Jumping right to it at O4B conference (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Jumping right to it at O4B conference

6:00pm Thursday 11th October 2012 in News By James Tourgout

FIRMS in West Dorset are being invited to the first Open 4 Business conference and exhibition being held on October 18.

It is being held at the Riviera Hotel in Weymouth from 10am and will concentrate on Platforms for Growth in Dorset in the future. Julie Cleaver, managing director of Open 4 Business Dorset, said: “We are very excited to host the first Open 4 Business conference.

“The conference topics are essential to the sustainability and vibrancy of the local business economy. Dorset businesses have learnt valuable lessons during 2012 and many of these have produced cost savings and the introduction of a brand new group of customers to their businesses.

“The exhibition will open to visitors between 10am and 5pm.

“Visitors will be able to spend time viewing the exhibition, networking with business associates and attend the conference sessions. “The conference is free to attend and exhibition stands can be booked.

“Spaces are limited so I would advise to book as soon as possible.”

Seven speakers will address the conference giving updates on the effect that hosting the Olympics had on the local economy, future economic forecasts and updates on local initiatives such as the Weymouth Business Improvement District (BID) and the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Speakers will include economist Nigel Jump, who is the executive director and chief economist of Strategic Economics Ltd. He is a former chief economist for the South West of England Regional Development Agency.

Businesses are invited to attend as either a delegate or exhibitor.

The conference is free to attend and firms can come and go as they please according to their schedules. The conference’s opening address will be given by Ian Doyle, economic regeneration manager of West Dorset and Weymouth and Portland councils. The presentation will include lessons learnt from hosting the Olympic sailing games during the summer and how the local authority can assist and enable local businesses to build on these lessons. Other speakers will include Peter Scott from the LEP and Dorset Business, Rob Jones from Weymouth College, Matthew Butcher from WSX Enterprises, Weymouth BID chairman Nigel Reed, Chris Hook from Dorset County Council and Mr Jump.

The award ceremony and dinner will be Weymouth College on October 25. Finalists include the Beaminster Brasserie at the Bridgehouse, Dorwest Herbs of Shipton Gorge and Marketing West at Beaminster. Tickets are £60 from dinner@weymouth.ac.uk