THE Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry is stepping up its services in a new partnership with a countywide mentoring group.

The DCCI has welcomed the Dorset Business Mentoring Service (Dormen) as a new member.

It was among 33 new members to join the chamber in May and June.

DCCI chief executive Ian Girling said: “It is vital that we provide business owners with the support they need to take advantage of the strengthening economy.

“Our new partnership will give them, and other businesses, a tremendous bank of knowledge and experience to draw upon.”

He added: “DCCI and Dormen are a terrific fit.

“We will raise awareness about the valuable service they offer, and our members will have the opportunity to access their expertise as we continue to build up the support we offer businesses in Dorset.” DCCI represents businesses employing 37,000 people. Teresa Allwood, who manages Dormen with Vivian Dunn, said: “This new partnership with DCCI offers great benefits for all.

“It will help raise awareness of the incredible resources we have in the form of highly experienced business people and means we will be able to support even more businesses across Dorset.

“We are greatly looking forward to working together to help even more business survive, thrive and fulfil their potential in the years ahead.” Dormen was set up in 2005 and has helped more than 1000 businesses so far.

Its mentors are individuals with a wide range of skills and talents who help businesses of any type, whether long-established or in the early years of trading. The structure and frequency of its mentoring is driven by the needs of the business.

Mentors act as impartial and confidential guides, offering experience, encouragement and support but also as sounding boards for new ideas.

All mentors are volunteers who give their time freely.