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Lester Aldridge is Premier Partner for the Dorset Business Festival, organised by Dorset Chamber. The two-week Festival features six high-quality and prestigious events, with a major focus on celebrating Dorset businesses and the role of businesses as a force for good.
Enquire about this eventAfter the resounding success of last year, Dorset Business Festival is back for 2024 and Lester Aldridge is proud to be Premier Partner once again.
Spanning two weeks from September 30th to October 10th, the Festival will feature six prestigious events, spotlighting Dorset businesses and their pivotal role as agents for positive change with its overarching theme, “business as a force for good”.
Grant Esterhuizen, Partner, emphasised the firm’s dedication to promoting business and social responsibility, stating, “As Premier Partner of the Dorset Business Festival for a second year, Lester Aldridge remains committed to the fusion of business and social responsibility.”
“We see commerce as a force for good, driving positive change within our communities.
“Supporting this festival aligns with Lester Aldridge’s commitment to shaping a better future through responsible business practices.”
Building upon the triumph of its inaugural year, which drew participation from 800 businesses across five major events, including the return of the Dorset Business Awards, the 2024 Festival promises even greater momentum.
A two week celebration of business with six great events between April and October:
23 April – Dorset Business Awards Launch – Dorset Museum
A drinks and canapés event to launch the categories and announce the judges for the 2024 DBAs.
Grant Esterhuizen, Kevin Barnett, Matt Gilks, Parisa Jones and Kirsty Jocham represented the firm and are pictured below with Dorset Chamber’s Chief Executive Ian Girling.
10 September – Meet the Finalists
This event will provide the opportunity for finalists and Festival Partners to meet prior to the awards ceremony with drinks & canapés. The event will include networking and photo opportunities.
30 September – Festival Breakfast – Rick Stein
A networking breakfast at the picturesque Rick Stein restaurant in Sandbanks to start the Dorset Business Festival in style. The event will include a delicious sit-down breakfast, a key note speaker and high-level networking.
2 October – Festival Expo – The Hilton Hotel
An exhibition with 70 stands, featuring businesses promoting their goods and services. The Expo events are always very popular and offer an excellent networking opportunity with tickets free for delegates.
9 October – Festival Conference – The Hilton Hotel
Featuring keynote speakers, and hosted by former BBC Breakfast business correspondent, Declan Curry, the Conference will explore the role of ‘Business as a Force for Good’ and feature panels, debates, Q&As and high-level networking.
10 October – Dorset Business Awards – The Hilton Hotel
The return of the popular Dorset Business Awards, honouring the achievements of 30 finalists across ten categories, marking a pinnacle event in Dorset’s business calendar.
