Two decades of driving a successful Dorset economy

Dorset’s brightest business brains have been honoured for two decades of supporting the local economy to grow and thrive.

The Dorset Business Mentors service – which sees highly successful business leaders help entrepreneurs to succeed – is 20 years old.

And to mark this milestone birthday, Dorset Council invited the mentors to a special thank you event at Coastland College’s Kingston Maurward Manor House.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Cabinet member for Economic Growth, said: “For two decades exceptional business leaders have given up their precious time so they can support our local economy to grow.

“They do this by offering to be mentors to businesses, using their expertise to help entrepreneurs to succeed.

“Thanks to this help, we have seen many businesses take off and thrive; helping to create jobs and wealth for our county.”

Since 2005, the service, which is supported by Dorset Council, grant funding and sponsorship, has helped more than 2,500 businesses to success.

And today, the service currently supports 130 Dorset businesses.

Dorset Business Mentors can offer an affordable annual rate for people to receive mentorship thanks to the funding and sponsorship it receives, as well as mentors giving their time for free.

Local businesswoman, Gemma Puzas, is proof of the service’s success and said her business mentor changed her life.

Gemma, who runs sports injury clinic Corefithealth, said her mentor Julia Macmillan – who has been mentoring for 16 years – was the key to helping her succeed.

She said: “Julia has been my business mentor for 2 years now.  I can’t express in words just how much my life has improved in those 2 years. 

“I have gone from feeling lost in the world of business after having 3 children, to thriving in my work and home life.  Julia’s a fantastic mentor and role model and been there for me every step of the way.”

The celebration event at Kingston Maurward was not only a moment to reflect on success stories like Gemma’s, but to also look ahead and discuss how the service can continue to evolve.

Rob Jones, Senior Investment Director and Bournemouth Office Head at Rathbones, also gave attendees an insight into the current financial climate.

To find out more about the Dorset Business Mentor service go to dorsetbusinessmentors.uk