countys business calendar – which took place at Bournemouth’s Highcliff Marriott Hotel.
Mr Boni, who is managing director at Newsquest Hampshire, Dorset and Cornwall, which includes the Daily Echo and the Dorset Echo, said: “I firmly believe that we have a superb chamber of commerce, I think this county punches firmly above its weight in almost every metric. I’ve never seen business people work so hard to make a difference to their profits but also work so hard to make a difference to their community.”
The new president also thanked outgoing president David McNair, added that he intended to help businesses celebrate their success, bring some fun into the Chamber and raise awareness about digital opportunities.
An insight into Dorset’s property prices
Mr Cook, who was based at Savills Wimborne office from 1993 to 2000, spoke of Dorset’s enviable reputation and gave an insight into residential property prices across the county. His presentation included a breakdown of prices for each town, projected increases over the coming years and the potential impact of a newly released Government White Paper into housing.Guests also heard that the annual Warde Award for the best Dorset apprentice will be relaunched and moved to
Guests also heard that the annual Warde Award for the best Dorset apprentice will be relaunched and moved to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week in March. Award-winning Bethan Jones, from the Borough of Poole, told the audience of the value of apprenticeships.
DCCI chief executive Ian Girling thanked Mr Cook for an informative and entertaining presentation, adding that he looked forward to an interesting and exciting year ahead with Mr Boni.
Money raised for Poole-based charity
A silent auction raised £1,037 in aid of the Poole-based About Face charity for patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer with prizes donated by Breeze Volkswagen, Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott, Bournemouth Sevens, Stephen C Associates and Chococo.
Dignitaries who attended included the Mayor and Mayoress of Bournemouth Eddie Coupe and Janet Coupe, the Mayor of Poole and Consort Xena Dion and Bryan Dion, and Deputy Lieutenant of Dorset Felicity Irwin.
Senior vice-president Paul Tansey, managing director of Intergage, thanked guests, sponsors, speakers, dignitaries, DCCI staff and the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott as he closed the event.
DCCI, the voice of business in Dorset, holds nearly 100 events annually for businesses. It is Dorset’s leading business support organisation and the only chamber in the county accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce.