When most people think of Dorset, they picture stunning coastlines, chocolate-box villages, and long weekend escapes. And while Dorset is all that, it’s also quietly becoming a serious player in the UK’s business landscape.
From creative industries to advanced engineering, Dorset offers something many regions can’t: room to breathe, space to grow, and a lifestyle that attracts talent.
Let’s dive into the county’s rich history—and explore why Dorset is fast becoming a place where business booms as well as relaxes .
Dorset’s history goes way back—we’re talking dinosaurs. The famous Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site, revealing 185 million years of geology. But fast-forward to more recent history, and Dorset played a key role in agriculture, maritime trade, and defence.
Towns like Poole, with one of Europe’s largest natural harbours, were thriving ports for centuries. And during WWII, parts of Dorset were central to military training and D-Day planning.
It’s a county with depth, heritage, and resilience—and that same strength still shapes its economy today.
So what makes Dorset a smart place to do business now? Let’s unpack it:
Dorset offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful, scenic setting with strong connectivity. There’s easy access to London (via train or road), Bournemouth International Airport, and Poole Port—making it ideal for companies in trade, logistics, and export.
Dorset has thriving clusters in:
Whether you're developing high-tech composites or launching a digital agency, Dorset has the infrastructure and networks to support you.
Dorset’s got brains as well as beauty. With strong links to Bournemouth University, Arts University Bournemouth, and Kingston Maurward College, businesses have access to skilled graduates in tech, design, agriculture, and environmental science.
The region is also home to Dorset LEP(Local Enterprise Partnership) and several innovation hubs supporting business development and entrepreneurship.
Here's the ace up Dorset’s sleeve: people want to live here.
With clean air, natural beauty, low crime, and great schools, it’s an easy sell to talented professionals and their families. And remote/hybrid work models mean more people are swapping city stress for coastal calm—without compromising career ambition.
Whether you're an SME or a growing startup, there are grants, networking groups, accelerators, and business support services ready to help. Dorset doesn’t just open its doors to entrepreneurs—it rolls out the welcome mat.
You’ll find a healthy mix of independent innovators and big-name players. Just a few of the standout businesses in the region include:
It’s a diverse, collaborative ecosystem that’s only getting stronger.
Because Dorset offers what few regions can: business with balance.
You get real opportunity, growing sectors, and solid support. But you also get space to think, a stunning environment, and a lifestyle that’s tough to beat.
Whether you’re looking to relocate, launch, or expand—Dorset delivers.
Dorset could be the best decision you make.
