Digital Dorset

Sadly we didn't win but it was a huge honour to be a finalist. Very many congratulations to Vorboss who won the Digital, Equality and Inclusion category for its commitment to training and recruiting women in technical and engineering positions 👏 We'd also like to give a huge shout out to Bournemouth-based The Crumbs project, which won best digital inclusion for charities. Well done to all winners and finalists.

Tonight's the night we find out if we have won the best Diversity, Equality and Inclusion award at the ISPA Awards tonight - the Oscars for the UK's internet industry. We are very honoured to be a finalist for our Digital Doorway scheme, which has gifted more than 600 devices to people who are digitally excluded. Also good luck to #Dorset company Wessex Internet who are finalists in the 'best rural ISP' category. And if we're lucky enough to win, Wessex will be collecting the award at the London ceremony on our behalf. We feel like we're winners already, when we see the difference Digital Doorway is making to people's lives. Watch this inspiring short video here: https://lnkd.in/dMEWJdFb #DigitalDorset #DigitalDoorway #DigitalInclusion #DigitalSkills Dorset Council UK Penny Syddall FCIPR Colin Wood Dugald Lockhart Matt Prosser

Earlier this week (with far less snow ❄) we were delighted to host students from Bovington Academy and Bere Regis Primary School at the Dorset Innovation Park. As part of the Start Small, Dream Big programme during Creative Careers week, these young innovators got stuck into hands-on challenges at the BattleLab. Colin Wood our Innovation Lead and Cllr Richard Biggs spoke to the children about innovation and its significance, leading to some interesting responses! Activities included designing clay boats and paper planes to coding in Roblox and Segway egg-and-spoon obstacle courses. The children had a blast while learning about the endless possibilities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths. 🚀🎮 Through initiatives like this, we aim to remove barriers and stereotypes that limit children’s thinking about their future careers, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to dream big! Thank you to Heather Byrom, Matthew Crompton, Thomas Short, Katy Skelland and Julius Davidson BEng(Hons) IEng MIMechE fCMgr MCMI for inspiring our future entrepreneurs! Let’s keep nurturing that creativity and innovation right here in Dorset. #digitaldorset #dorset #careers #startsmalldreambig Dorset Careers Hub Tim Robertson Gary Littledyke Penny Syddall FCIPR Photos credit: Rachel Baker

Our latest newsletter is out! In it we share the exciting news that we are steaming ahead with a new government funded project that could be the start of a rural connectivity journey... Also included is some hot news for Dorset businesses and the chance to sign up for some free workshops to help them innovate and grow. We also put out an appeal for volunteers in the Shaftesbury and Gillingham areas who can support residents to get online and go digital. For all this and more click the link below - and don't forget to subscribe! https://lnkd.in/dgCpTFEi #DigitalDorset #DigitalSkills #DigitalInnovation #DigitalInclusion Penny Syddall FCIPR Colin Wood Gary Littledyke

This promises to be a great event. Book your free tickets now!

It’s full steam ahead for an exciting new connectivity project at Swanage Railway Co. Ltd. Dorset Council UK Council has been awarded £163k from DSIT (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to test how satellite technology can bring 21st century connectivity to even the most challenging rural areas. Our technology partner Excelerate Technology Group will be using low earth satellite to bring WiFi to Swanage Railway’s Norden station and car park and one of the steam trains from early 2025. You can read more here: https://lnkd.in/d4C7eTzr #DigitalDorset #Connectivity #Innovation #DigitalInnovation #EconomicGrowth Colin Wood Dugald Lockhart Gary Littledyke

STRIDE Dorset has launched! 🚀 This morning marked the official launch of STRIDE Dorset, a fully funded programme designed to support innovative start-ups and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Dorset. This project is provided by Dorset Council UK in partnership with the University of Plymouth and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity fund. Speakers at the event included Colin Wood, Innovation Lead at Dorset Council who highlighted the rich history of innovation at Dorset Innovation Park and the council’s commitment to fostering growth. Industry experts shared valuable insights on the diverse support STRIDE Dorset offers, covering essential topics like funding, prototyping, and design thinking. We also heard from Julius Davidson BEng(Hons) IEng MIMechE fCMgr MCMI from the MOD, who showcased the unique opportunities available through the BattleLab, emphasising the power of collaboration in driving innovation forward. Those attending the event were also given the opportunity to have one to one consultancy sessions with the STRIDE team. We’re excited to share more about the extensive support this program provides. Stay tuned! Local businesses can take advantage of fully funded workshops, one-on-one consultancy, events, and potential grants. This is a great opportunity not to be missed! Find out more 👇 https://lnkd.in/e4BvWGFB #STRIDEDorset #Innovation #BusinessSupport #DigitalDorset #UniversityofPlymouth Joanna Rufus

📢 Calling all #Dorset businesses that innovate - this is an excellent opportunity to receive support from experts and collaborate with others. Have you booked your spot yet? ⬇️ #DigitalDorset #DigitalInnovation #innovation #dorsetbusinesses #dorsetbiz

Calling all business leaders in #Dorset Are you looking to revolutionise your digital strategy or maybe streamline your social media management to save yourself time? Then look no further than the #DorsetDigitalLeadershipProgramme funded by #UKSharedProsperityFund. This digital leadership training programme offers an exclusive opportunity to master digital transformation and propel your business into the future - and at no cost to you! Cosmic UK, the training provider running the course has had great feedback from business leaders already signed up. Sandra Palmer-Snellin of Farmer Palmers recently attended her first workshop. She described the workshop as "absolutely amazing" and said it has particularly enhanced her understanding and capability in strategic digital planning. If you want to see the same benefits as Sharon, enrol in the Cosmic Digital Leadership Programme today: https://lnkd.in/e-5gpCUh #digitalleadership #digitalskills #digital #dorset #dorsetbusinesses #automation #dorsetbiz

Congratulations to fellow finalists Wessex Internet! Let's hope it's a double win for #Dorset #DigitalDorset