THE chamber of trade in Swanage has become the eighth to join a pan-Dorset alliance with Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).

DCCI has already signed up Poole, Broadstone, Ferndown, Shaftesbury, Weymouth and Portland, Dorchester and Bridport as affiliates.

Swanage and District Chamber of Trade has around 100 members.

DCCI says its support for local chambers will give Dorset a more influential voice at regional and national level.

Its chief executive, Ian Girling, said: “Swanage is a vibrant and forward thinking chamber which will be a valuable member of the affiliation network.

“We are very pleased to welcome them as our eighth affiliated chamber as the movement goes from strength to strength.

“Together we can give Dorset a powerful voice for business, bring chambers closer together and provide a national link through our accreditation by the British Chambers of Commerce.”

DCCI has about 800 members representing more than 37,000 employees and is the only county chamber accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), representing the business voice in Whitehall and Westminster.

Swanage’s membership It brings the total number of businesses in the affiliation network to more than 1,500.

President Caroline Finch said: “The affiliation programme is a brilliant initiative which brings smaller businesses countywide into the DCCI fold.

“Our members are very keen to see how we share ideas and best practice with other town chambers and DCCI, and see how we can work together.

“It is important for Swanage to be part of this wider business community both for the benefit of our members, the town, local economy and Dorset.”

The affiliation means that Swanage will be involved in the BCC’s national Quarterly Economic Survey, and join DCCI’s chamber forum, discussing key issues affecting businesses across the county.

Chamber members will also be able to access some events and DCCI training at member rates as well as share good practice and ideas with other town chambers.

DCCI has been rolling out the affiliate membership idea since Weymouth and Portland became the first town chamber to joint the programme in September 2014.