Businesses at a joint chamber of commerce of event were told that their interests and concerns can be taken to the top at Westminster.

The pledge came when more than 80 delegates attended the ‘Building Your Future’ networking breakfast held by Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce (WPCC) with Dorset Chamber.

South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton vowed to act as an advocate for the area at Parliament and be approachable for businesses to raise concerns, questions and frustrations.

Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling highlighted how the organisation – the county’s ‘voice of business’ – had a direct route into lobbying at Westminster as an accredited member of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

WPPC is an associate member of Dorset Chamber, which is the county’s leading business support organisation with nearly 700 members representing 37,000 employees.

Dominique Manasseri, WPCC president, said: “It was an inspirational event which set the tone for further activity to shape long-term growth in Weymouth and Portland.

“Our new MP is on the same page as us and it is hugely encouraging to see the positive way he has engaged with the business community.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with him and Dorset Chamber.”

Dorset Chamber members were among those attending the event at the event at Oliveto restaurant on Weymouth seafront, which was sponsored by Igloo Mortgages, Hull Gregson & Hull and Rosenkelly Architectural Design.

Dorset Chamber Chief executive Ian Girling said: “Dorset Chamber is keen to support businesses across the county.

“Our associate programme with WPCC and other town chambers means that their voice can be heard by government through our accreditation and close working relationship with the BCC.

“There may be challenging times ahead but chambers of commerce are here to provide the support businesses need and pressure for their interests, their communities and local economies.”

Dorset Chamber launched a new Work Explore initiative at the event. It will work with 20 schools, including three in Weymouth and Portland, to introduce children aged 11 to 14 to the world of work with information and experiences.

South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton said that there was huge untapped potential and opportunities for growth in the area.

He identified potential jobs in defence and its supply chain, clean energy initiatives – including wind, tidal, carbon capture and hydrogen storage - tourism and hospitality, town centre revitalisation and house building as some of the key areas to focus upon.

He said: “I want to be an advocate for the business community here in Weymouth and Portland at Westminster.

“It is really important that when you have concerns, questions or frustrations that you have someone you can approach.

“I want to make sure that my door is open for business community and that I am listening . I am very happy to have conversations to see what is working and see what the government could do better.”

The business breakfast at the Oliveto restaurant on Weymouth seafront was the first following WPCC’s annual meeting when its new president and board were elected.

The event also included presentations by Matt Gregg from Hull Gregson & Hull, Damien Bastin from Igloo mortgages and Ben Kirby from Rosenkelly Architectural Design.