Business with purpose has the power to transform people, profits and the planet – that was the inspirational message at this year’s Dorset Business Festival conference.
The event, with the bold theme of ‘business as a force for good’, was hailed as a ‘fantastic success’ by organisers from Dorset Chamber.
It was one of the highlights of a fortnight long festival – the largest of its kind in the area – being held to celebrate, support and champion business.
Broadcaster Declan Curry hosted the conference at the Hilton Hotel in Bournemouth, which included speeches, panel debates, question and answer sessions, networking and presentations.
Keynote speaker Benita Matofska, a global climate change consultant and social entrepreneur, took delegates on a virtual trip around the world to illustrate the ways businesses could make a difference and grow.
Fellow keynote speaker Matthew Elliott, president of the Jobs Foundation, championed the role of business in advancing social mobility, lifting people out of poverty and supporting business growth as well as in job creation, training and contributions to the treasury.
The Jobs Foundation is a registered charity that champions the role of business as a force for good – the official theme adopted by this year’s conference.
More than 150 delegates packed into this year’s event. It demonstrated how an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) focus can make a positive impact as well as boost profits.
Panel discussions covered such subjects as
- Embedding Environmental and Social Responsibility for Growth
- Sustainable Business: Where Profit and Planet Align
- Leadership and Innovation. Business as a Problem Solver
- Gen Z, Gen Alpha and Beyond: Their Future in our Hands
Ian Girling, Dorset Chamber chief executive, said: “It was overwhelmingly clear by the end of the conference that being a force for good is a smart business strategy.
“Our inspirational speakers and panellists debunked plenty of myths and showed how businesses with purpose can not only enhance their profitability but also shape their strategic growth for the future and make a difference to society and the world around them.
“There was plenty of lively discussion and food for thought. My thanks go to everyone who took part and made the conference such a fantastic success.
“It showed once again how Dorset is setting the agenda nationwide and leading the way as a modern and progressive business community that tackles the issues that matter.”
Dorset Chamber, which is the voice of business in Dorset, is organising the Business Festival for the second time. It is being held during the chamber’s 75th anniversary year.
Highlights so far have included a breakfast launch and an expo attended by more than 500 delegates. Other events include the Dorset Business Awards on the evening of Thursday October 10.
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.
Dorset Chamber, with nearly 700 members representing 37,000 employees, has a vision of ‘enabling better lives through business’.
ENDS
