A FREE business support scheme has opened for ambitious bosses across Dorset looking forward to the future.

Dorset Chamber has announced100 places in its Peer Networks Programme for owners, directors and senior managers – with the scheme free of charge to all businesses with staffing levels of between five and 250 and with a minimum turnover of £100,000.

The county’s leading business support organisation, Dorset Chamber won a competitive tender to deliver the initiative for the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: "The Peer Networks Programme has been transformational for business leaders.

"These programmes build incredibly strong bonds, friendships and trusted support networks which last long after the course has officially finished."

Participants will meet in nine small groups for a series of sessions over the next six months to build long lasting bonds and find ways to boost business performance.

Its first Peer Networks Programme, which ended earlier this year, received ratings showing that 91 per cent of participants were ‘very satisfied’ and eight per cent were ‘satisfied’ with the course.

The Chamber is expecting strong demand for places with the programme’s virtual delivery via Zoom making its easy and accessible in all four corners of the county. Sessions will be for three hours, once a month.

“The groups are confidential and there are no sales pitches," said Mr Girling.

"Facilitators run each group and expert speakers from the Chamber network give high-quality presentations on a range of subjects vital for businesses.

"The new programme could not have come at a more important time as businesses look beyond the pandemic and to the future."

Sessions will cover such topics as growth, leadership, staff and engagement, human resources, marketing and new technology.

Dorset Chamber – a trusted partner of the LEP and BCP and Dorset councils – is working with a range of partner and businesses and the programme also includes one-to-one coaching and wrap-around events.

Dorset LEP director Lorna Carver said: "Feedback from last year’s participants on the value and benefit of Peer Networks to their businesses has been outstanding.

“It’s a testament to our delivery partners for running such effective programmes. Eligible businesses can register their interest in this programme now and we look forward to helping more of Dorset’s fantastic SME business leaders and decision-makers benefit from this support over the coming months."

For more on this, visit: dorsetchamber.co.uk/business-support/peer-network-programme