Dorset LEP

March is upon us and this marks the complete integration of LEP functions into our Council teams.   We’re delighted that we have confirmed funding for business support and careers programmes which will continue to be delivered across the county via our local authorities.   We will be deactivating this Dorset LEP Linked In site on 31 March 2025 but you can continue to get updates on our integrated services from our fabulous colleagues by following these LinkedIn accounts: Dorset LEP Business Dorset Careers Hub Digital Skills Hub Great South West

Forty of our Dorset Ambassadors from local businesses and organisations joined us today at Hall & Woodhouse Ltd in Blandford Forum for the first of our Dorset Ambassador Business Breakfasts of 2025, but the final event of its kind from Dorset LEP as its planned cessation kicks in on 31 March. Following delivery of our 3-year plan and support from local authority partners, Dorset LEP Business support and Dorset Careers Hub will integrate into Dorset Council from 1 April 2025 – for these functions it will be business as usual. Which means this is not the last Dorset Ambassador business breakfast event, there are more planned for June and October 2025. Shelley Collins-Trevett, Head of Business Growth & Inward Investment at Dorset LEP says: “Today was a great opportunity for local businesses and partner organisations to come together to gain first-hand updates from Dorset LEP on our work over this, our last financial year ‘trading’ and to network together. Plus, it was also a chance to learn more about the long-standing family brewing and pub company, Hall & Woodhouse, from Chairperson Anthony Woodhouse. Thank you to H&W for a fascinating company update, day-making hospitality and tour of their state-of-the-art brew-house.” To find out more about our work with Dorset Business Ambassadors and their role click here: https://lnkd.in/edSc7k7G Shelley Collins-Trevett | Cecilia Bufton | Rebecca Davies | Vinita Nawathe | BCP Council | Dorset Council UK | Dorset LEP Business

The Great South West Defence Prospectus has been launched, setting out the region’s critical role in national security, economic growth, and global defence innovation. With £2.8bn defence-related GVA and 61,000 highly skilled jobs, the South West is home to Europe’s largest naval base at Devonport, major primes like Babcock International Group, BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, and ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK, and cutting-edge defence technology in cyber, aerospace, and AI. As geopolitical instability continues to shape the global landscape, strengthening domestic defence supply chains, scaling up manufacturing capacity, and securing investment in innovation has never been more important. The South West is uniquely placed to deliver on these priorities, supporting the UK’s defence ambitions while driving economic growth. With the Government prioritising defence as a key sector in its Industrial Strategy, the region must be recognised as a critical partner in delivering national security and economic resilience. The landmark Prospectus was launched yesterday at a high-profile event at Westminster, sponsored by Leonardo UK and Supacat, with a fantastic line-up of speakers including Luke Pollard MP, Minister for the Armed Forces Tan Dhesi MP, Chair of the Defence Committee, Fred Thomas MP, Member of the Defence Committee, Clive Higgins, Chair and CEO of Leonardo UK, and Neil Skelland, Director at ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK and Chair of the Great South West Defence Programme Board. 🔗 Download the Defence Prospectus: https://lnkd.in/e8Rbvajs Find out more: https://lnkd.in/egajXwXF #DefenceInnovation #NationalSecurity #UKDefence #EconomicGrowth Thales Marine AI Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd A & P FALMOUTH LIMITED Blue Abyss Global Loop Technology Ltd Slingshot Aerospace South West Regional Defence & Security Cluster

📆 3 DAYS LEFT TO SUBMIT TENDER FOR ‘WORK READINESS PROGRAMME’ IN DORSET 📆 We are seeking proposals from qualified and experienced organisations to deliver a Work Experience Readiness programme in Dorset. ⚡ The objective is to research, structure, implement and evidence a work experience delivery model that reflects the principles of the Equalex framework and provides for a progressive, outcome-based approach which can be delivered with scale and equity and reaches students who are at risk of missing out. For more information and to find the tender document please follow this link: https://lnkd.in/eZjn82_4 In order to be considered for selection, proposals to this tender must be received by 31 January 2025 midnight. Dorset Careers Hub | Rebecca Davies | Dorset Chamber | Dorset Council UK | BCP Council #WorkExperience #WorkReadiness

📢 Dorset businesses, this is your moment! Cosmic is delivering the Dorset Digital Skills Programme—a fully funded initiative offering free, hands-on workshops to help you: 🔒 Safeguard your business with cyber security essentials. ⚙️ Automate tasks and streamline operations. 🌟 Equip your team with practical, future-ready skills. 💷 This exclusive opportunity is available until February 28, 2025, for businesses in the Dorset Council area. 👉 Don’t wait—register your team today! https://lnkd.in/e4SUYjqf #DigitalSkills #DorsetBusiness #Cosmic #CyberSecurity #Automation

Working with Careers and Enterprise Company funding, Dorset Careers Hub are seeking proposals from qualified and experienced organisations to deliver a Work Experience Readiness programme in Dorset. The objective is to research, structure, implement and evidence a work experience delivery model that provides for a progressive, outcome based approach which can be delivered with scale and equity and reaches students who are at risk of missing out. This is a vital programme to help our young people experience the workplace. Full details are here https://lnkd.in/eZjn82_4

We are proud to act as delivery partner for the BCP Council funded Digital Skills Hub (DSH) in Boscombe. Offering residents and businesses the opportunity to upskill, challenge themselves, find resolutions to problems and grow, plus a real chance to Thrive in 2025 with this brilliant, free opportunity to look at all-round wellbeing, in proud partnership with the NHS Dorset. 💙 Please share with your colleagues, friends and LinkedIn network by re-posting. Thank you! Rebecca Davies | Vinita Nawathe | Kaoutar Addi | Cecilia Bufton BCP Council | NHS

Upcoming events for Start-Up Businesses 👇👇 Start-Up Funding Made Simple Monday, February 3 | 5:30 - 8:00 PM Are you ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship, building your own business? But unsure how to fund your vision? Or perhaps you’re looking for the right financial boost to scale your business? Join Evolve for Start-Up Funding Made Simple, a practical event funded by Dorset LEP designed to demystify business financing and empower aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners. Book your FREE place - link in comments

This February, take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level!! Free events funded by Dorset LEP and delivered by Evolve. Upcoming events for Start-Up Businesses 👇👇 Perfect the Pitch Tuesday, February 25 | 5:30 - 8:00 PM Are you ready to pitch your business idea with confidence? Join us for Perfect the Pitch, a hands-on event tailored for start-ups and aspiring entrepreneurs preparing to secure funding or wow investors. Booking link in comments

📢 Calling SMEs across the county of Dorset Dorset LEP have a limited number of spaces left on our funded programmes, you'll need to be quick as all programmes end in March. 🔔 Growth Groups with Evolve 🔔 Digital Tech for Productivity with SWMAS LTD 🔔 Funding Accelerator with Focused For Business (part funded) 🔔 Health & Social Care Supply Chain with Kevin Brooks 🔔 Defence & Security Supply Chain with SWMAS LTD 🔔 Funding & Investment Readiness with Evolve 🔔 Bid Writing & Horizon Scanning with Kevin Brooks To find out more please access our website: https://lnkd.in/ehG6WvUP #businesssupport #businessgrowth #productivity #innovation #smarttech #businessfinance #businessfunding #supplychain