New Dorset Innovation Park company launched to accelerate defence and clean energy growth

A new era begins at Dorset Innovation Park (Winfrith Newburgh, Wool) with the launch of Dorset Innovation Park Ltd – a dedicated company established to accelerate the site’s transformation into a leading hub for advanced engineering, defence technology and clean energy innovation.

The launch event at BattleLab on 24 October brought together councillors, council officers and industry partners. Guests learned about the Park’s progress to date, its future vision, and the governance framework that will guide its growth. They also toured the facilities and met some of the pioneering businesses already driving innovation on site.

South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton was in attendance to mark this major step forward, joining guests on a tour of cutting-edge facilities such as TKMS Atlas Group, the Ministry of Defence, X-net and FDI Engineering, which showcase the Park’s role in supporting defence and technology innovation.

The company’s Board is now fully in place, comprising a Chair, Non-Executive Directors and a Managing Director. This marks a significant milestone in delivering a bold vision for the Park: to convert national priorities in defence, security and renewable energy into local economic growth, creating high-value jobs and wealth across the South West.

Dorset Innovation Park Ltd Chair David Happy said:

“This is an extremely exciting time for the Park. We now have a Premier League team in place to drive solutions for emerging national priorities that will create significant wealth and job opportunities for Dorset and the wider South West economy.”

Cllr Richard Biggs, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth, added:

“The launch of Dorset Innovation Park Ltd is a pivotal moment for our region. By combining the strengths of our advanced engineering and clean energy sectors with world-class research and skills development, we are positioning Dorset at the forefront of the UK’s future economy. This is about creating the right conditions for innovation, investment and long-term prosperity.”

Next steps will see the company, which is owned by Dorset Council, finalising its business plan and working with partners to deliver the infrastructure, skills and innovation ecosystem needed to support growth.

Dorset Innovation Park is the county’s only economic development site with Enterprise Zone status, offering a unique environment for businesses in defence, security and clean energy sectors. For more information, visit the Dorset Innovation Park website.