> Bridport
Bridport is internationally known for its rope making industry, which stretches back to Roman times. By 16th century, Bridport was supplying rope to the Royal Navy and most of the commercial fleet. Today Bridport Gundry Plc supplies the world with an enormous range of net and rope based products. The town has its own brewery, a medieval Parish church, a weekly market and some 1,000 listed buildings. The town has several industrial estates, including a new Greenfield estate at Gore Cross.
> Christchurch
Christchurch is an attractive town set on the edge of the Bournemouth and Poole conurbation, with its own distinctive character. The town centre, with its priory and riverbank setting is probably familiar to many of the visitors who come to the town. However, the town also has a large thriving business base with over 1,300 companies.
> Dorchester
The historic county town of Dorchester was the Durnovara of the Romans (who founded it in 70AD) and the fictional Casterbridge of Thomas Hardy’s novels. The town has a busy shopping centre and flourishing market. It has long been recognised as the administrative centre of the County. There is a variety of commercial estates catering for light industry and high technology. Plans for the future of Dorchester are closely tied in with the Prince of Wales inspired mixed housing and light industrial development at Poundbury, on the western fringe of the town.
> Ferndown
The largest settlement in East Dorset, Ferndown town centre houses a modern shopping complex, large playing fields and sports facilities. On the outskirts of town, set amid scenic heath and woodland, is the internationally famous Ferndown Golf Club. The early history of the town in the mid nineteenth century owes a lot to the Stewart family and their commercial plant nursery.
> Gillingham
Gillingham is the most northerly town in Dorset. In the last twenty years it has grown rapidly and has been successful in attracting a variety of new industries. Gillingham is important as a service and shopping centre for the surrounding villages. The town has a considerable amount of land available for employment purposes.
> Poole
Poole boasts a strong economy with a diverse mix of small and medium-sized companies. Expanding sectors include marine, tourism and leisure, advanced manufacturing and engineering and creative industries. Exciting times are ahead for Poole. The Full Sail Ahead Regeneration Project, one of the largest urban regeneration initiatives in the South of England, will act as a catalyst for further investment across the town, raising the profile of Poole.
> Sherborne
Sherborne is an historic and interesting town. Dominated by its Abbey, it has many fine buildings of architectural note, including the 17th century Sherborne Castle. The famous Sherborne School and Abbey date back to the 8th century, originally built by St Aldhelm. More modern aspects of the town include the main line rail station on the London to Salisbury-Exeter route and a new retail store.
> Swanage
Swanage combines the attractions of an old-world town and an up-to-date seaside resort. It is set at the eastern end of the Isle of Purbeck, with its Bay extending from the cliffs at Ballard Point to Peverill Point.
> Wareham
Wareham occupies a site on both the Rivers Frome and Piddle, close to their confluence into Poole Harbour. Its grid-like street pattern could be of Saxon origin and it still stands within the compass of its earth ramparts. Despite its relatively small size Wareham retains a good range of social, recreational and educational facilities.
> Weymouth and Portland
Weymouth, situated in the centre of the Dorset coastline, has been a significant port since medieval times and a major resort since the 18th century. The town has a busy commercial centre and a number of thriving industrial estates. Long historic links with the Navy and defence have fostered the growth of many hi-tech and engineering businesses. Portland is attached to Weymouth by a narrow stretch of the famous Chesil Beach.
> Wimborne
An ancient and historic market town, Wimborne is the main centre for the District of East Dorset. Its history can be traced back to 300BC but it was in King Alfreds’s time that Wimborne was established as a town of importance. The very beautiful Minster dates from the early 10th century, but much of the structure was built in the 13th century. Today, the town’s commercial importance is based on its industrial estates.
