Business

Draft Economic Development Strategy

North Dorset District Council has prepared an Economic Development Strategy to address the needs of the local businesses and support them through the next few years, by targeting its resources and those of its partners on what local businesses have told us that they would most value.

The strategy has been prepared with direct contributions from businesses and business support agencies, so that their views are included in the document. It is made up of three documents:

The first is the evidence base which is compiled from research and consultation together with direct contributions from businesses and partner organisations.

The second highlights the issues drawn from the evidence base.

The third sets out an action plan which addresses those issues where the Council feels that it is able to target its resources and those of its partners to make the most difference.

The document is a draft and we would welcome any comments or suggestions that you may wish to make, either by email to HRitchie@north-dorset.gov.uk or by post to Mrs Hilary Ritchie, Regeneration Policy Manager, North Dorset District Council, Nordon, Salisbury Road, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 7LL.

All responses received by 12 March will be taken into account before the Strategy is presented to Cabinet at the end of March to be adopted. Those received after that date will be taken into account when the strategy is reviewed in a year’s time. We welcome your suggestions on what we may meaningfully do to assist the local economy at any time.”

Draft Economic Development Strategy 2010-2013

Economic Development Strategy Action Plan

Background Evidence Document

The Council aims to support business growth in the District by knowing what business is conducted in the District by responding to the needs of existing businesses and by encouraging the development of new business or assisting with the import of business.

Support is available for all types of business, large and small, and for anyone thinking of starting a business.

Information is available on the following services:

• Working with business support organisations
• Business rates
• Up to date economic information and intelligence
• Sources of funding
• Identifying vacant business premises
• Regulations – environmental health, licensing and health & safety
• Support for rural development and regeneration
• Encouraging start-up businesses
• Skills and workforce development
• Disposal of trade waste
• Funding for Community Shops

The Council has a dedicated rural economy team which can provide support and information to businesses in North Dorset and those wishing to relocate to the district.

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