A further 15 acres of land has been acquired for the Dorset Innovation Park at Wool, to allow new tenants to move to the site and existing companies to expand.
The science and business park, once better known as the Winfrith Technology Centre, has developed over the years as a centre for manufacturing and engineering in the aerospace, marine, energy, and defence industries, and now provides more than 800 full time jobs, with the aim of creating another 300 by 2030.
Launch of the new management company at Dorset Innovation Park in October 2025 attended by South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton (centre)
New management company
Following the building of new commercial units, the site was relaunched as the Dorset Innovation Park in 2018. Owned by Dorset Council, a new company was set up to manage and develop the park in 2025.
Its growth has been helped by its designation as an Enterprise Zone – the only one in Dorset – which offers incentives to businesses and organisations to relocate to the park.
While it has been challenging in the past to attract businesses to move to a rural part of Dorset, the transformation of the way people work due to new digital connectivity has recently made relocating away from towns much easier.
The Battle Lab has benefitted from major investment by the Ministry of Defence
Cutting edge defence technology
One of the main buildings is the Battle Lab, a co-working space for Ministry of Defence staff, research teams, and defence innovators, aiming to drive forward cutting edge developments in defence technology.
It has also attracted companies like Norco Composites and GRP, which also has a site at Holton Heath near Wareham. It is currently planning to double the size of its advanced composites manufacturing facility at the park.
It says the expansion will create additional skilled roles and increase capacity to support continued business growth across its markets.
Managing director of Norco Composites and 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.”
Modern equipment and testing facilities
Plans to expand manufacturing skills
“Defence, innovation and advanced engineering”
Two newcomers at the park are underwater survey specialist Shoreline Surveys and drone company Vaspba Remote Piloted Systems.
Shoreline Surveys, which employs nine staff, has taken a unit at the park plus dedicated space in the Battle Lab.
Vaspba Remote Piloted Systems is based in a workshop unit, employing six people. Director Daniel Spence said:
“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 Battle Lab, have already proved extremely valuable. We’re proud to be part of a site that actively supports innovation and skilled employment in the region.”
The modern units are located in a government Enterprise Zone which can benefit from a business rate discount of up to 100 percent over 5 years
Enhanced capital allowances for machinery and equipment purchases could be available for companies at Dorset Innovation Park
Commercial experience and private sector expertise
The new management company was set up to bring commercial experience and private sector expertise to the running of the park.
Kevin Forshaw took up the role as the managing director in October 2025. He is a former chair of Maritime UK South West and the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport Innovation Board.
He has also had previous positions at the UK’s National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton.
Kevin is looking to deliver a range of developments to attract new investment. He said:
“These include a desire to get both a permanent higher and further education presence on site to drive industry-led research and development via specialist facilities, and to create the necessary skilled workforce via an apprenticeship training centre to fuel growth.
“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.”
Dorset Council’s cabinet member for property and assets and economic growth Richard Biggs (left) with the leader of Dorset Council Nick Ireland (right) at the Dorset Innovation Park
“Opportunities for local people and businesses”
In support of these goals, Dorset Council is buying a further 15 acres of employment land adjacent to the park.
Dorset Council’s cabinet member for property and assets and economic growth Richard Biggs 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.”
Further information
- More about opportunities at Dorset Innovation Park
- What is the Battle Lab?
- Businesses at Dorset Innovation Park include Norco Composites and GRP, Shoreline Surveys, and Vaspba Remote Piloted Systems
