Economy of Dorset

The economy of the County of Dorset in South West England was worth £16.189 billion to the UK economy in 2013.

History

Historically, agriculture has dominated the Dorset economy, but over time it has decreased in importance. Dorset was the birthplace of the trade union movement, with the Tolpuddle Martyrs hailing from the county.

Being a coastal county, smuggling has been a dominant part of the Dorset economy with the Battle of Mudeford being fought in 1784 at Mudeford Quay, Mudeford, Christchurch. Fleet and Kinson were also home to smugglers.[1]

The COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom has damaged the economy heavily.[2][3]

Corporate economy

Barclays in Poole Town Centre.

Barclays Bank once had a regional headquarters in Poole Town Centre. Merlin Entertainments is also based in Poole.

Defence industry

Dorset is home to a number of Ministry of Defence facilities that employ many people; RM Poole, Lulworth Ranges, Bovington Camp and the Wyke Regis Training Area.

Digital economy

Redweb, a leading firm in the digital and creative industry of Dorset was liquidated in December 2021.[4]

Environment

In 2015, Dorset County Council reported that the environmental economy was worth between £0.9 billion and £2.5 billion per annum; and supports between 17,000 and 61,000 jobs.[5]

Manufacturing

Factories in Dorset include those at Ryvita and Sunseeker.

Maritime industry

Boats at Portland Harbour.

The maritime transport industry of Dorset is based at the Port of Poole in Poole and the Portland Harbour at the Isle of Portland.

Media

Dorset is home to newspapers; Dorset Echo and the Bournemouth Daily Echo.

Retail

Dorset is the headquarters for a number of retail companies. The cosmetics company Lush was founded and is headquartered in Poole.

Hobbycraft has headquarters in Christchurch and New Look has corporate headquarters in Weymouth.

Dolphin Shopping Centre in Poole is the largest indoor shopping centre in Dorset.[6]

Science and Technology

The Dorset Green Technology Park employs many people.[7]

HeliOperations is based on the Isle of Portland.

Tourism

The prehistoric Durdle Door.

Tourism in Dorset is valued at £1bn a year 40,000 people are employed in the industry.[8]

References

  1. ^ BBC. "Smugglers Cove - in Kinson?". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  2. ^ "Second lockdown 'a potential massive blow' to Dorset economy amid business fears". Dorset Echo. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
  3. ^ "Coronavirus report: Dorset will suffer badly due to effects on economy, education and health". Bridport and Lyme Regis News. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
  4. ^ "Leading firm in Dorset's digital industry to be wound up by liquidators". Bournemouth Echo. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  5. ^ "Dorset's Environmental Economy" (PDF). Dorset County Council: 118. 2015.
  6. ^ "Poole Tourism". 28 September 2008. Archived from the original on 28 September 2008. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
  7. ^ "Dorset Innovation Park | Enterprise Zones". Retrieved 20 January 2021.
  8. ^ "Tourism crucial to Dorset's economic recovery". Dorset LEP. Retrieved 20 January 2021.

See also