DORSET Business Festival got off to a flying start with a launch event featuring keynote speakers and backing for the British armed forces. 

The Dorset Chamber-organised extravaganza was officially opened with a business breakfast at Rick Stein’s restaurant at Sandbanks in Poole. 

More than 100 businessmen and women packed into the venue to hear from chamber chief executive Ian Girling and Jobs Foundation president Matthew Elliott. 

And chamber president Tony Brown signed an agreement to mark the business support organisation’s bronze award in the Defence Employer Recognition scheme for its forces friendly credentials. 

He was joined by Major Joe Williamson, British Army – Armoured Futures and Integration, to receive the honour through the Armed Forces Covenant. 

Dorset Business Festival – the largest of its kind in the region - is being held over three weeks this October, also with the theme of ‘business as a force for a good’. 

Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “It was a tremendous start to the Dorset Business Festival. 

“This year’s festival is designed to show just how important a contribution businesses make to society and the economy, while demonstrating to businesses that acting in a social and environmentally responsible way delivers real benefits for their bottom line, growth and future development. 

“It was a privilege to welcome Lord Elliott and hear him talk about the Jobs Foundation’s valuable work and examples of the very real difference businesses are making to their employees’ lives and local communities.  

“We very much look forward to his return for our Business Festival conference on Wednesday, October 9. 

“Signing the Armed Forces Covenant and receiving the bronze award in its Defence Employer Recognition scheme was also the perfect way to celebrate the start of the festival and show what a difference businesses can make. 

“We can’t wait for the rest of the festival to get underway, showing just what a supportive, dynamic and progressive business community we have here in Dorset.” 

Dorset Business Festival is also supporting a Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Homewards Employer Engagement Event on Wednesday, October 16 at the Marsham Court Hotel. 

The festival is supported by Premier Festival Partner Lester Aldridge and Festival Partners Blue Sky Financial Planning, Bournemouth and Poole College, Dorset Council, ElectriX and YMCA Bournemouth.