Welcome to Invest In Dorset

Dorset attracts investment from leading global companies looking for the ideal destination for business investment.

The Invest in Dorset team are here to assist your business with expert advice tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are thinking about starting a new business, expanding your UK operations, relocating, or seeking a UK base for your operations, we will provide you with a dedicated “one-stop shop” reception service.

Get to Know Dorset

With a population of around 744,000, Dorset, one of the maritime counties of Southern England, nestles between Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire and covers an area of 265,273 hectares.

Dorset is centrally located on the South Coast of England, the natural link between the South East and South West of England, well positioned for easy access to London, Bristol and the Midlands. Dorset gives access to the ports of Southampton and Portsmouth and accessibility to international air travel from Southampton, Exeter and Bournemouth airports connecting Dorset, not only to the UK markets, but also to the rest of the world. 

Bournemouth and Poole together host a strong financial and insurance services sector and provide a thriving concentration of creative sector businesses, consumer and retail services, and higher education. They also have a strong and diversified manufacturing base as well as a lively commercial port in Poole.

To the West, Weymouth and Portland supports a mix of manufacturing businesses, commercial and port activities and tourism, and was the host of the sailing events of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Across Dorset there are a number of market and coastal towns with a strong industrial and creative sector base, home to world-class leaders and global brands.

The local environment provides the opportunity of living in one of the most desirable locations in the UK, with award winning sandy beaches together with Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the UNESCO World Heritage Site “the Jurassic Coast”. 

Dorset is committed to supporting new investment in the area. Strong public/private sector collaboration means that solutions can be delivered quickly to meet the specific requirements of inward investors.

Living in Dorset

Dorset is an excellent location for you and your family, with many employment opportunities as well as a high standard of health and education facilities.

If you are thinking of relocating to the area, we can organise familiarisation visits and provide information on:

  • Housing
  • Education / Schools
  • Health services
  • Shopping, leisure and sports facilities
  • Employment for spouse/dependants

Economy Facts & Figures

Here are some key facts and figures from the Dorset Economy that build the case for making Dorset home to your business:

Land coverage: 265,273 hectares
Active people: 77.3%
Easy access to markets, the region’s road, rail, air infrastructure together with 3 commercial ports make it an excellent gateway to the UK, Europe and beyond
Number of businesses: 33,550
Entrepreneurship: 47.3% business survival rate – compared to the UK average of 44.4% for firms in operation for at least 5 years, rising to 51% in Dorset County
Education: 26.5% with GCE A level or equivalent – aged 16-64 – compared to the UK average of 22.5%
Labour costs are lower than the UK average
Property costs well below London, the South East and the M27 corridor.

District Borough Profiles

The County of Dorset comprises 6 district and borough areas. There are also 3 unitary authorities: Bournemouth Borough Council, Borough of Poole, and Dorset County Council. You will find key data including employment, business structure and commuting in the District Borough Profile links below. Please go to the Town Profiles section for data on Poole and Bournemouth and for Dorset County Council please follow the link to their website Dorsetforyou.