Sport Business & recruitment

The Thomas Hardy Society is recruiting a secretary and a membership secretary. The international society has more than 1,000 members and has an outstanding reputation within the local community and academic world. They hold six meetings a year and run walks, study weekends and conferences regularly. For info email Mark Chutter, chairman and academic director at chuttermark@gmail.com or call 07399 833930.

n Dorset Business is hosting a growth breakfast at Weymouth College on September 26 from 8.30am to 10.30am, hosted by operations director Nick Gregory, sharing the latest information on Dorset Council business grants as well as marketing advice. The breakfast is aimed at business owners or senior company decision-makers looking to grow their network and supply chain. Book a free ticket at eventbrite.co.uk n MP Chris Loder is encouraging smaller businesses in West Dorset to utilise a range of commercial finance options available under the newly-launched South West Investment Fund. The fund will deliver £200m, managed by the British Business Bank. He said: “This new fund will offer a range of loans, particularly for smaller businesses. Loans are available from £25,000 to £2m, and equity investment of up to £5m. The fund is intended to increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance, providing debt and equity funding to firms that might not otherwise receive investment and to help break down barriers in access to finance.”

He added: “Here in West Dorset, 97% of our businesses are small and medium sized, and during the pandemic, a staggering 18% of our businesses closed. I encourage any interested businesses to make full use of this fund; I would be more than happy to help, so please do contact me if you need assistance.”

Gong for Gardens Group

The Gardens Group, which hosts dazzling Christmas displays each year in its centres in Dorchester, Sherborne and Yeovil, has scooped a top industry award. Director Louise Burks has been named in the Glee Buyers Power List 2023, taking second place for Christmas Buyer of the Year. Staged during the garden trade show Glee at the NEC in Birmingham, the awards recognise buyers and buying teams. Louise’s award follows consistent success in the Christmas Competition– the top prize has been awarded to The Gardens Group’s garden