Chambers of Commerce

There are four active Chambers of Commerce based around the towns of Blandford, Gillingham, Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton.

The forum representing many traders within the town of Blandford.  The forum has a new and evolving website which provides a single point of information for businesses and residents/visitors of Blandford.  Their activities include:

• Lobbying the Town, District and County Council on issues affecting the commercial life of Blandford.
• Monitoring the Town's facilities (e.g. car parking, Police, Street cleaning and refuse collection.etc).
• Publicity and marketing of the town as a retail and business centre.
• Attending committees and working parties to further the town's commercial interests.

The president of the Forum is Mr Rod Williams, who can be contacted at Nixons of Blandford, 1 Barnack Walk, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7AL on telephone number 01258 480450.

A key player in the Gillingham business community.  The chamber has a website which assists the community to:

• Provide a point of reference to promote Gillingham world wide.
• Act as a resource to help in the promotion of the town to new businesses and business opportunities.
• Encourage local retailers to make use of e-commerce at a reasonable cost.
• Guide new and current businesses towards business and advisory services.

The secretary of the chamber can be contacted at 9 Barnaby Mead, Gillingham, Dorset

Represents the business interests in Shaftesbury.  Chairman is Richard Thomas of Thomas Communications.  General enquiries can be made to Judy Whitehead, 2 French Mill Rise, Shaftesbury, Dorset.

Sturminster Newton Association of Trade Commerce and Hospitality

The new Chamber of Commerce representing the views of businesses in Sturminster Newton.  The Chairman elected for 2006 is Ian Ring of Newton Forge, Stalbridge Lane, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 2JQ Tel: 01258 472407.

You can find information about these and other organisations by visiting our Useful Organisations page.