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Economic growth on the cards for Dorset
A new Economic Strategy is set to attract investment in the county and to deliver high-value, highly skilled jobs.
Employment, investment, and innovation are set to be boosted in Dorset following the approval of a new Economic Strategy by Dorset Council’s Cabinet.
This new strategy has four clear objectives.
- To boost economic growth by identifying and prioritising key projects to stimulate the Dorset economy.
- To attract investment by positioning Dorset as a prime investment location.
- To facilitate the generation of high-value, highly skilled jobs.
- To 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 and 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.
Cllr 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.”
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 chairperson and managing director for the company is underway and appointments will be announced later this summer.
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