Could the right skills help your business achieve more?

Whether you're running a business on your own or managing a larger team, having the right skills can make a real difference to productivity, performance and future growth.

Join Business Growth Dorset and local business owners in Bridport for coffee, pastries and conversation. It's a chance to make new connections and explore the training and development opportunities available to Dorset businesses. 

Wednesday 4 November 2026
9:00am to 11:00am
The Bull Hotel , 34 East Street, Bridport DT6 3LF

Hear from local skills and careers experts who will explore the value of investing in skills, the learning and development opportunities available to businesses, and how employers can play a role in developing Dorset’s future workforce.

You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions, make new local business connections and find out about other support available to your business.

You’ll take away:

• Ideas for getting more from the skills you already have
• Ways to identify the skills your business may need next
• Training and development options available to Dorset businesses
• Practical routes to apprenticeships, work experience and future talent
• Useful local contacts who can help you take the next step

Click here to book your free place

Meet the speakers

Richard Walker - Business Engagement Officer for Dorset, Skills & Learning Adult Community Education

Richard is the Business Engagement Officer for Dorset with the Skills & Learning Adult Community Education team. With experience in business development, stakeholder engagement, and service delivery, he works alongside colleagues to support businesses across Dorset in identifying training opportunities and workforce development needs. The team is committed to helping individuals and organisations access high-quality learning opportunities that build skills, confidence, and career progression

Richard will explore how developing the right skills can benefit your business and the flexible, affordable training opportunities available.

Yasmin Brown - Marketing and Employer Engagement Coordinator, Dorset Careers Hub

Yasmin joined the Dorset Careers Hub team in September 2023. She supports schools and colleges to improve their careers and enterprise programmes through close and effective connections with the world of work.

Yasmin connects with local businesses to help promote their early careers opportunities such as Work Experience, Apprenticeship and T-Level placements, application support and employability skill workshops. She also supports recruitment and training of the Business Volunteer Network (Enterprise Advisers).

Yasmin will explore how businesses can connect with young people, develop local talent and help build Dorset’s future workforce.

Getting there

• Parking is available just 100 metres away in East Street car park on Kings Square. South Street car park, Wykes Court or Rope Walks car parks are all only a 3-4 minute walk away. 

• Bridport is served by local and regional bus services, including connections from Dorchester and Axminster.

  Bridport bus station or the Arts Centre stop are only a short walk away.

Accessibility

The Hayloft function room is at the rear of the hotel and is accessed by stairs, with no lift available. An accessible toilet is available. Blue Badge parking may be available by prior arrangement. If you have any accessibility requirements or would like to discuss arrangements before booking, please contact us.

Part of the Business Growth Dorset Breakfast Series

This event is part of the fully funded Business Growth Dorset Breakfast Series, supporting Dorset businesses with expert insights, practical guidance and valuable networking opportunities.

Look out for our next events across Dorset:

• Wednesday 25th November 2026 - Digital, Technology, AI & Cyber Security - DORCHESTER
• Wednesday 27th January 2027 - Sales & Marketing for Growth - WEYMOUTH
• Wednesday 24th February 2027 Intellectual Property & Legal - NORTH DORSET
• Wednesday 24th March 2027 Business Growth & Investment - FERNDOWN

Each session combines expert insight with opportunities to make useful connections, exchange experiences and discover business support, funding and resources available locally.

Places are free but limited, so early booking is recommended.

COMPLETE BOOKING FORM

or book on Ticket Tailor page: https://buytickets.at/businessgrowthdorset/2434209

There will be photographs and video taken at this event which may be used to publicise the event and the work of Business Growth Dorset. To find out more about how we use and store data please see our Privacy Notice.

Can't make this event?

You don't have to wait for the next Business Growth Breakfast to get support.  Book a free 1:1 with one of our Business navigators to talk about your business, the challenges you're facing and the support that could help you move forward.