Spring Statement 2025 – The full report
27/03/2025
The government is focused on securing Britain’s future through its Plan for Change – driving economic growth, building an NHS fit for the future and keeping the country safe.
Book for our January 2026 Breakfast
Catch up with existing, and make new contacts at our networking breakfast on Tuesday 13 January 2026 at 7.45am – 9am at The Kings Arms High East St, Dorchester. (Numbers are limited)
Chamber News
HMRC launches Help for Side Hustles
20/02/2025
HMRC launches Help for Hustles campaign to help people earning extra income understand their tax obligations. Anyone generating more than £1,000 from their side hustle should check their tax obligations.
Coming soon business grants from Dorset Council
14/02/2025
Act now: New business grants from Dorset Council. To be eligible, projects must be completed by 28 March 2025. This round will close for applications at 11:59pm on 24 February 2025.
Dorset not accepted into Devolution Priority Programme
05/02/2025
The Wessex area has not been included within the Devolution Priority Programme announced by the Government Wednesday 5 Feb. Council leaders say the announcement is “Extremely disappointing”.
Members News
WKMC Seeks New Director of Governance to Drive Strategic Oversight and Excellence
12/05/2025
Weymouth & Kingston Maurward College (WKMC), a leading Further Education provider with campuses on the stunning Jurassic Coast and a historic estate near Dorchester, has launched a campaign to find a new Director of Governance.
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery Seeking Support to Acquire Ancient Bronze Age Gold Hoard
12/05/2025
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery has the opportunity to acquire The Crichel Hoard, a group of three rare Bronze Age gold ornaments dating back over 3,000 years to around 1400–1150 BCE.
New Equipment Funded by DCH Charity Benefits Bladder Cancer Patients
25/04/2025
A new piece of equipment – the Transurethral Laser Ablation (TULA) device – worth £13,184.40 – has been purchased with funds raised by the Dorset County Hospital Charity, to benefit selected bladder cancer patients at Dorset County Hospital (DCH) in Dorchester.
Unearthing the Brutal Truths of Roman Gladiator Spectacles – Talk Tonight
24/04/2025
Tonight, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, Dorset Museum & Art Gallery will host a talk by Dr John Pearce, a leading expert in Roman archaeology from King’s College London. His lecture, “Deadly games in Roman Dorchester? Gladiator shows and beastly spectacles in Britannia”, will uncover the harrowing truths behind one of ancient Rome’s most iconic forms of mass entertainment.
Dorchester Chamber for Business
We promote, support and influence the interests of our members
The Dorchester Chamber was founded in 1916 and plays an active role in the town and surrounding area helping to promote local business and encourage growth.
Our aim is to help local businesses work together to help each other and boost trade.
However we are only strong and influential with the support of local business people.
“Being a member of Dorchester Chamber for Business has expanded my network of local business contacts and provided me with a strong support system in my work."
“It connects me to like-minded business owners and as someone who generally works alone, it keeps my mind on the big picture.”
“Helps me link up with other professionals and ensures that I am known in the local business community.”
“I have been inspired by some of the speakers and met new people and previous acquaintances”