DORSET business leaders have marked confidence as the vital factor in forging a successful future outside of the EU.

A summit organised by Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) saw calls for greater Government consultation and communication with the business community in order to end uncertainty and boost belief in the economy.

More than 130 people attended the event, backed by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), as well as the Institute of Directors (IOD), Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Newsquest, publisher of the Bridport News and Dorset Echo.

Issues raised included trade negotiations, timeframes, red tape, consultation, confidence, communication, the media, economic stimulus, procurement and Government action.

A show of hands by attendees also revealed that most were positive about the future.

DCCI chief executive Ian Girling, said: “It was a fascinating debate covering a great many areas and it was incredibly valuable to hear the views and concerns from different perspectives.

“Greater communication with the government came out as a key message and the role of confidence was also identified as crucially important.

“It is vital that our politicians have a strong understanding of the views of the business community.

“We must look forward with confidence. DCCI intends to lead the way in Dorset and give business every support as well as represent members and their concerns at a local and national level.”

The debate, held at Bournemouth University (BU) – for invited business leaders and directors – was part of DCCI’s work to steer members through the maze of Brexit uncertainty and give BCC feedback to support its national lobbying on behalf of business.

Professor John Fletcher, vice-chancellor for research and innovation at Bournemouth University, said: “Now is the time to look for brand new opportunities, opportunities that it had never considered before because it was looking towards Brussels.

“Yes, there will be difficult challenges, but we need to find the positives ahead. This event was intended to encourage people to look forward for those opportunities, not back."

The audience included DCCI board members, DCCI Business Partners, Christchurch MP Christopher Chope and Poole MP Robert Syms as well as director level members.

BCC executive director David Riches, said: "Anyone with potential issues or decisions to make can talk to the BCC or DCCI for advice and we will also feedback up the chain to Whitehall as part of our representations at the highest level.”

For more information, visit dcci.co.uk