Dorset Council’s Cabinet approved a new Economic Strategy which is set to drive employment, investment, and innovation across the county.
The Dorset Council Plan 2024-2029 lists ‘growing Dorset’s economy’ as one of its key priority areas of focus.
This new strategy sets out how the council intends to deliver economic prosperity for the people and businesses of Dorset through four clear objectives:
- Boost economic growth: by identifying and prioritising key projects to stimulate the Dorset economy
- Attract investment: by positioning Dorset as a prime investment location
- Create high-value jobs: facilitate the generation of high-value, highly skilled jobs
- Strategic negotiations: establish clear priorities for negotiations with government and regional partners.
With an economy worth £8.45 billion GVA, supporting 145,000 jobs across 20,000 businesses, Dorset is poised for significant growth.
The county boasts strengths in advanced engineering, manufacturing, defence, and security, with many businesses delivering innovative products that contribute to the South-West’s economy.
Priorities within the strategy include the continued regeneration of Weymouth, delivery of clean energy projects in Portland and South Dorset.
It also sets out the importance of forming direct relationships with businesses across the county.
Another priority is building on the existing investment in projects such as the £8m road improvements at Dinah’s Hollow north of Blandford and the introduction of Saturday bus services linking Shaftesbury, Gillingham, and Sturminster Newton.
Councillor Richard Biggs, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for Property, Assets and Economic Growth said: “I am delighted that Cabinet members recognise and agree with our new, focused approach to economic growth in Dorset.
“This new economic strategy aligns with our Council Plan priority of growing a sustainable and prosperous economy.
“In partnership with our stakeholders, we have a comprehensive range of activities planned which align with the strategy’s ambitions and sets out a clear pathway for economic success.
“This is a purposeful, targeted economic strategy designed to capitalise on the vast opportunities out there which we must act on if we are to change the economic future of Dorset.
“Now the hard work really begins. We will continue to develop and commit to a comprehensive and sustainable action plan that will deliver long term economic benefits for all our communities.”
Steve Bulley President of Dirchester Chamber for Business added: “Dorchester Chamber for Business welcomes Dorset Council’s newly adopted Economic Growth Strategy and its clear ambition to drive innovation, investment, and high-value employment across the county. As the representative voice of the business community in the county town, we recognise the importance of this strategy in unlocking Dorset’s economic potential—particularly through its focus on advanced engineering, clean energy, and regeneration projects.
“We believe that the success of this strategy will depend not only on bold vision but also on meaningful collaboration with local business networks. Town chambers, including Dorchester Chamber for Business, are uniquely positioned to provide insight, foster local partnerships, and ensure that the benefits of growth reach businesses of all sizes and sectors.
“We encourage Dorset Council to continue building strong, direct relationships with town chambers and local business organisations as part of its delivery plan. By working together, we can ensure that the strategy’s ambitions are grounded in the real-world needs of our communities and that Dorset’s economic future is both inclusive and resilient.”
The council is already delivering another priority set out in the strategy – boosting the support for the Dorset Innovation Park in Winfrith to attract more businesses, innovation and creating new jobs.
A new council owned arms-length company has been created to deliver the continued growth of the Dorset Innovation Park at Winfrith, creating 300 jobs by 2029.
Recruiting a Chair and Managing Director for the company is underway and appointments will be announced later this summer.
MAIN PIC: Cllr Richard Biggs, Cabinet member for Property, Assets and Economic Growth (left) and Matthew Piles, Strategic Director, are pictured at the Battlelab on the Dorset Innovation Park
With around 100 members any business in Dorset can join Dorchester Chamber from business for £60p/a (no VAT).
