New events are being launched by the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) as it steps up its modernisation plans for 2015.

The business support organisation is improving and expanding its calendar with fresh initiatives, including free networking sessions, chief executive lunches and conferences.

The DCCI, which represents 700 businesses and 37,000 employees in the county, is ramping up its programme after launching an ambitious five year plan at its latest annual meeting.

Ian Girling, chief executive of the chamber, said: “It has been extremely encouraging to see demand rise for our extensive programme of high quality events and activities over the past 12 months.

“We will be building on this success to expand our calendar to meet increased demand from the business community, deliver greater benefits for our members and help drive growth in Dorset.

“Our aim is to provide up-to-date knowledge and information on key business issues as well as provide great networking opportunities. We are sure businesses will embrace our new programme of events and activities, which is one of the cornerstones of our ambitious five year plan for 2015-2020.”

It is a jam-packed calendar for the chamber in 2015, as it hosts more than 90 events including business breakfasts, networking lunches and advice sessions.

One of the new events set to be launched is the Simply Networking sessions, which will be held twice a month at different venues across the county.

The sessions will be free, informal events that focus on networking and connecting businesses, and will be held in a variety of venues that allow members of the chamber to best showcase their facilities.

The chief executive lunches will be held twice-yearly with a guest speaker at high-calibre venues.

They are exclusively for business owners and decision makers to network and discuss key policy issues.

The chamber will also be running conferences alongside its core events programme.

Businesses will also be able to raise their profile at the conferences, chief executive lunches and wider events through sponsorship opportunities.

The sponsorship packages have just been finalised and businesses are urged to get in touch to become involved.

Mr Girling added: “As the economic recovery continues to gain traction, we are determined to ensure that businesses in Dorset are best placed to achieve their own ambitions and contribute to the county’s continuing economic growth.”