Local Authority Economic Development Units

Economic development is concerned with the activities, programs and policies which seek to improve the economic well-being and quality of life within an area; particularly encouraging local business growth and diversity and investment into the area.

Economic development units within Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole cover a wide range of activities, many of which rely on partnership working. Bournemouth Borough Council and the Borough of Poole are both Unitary Authorities. The remainder is represented by a two tier authority consisting of Dorset County Council and six district councils, all of which have economic development functions.

Staff from all the authorities work closely in collaboration to support and develop the local economies within Dorset. The local authorities also work alongside organisations such as chambers of commerce, Business Link, South West Regional Development Agency and the Learning & Skills Council.

Economic Development Contacts for the County

Bournemouth Borough Council

The Town Hall Annexe
St Stephen’s Road
Bournemouth, BH2 6EA

John Wicks, Economic Development Manager
Tel: 01202 451109
Fax: 01202 454751
Email: edu@bournemouth.gov.uk
www.bournemouth.gov.uk

Christchurch Borough Council

Civic Offices
Bridge Street
Christchurch
Dorset, BH23 1AZ

Paul Riley, Economic Development Manager
Tel: 01202 495007
Fax: 01202 482060
Email: p.riley@christchurch.gov.uk
www.dorsetforyou.com

East Dorset District Council

Council Offices
Furzehill
Wimborne
Dorset, BH21 4HN

Kevin Poulton
Economic Generation Manager
Tel: 01202 639008
Fax: 01202 849182
Email: kpoulton@eastdorsetdc.gov.uk
www.dorsetforyou.com

North Dorset District Council

Nordon
Salisbury Road
Blandford Forum
Dorset, DT11 7LL

Hilary Ritchie
Regeneration Policy Manager
Tel: 01258 484005
Fax: 01258 484007
Email: hritchie@north-dorset.gov.uk
www.dorsetforyou.com

Mark Brownbridge
Regeneration Officer
Tel: 01258 484025
Fax: 01258 484007
Email: mbrownbridge@north-dorset.gov.uk
www.dorsetforyou.com

Borough of Poole

Civic Centre
Poole, BH15 2RU

Peter Wheelhouse
Economic Development Manager
Tel: 01202 633032
Fax: 01202 633077
Email: p.wheelhouse@poole.gov.uk
www.poole.gov.uk

Purbeck District Council

Westport House
Worgret Road
Wareham
Dorset, BH20 4PP

Richard Wilson
Economic & Community Development Manager
Tel: 01929 557320
Fax: 01929 557348
Email: richardwilson@purbeck-dc.gov.uk
www.purbeck-dc.gov.uk

West Dorset District Council

Stratton House
58/60 High West Street
Dorchester
Dorset, DT1 1UZ

Bob Moore
Economic Development Officer
Tel: 01305 252272
Fax: 01305 251481
Email: r.moore@westdorset-dc.gov.uk
www.dorsetforyou.com

Weymouth & Portland Borough Council

Municipal Offices
North Quay
Weymouth
Dorset, DT4 8TA

Gareth Jones
Economic Development Officer
Tel: 01305 838476
Fax: 01305 838600
Email: garethjones@weymouth.gov.uk
www.weymouth.gov.uk

Dorset County Council

County Hall
Dorchester
Dorset, DT1 1XJ

Helen Heanes
Senior Economic Development Officer
Tel: 01305 224677
Fax: 01305 225190
Email: h.e.heanes@dorsetcc.gov.uk
www.dorsetforyou.com

Bournemouth Dorset Poole Commercial Property Database

County Hall
Dorchester
Dorset, DT1 1XJ

Joanna Rufus
Property Pilot Project Officer
Tel: 01305 224797
Fax: 01305 225190
Email: j.c.m.rufus@dorsetcc.gov.uk
www.investindorset.co.uk