About Dorset LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP

Established in 2011, the mission of Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) was to bring together business, education and local government leaders to drive sustainable economic growth in Dorset.

Our work

From 2011 – 31 March 2025 we worked in partnership with local government, businesses, educational institutions and other public, private and community organisations, our work focused on championing and strengthening Dorset's economy.

Led by an experienced and dedicated board of public and private sector members, it was DLEPs aim to make Dorset the best place to do business in the UK by putting in place the building blocks to drive productivity across Dorset. Our priorities (from 2011 to 31 March 2025) were to:

Drive economic strategy for Dorset, determining local priorities and undertaking activities to drive growth and the creation of local jobs.
Support businesses through business growth programmes, information, resources, support to find and secure funding.
Attract new businesses and investment into the area.
Develop skills, employment and career opportunities.

Governance and transparency

We were set-up as a Community Interest Company committed to working to the highest standards of governance. Dorset Council was our accountable body (until 31 March 2025), during this time it oversaw all our agreements, funds and finances.