Business leaders were told how wins off the pitch have helped drive success on a trip to AFC Bournemouth.
More than 50 guests attended Dorset Chamber’s annual Premier and Platinum Business Partners’ Lunch at the Vitality Stadium.
Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “It was a fascinating insight into the work that the club does off the pitch and how this makes sense from a business perspective.
“We are lucky to have a club that we can all be proud of and can learn from. It was an inspirational afternoon and shows how our Business Partners programme is going from strength to strength.”
AFC Bournemouth commercial director Rob Mitchell and equality partnerships executive Ben Abberstein told members how the Cherries have placed community and equality at the heart of the club.
This includes the work of the club’s Community Sports Trust, as well AFC Bournemouth’s groundbreaking ‘Everyone, Together’ campaign to celebrate the club’s diverse fan base and tackle prejudice.
Rob said: “We’re immensely proud of what we do as a club.
“Just because we are Premier League club it does not mean the community is forgotten, it means the community is more important.”
Guests also enjoyed a behind the scenes tour by AFC Bournemouth assistant first team coach and record appearance holder Steve Fletcher.
Dorset Chamber, the county’s leading business support organisation, runs its Business Partners scheme for members who want to get more involved in the organisation.
It has two Premier Business Partners: Premier League club AFC Bournemouth and events specialist Brighter Productions.