Why Being a Dorset Ambassador Matters – Bridging Education, Skills and Opportunity

Being part of the Dorset Ambassadors programme is something I take seriously. It is not just a badge or a title; it is a responsibility to actively support the county I live and work in, to champion its strengths, and to help shape its future.

Yesterday's event at Coastlands Academy (formerly Kingston Maurward) was a perfect example of why this role matters. Bringing together educational leaders from across the county, including Bournemouth University, Bournemouth & Poole College, alongside business leaders and fellow Dorset Ambassadors, the focus was clear: understanding the future skills gap and how education and business can work together to address it.

Connecting Education and Business in Dorset

One of the most encouraging aspects of the day was seeing genuine collaboration. Schools, colleges, universities and employers were all in the same room, having honest conversations about what skills will be needed in the years ahead. This is not theory; it is about preparing young people for real opportunities and ensuring Dorset businesses can access the talent they need to grow.

As someone who works closely with businesses every day, this kind of insight is invaluable. It allows me to better advise my own clients and Chamber members, not just on digital strategy, but on the wider business landscape they are operating in.

Investment, Opportunity and Dorset's Future

There was also a strong focus on what is coming next for the county. Leaders from Dorset Council shared plans and possibilities around major investment in Weymouth and Portland.

One particularly exciting prospect is the potential for Portland to become home to a major wind engineering project. If approved, this could generate around 5,000 jobs across the supply chain and a further 1,000 skilled roles locally – on a scale comparable to Hinkley Point. There are, of course, significant hurdles to overcome, but the ambition alone speaks volumes about Dorset's potential.

If this moves forward, it would not only transform parts of the local economy, but significantly raise Dorset's profile nationally as a place for innovation, engineering and skilled employment.

Representing Dorset, Locally and Nationally

Events like this also underline the importance of the Dorset Ambassadors network itself. Ambassadors such as Jim, who is an official representative for the county, play a crucial role in inward investment. When businesses or investors are considering Dorset, they want informed, credible voices who can speak honestly about the area's strengths, opportunities and challenges.

From my own perspective, as the incoming Head of the Chamber of Commerce in Shropshire, it is also incredibly useful to see how another county approaches economic development, education and collaboration. There is a lot Dorset does well, and those lessons travel.

Passion for Dorset and Supporting Others

Ultimately, my involvement comes down to passion. I care deeply about Dorset – about living here, working here, and supporting the businesses and people that make it such a special place. Being a Dorset Ambassador gives me a seat at the table, insight into what is coming, and the ability to feed that knowledge back into my work with clients, partners and Chamber members.

It allows me to do more than talk about strategy in isolation. I can explain the wider context: where investment may land, how skills are evolving, and why Dorset continues to be an exciting place to build and grow a business.

That, for me, is what being a Dorset Ambassador is all about – showing up, contributing, and helping to shape a positive future for the county.