Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)

We work in partnership with businesses, local government, education institutes and other industry and community organisations to drive economic growth, attract funding and investment, increase productivity and develop local industrial strategies for Dorset. 

Our priorities are to:

  • Create new jobs

  • Attract new businesses and grow existing ones

  • Secure funding for projects that have long-term economic benefits

  • Support businesses

  • Develop skills, employment and career opportunities

  • Support the development of appropriate housing


LOCAL INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY

We are developing a Local Industrial Strategy for Dorset in collaboration with businesses, organisations, BCP Council and Dorset Council. It will be a 20-year plan to increase productivity, innovation, earnings and well-being and presents a tremendous opportunity for Dorset to make the case to Government for investment and support. Our Local Industrial Strategy will unlock post-Brexit opportunities, deliver ambitious investment plans, inject growth and prosperity into the business community and enhance the exceptional Dorset environment and our communities.

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MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

2309

Businesses supported

3017

New jobs

2085

New homes

6432

People trained

PROJECTS

We have successfully secured £98.5 million for Dorset through the government's  Local Growth Fund to invest in economy-boosting projects focused on unlocking and unblocking key housing and employment sites, creating more highly skilled jobs, and supporting economic growth. We have also successfully launched projects via our Growing Places Fund loan scheme. All completed and ongoing projects can be viewed within the map on the right. 

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DORSET INNOVATION PARK

Dorset Innovation Park is Dorset's only economic development site with Enterprise Zone status. It is developing as an advanced engineering cluster of excellence for the South West, building on its strengths in marine, defence, energy and cyber-security.

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OUR AMBITION FOR DORSET

Our modern industrial vision is to double Dorset’s productivity and economic output to £35.6 billion over the next twenty years, generating 80,000 jobs, building around 78,000 new homes, and creating a local economy that is sustainable, innovative and inclusive.

£35.6

Billion GVA

80000

New jobs

78000

New homes