Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce has become the latest associate Chamber of Dorset Chamber.

It is the ninth town chamber to join the umbrella organisation for the county’s businesses.

The two heads of the organisations believe it is important to work as one on some important issues.

Bill Perkins, president of the Bournemouth Chamber, and Dorset Chamber Chief Executive Ian Girling, also agreed that clear lines of communication to the business community is one major benefit.

Bill said: “Like Dorset chamber we are growing quickly and adding members.

“Interestingly we are gaining members from outside Bournemouth as well as within the town.

“Our face-to-face networking events are popular and I think people have now fully accepted that events online are no replacement for actually meeting people.

“The association with Dorset chamber made complete sense and it is a formalisation of a relationship we’ve had for some time.

“When it comes to lobbying and communicating messages it is better for all our members when we work as one.”

Ian added: “Bournemouth Chamber plays an important role as a voice for business and this connection makes complete sense.

“Together we are stronger and can formulate campaigns and lobbying that benefit us all.

“This year will be of great importance and we are looking ahead to the Budget next month and a likely General Election.

“Both events will have an impact on the business community.”