Bridport Business Chamber of Commence is launching a new initiative with the help of Bridport Job Centre and the town's mayor, Cllr Ian Bark, to support local businesses in employing staff.

The Chamber is keen to help local businesses employ the right staff, at the right time.

Employing a local person has a positive knock-on effect through the whole region's economy and there is national and regional funding available to help. 

The Chamber asked local businesses what they needed - whether this be support, financial assistance, information, help with interviews, or just someone to help fill in relevant forms, and it was found that much of this is already available through Bridport Job Centre.

They are now working with Bridport Job Centre staff to start a series of drop-in sessions, so you can find out how the Job Centre can help your business achieve its staffing aims in 2023.

The first session will be held on Tuesday, February 7 from 5pm to 6pm.

The Job Centre's knowledgeable staff will be on hand to advise on topics such as:

• Access to Work
• Apprenticeships/traineeships (which are now available to people of all ages!)
• Support for employers
• Work experience
• Disability confidence

There will also be a question and answer session for anything not already covered.

This is a real opportunity for business owners and managers to get the help and support they need to make a real difference to the life of a local person and their family, and develop their staff in the best way to support a thriving business.

As this is the first session, places are limited to 20, so those interested should email [email protected] by January 27.