On Tuesday 28 July, Dorset Council cabinet approved a report outlining the strategy for economic growth in Dorset. Earlier this year, the Dorset Council Plan was approved. The Plan includes an aim to deliver sustainable economic growth, increasing productivity and the number of high-quality jobs in Dorset. Our ambition is to ensure Dorset is a great place to live, work and visit.
The Economic Growth Strategy explains how the council will seek to deliver this priority. Once approved, the officers will create a detailed action plan.
The development of this strategy considered a broad range of evidence, national and local policy reviews, and a programme of business engagement.
The panel has also considered the implications of COVID-19 and the Climate and Ecological Emergency declared by the council.
Our ambition is to enable clean, inclusive, sustainable and good quality economic growth across the whole council area. This will bring improved standards of living, quality of life, health, and wellbeing for all of Dorset’s residents.
Our economic priorities
- Enhance Dorset as a place to do business and attract inward investment
- Support the creation and growth of new sustainable business and in turn support high quality job creation
- Improve transport and digital connectivity across the area
- Enhance aspirations and skills to improve social mobility
Six foundations for economic growth
- Digital infrastructure
- People and skills
- Business environment
- Innovation/ideas
- Place
- Transport infrastructure
Read the report here
Cllr Gary Suttle, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Economic Growth and Skills, said: “Even before the pandemic hit, we had been working hard to develop a strategy that will inform our plans to deliver sustainable economic growth. This includes a focus on inclusive growth to ensure that all Dorset communities benefit from an overall increase in prosperity and opportunity.
“Dorset Council will not achieve the ambitions of the strategy by itself and will need the support and collaboration of a broad range of national and local partners, including the voluntary and community sectors. I look forward to working closely with these vital groups to help develop our action plan.
“A prosperous and inclusive local economy is vital to achieving the strategic priorities of the Council, and this strategy will provide the foundation for an exciting action plan that will demonstrate our commitment and ambition.
“In the current financial climate, this work is more vital than ever to ensure Dorset’s economy not only bounces back, but that it can become stronger than ever before.”
Join the conversation
To hear more about our action plan and other business and economy related news, why not join our dedicated business Facebook page or sign up to our newsletter?
Why are small businesses in the Hospitality sector not being helped in payment of rates following the Government closures ceasing trade and income? For example:-
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-coronavirus-local-authority-discretionary-grants-fund
This would be a significant help for all small businesses in Dorset and Weymouth to survive and empower growth in the tourist industry that creates employment and wealth in local communities. At the moment this is not being addressed just demands for payment by the council
Hi George – we have distributed millions of pounds to local businesses through two stages of grant funding and we heavily promoted our discretionary grand fund scheme. If you want further advice, you can call the economic regeneration team on 01305251010, thanks, Alex
I fully support the plan but the main problem with Weymouth is the long / boring train journey from London
Hi Robin. Hear you loud and clear. It’s certainly something we are aware of and we work with Network rail. Personally, I much prefer this journey to the Yeovil – London line… it’s a lot more scenic! Not many train lines where you say deer through the purbecks, glorious sea views through Poole and the natural harbours and the ponies in New Forest! Best wishes, Alex.
The train station is a disgrace. I thought it was getting some investment. It’s not very welcoming the platform roofs are filthy. It needs constant policing. Busses should go from outside there not on the esplanade. A pretty shelter could be built in the space for bus passengers.
We should have a lido Park with water slides and gardens behind the pavilion to attract visitors. The disused tramline could be a cycle path. The carpark behind the station could be an overflow for hotels.
Independent local shops should not have to pay rates. Council loans made available for start-ups.
Indoor farmers markets in the old town hall.
What on earth is happening with Brewers Quay it could still be a thriving antique market?
Old buildings that haven’t been occupied for 7 years can be requisitioned by the council and repurposed for housing.
There doesn’t seem to be much there for the west of the county – Bridport, Lyme Regis, Beaminster. Given that we are very badly served by public transport and our roads are crumbling rapidly – add the Covid effect, low seasonal wages, high house prices, lack of social housing, general lack of infrastructure and you have a perfect storm for poverty. We survive on the beauty of our coast and countryside, but that’s not enough! I’d like to see a better plan for this area please!
Hi Deborah. Keep an eye on our facebook page, /dorset4business. We will be holding some engagement sessions in the near future and I would welcome you to come along and share your thoughts with our team. Best, Alex.
Relaxation in the rules for the granting of planning approval to permit the building of both Market and Affordable housing would help the already significant efforts of the Council to house those on housing waiting lists and house those being offered employment by the expansion of existing companies. This would help to further boost economic growth and help improve the sustainability of the numerous villages within the County.