MORE space is being created for growing businesses at Dorset Innovation Park as new companies move in and an established tenant secures permission to expand.

Advanced composites manufacturer Norco Composites & GRP has been granted approval to double the size of its facility at the park near Wool.

The expansion is expected to increase manufacturing capacity and create additional skilled roles as the company continues to grow across its markets.

Managing director of Norco Composites & GRP Mark Northey said: “We are pleased to be investing further at Dorset Innovation Park in support of our ongoing growth plans.

“The park offers a strong platform for our business and we look forward to continuing our work here.”

The park has also welcomed Shoreline Surveys, an underwater survey specialist employing nine staff, which has taken a unit on site along with dedicated space within the BattleLab – a NATO-accredited test and evaluation facility operated by Dorset Council and the Ministry of Defence.

Meanwhile, Vaspba Remote Piloted Systems, which employs six people, has moved into a Quadrant workshop unit.

Director Daniel Spence said the company had already benefited from being based at the site.

He added: “The park’s focus on defence, innovation and advanced engineering aligns closely with our long-term vision of designing and developing advanced drone systems for defence and public service use.

“The inter-company networking and collaboration opportunities, particularly through the BattleLab, have already proved extremely valuable.

“We’re proud to be part of a site that actively supports innovation and skilled employment in the region.”

Dorset Innovation Park is the county’s only Enterprise Zone and is currently home to more than 800 full-time jobs, with ambitions to create a further 300 roles by 2030.

Dorset Council has recently set up an ‘arm’s length’ company to manage and develop the site.

Managing director of Dorset Innovation Park Ltd Kevin Forshaw said work was under way to strengthen the park’s appeal to investors and industry.

“These include a desire to get both permanent Higher and Further Education presence on site to drive industry-led R&D via specialist facilities, and to create the necessary skilled workforce via an apprenticeship training centre to fuel growth,” he said.

“The measures set out in our first business plan will create the ideal location, space and infrastructure to support innovation and economic growth in defence, food and energy security.”

To support the park’s long-term development, Dorset Council is purchasing an additional 15 acres of employment land next to the site.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth, said:
“The purchase will help develop the park’s long-term strategic role as the centre of the defence industry in Dorset, providing opportunities for local people and businesses.”