Dorset scores 974 on the UK Local Growth Index, placing it 189th of 361 local authorities and 26 points below the UK benchmark of 1,000. Its ESG pillar is the clear bright spot, sitting 31 points above the UK benchmark. Scaling is the weakest area, ranking 316th nationally and pulling the composite score down.
Dorset's composite score of 974 is built from four pillars: Innovation, Scaling, Investment and ESG, weighted at 30%, 30%, 30% and 10% respectively.
The index measures the characteristics of active companies in each authority, with corporate groups counted once. Because scores are averaged across those companies rather than summed, a large authority with many companies does not automatically outscore a smaller one, making this a fair comparison between authorities of very different sizes.
A score of 1,000 represents the UK as a whole, so Dorset's 974 places it modestly below the national average. The likely range of 966 to 982 shows how much the score could move with a slightly different mix of companies in the area; a score is only published when that range is narrow enough to rely on.
South West
Each dot shows the pillar score on a scale where the UK as a whole scores 1,000, marked by the line. The paler band is the likely range. The composite weights Innovation, Scaling and Investment 30% each and ESG 10%.
How Dorset's composite score of 974 is built up, pillar by pillar.
Innovation
987
Above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−13 points against the UK · Likely range 977–997 · 30% of the composite
Innovation covers patents, academic spinouts, R&D grant value, innovative sector tags and IS-8 sector membership. Dorset ranks 133rd of 361 authorities on this pillar, sitting 13 points below the UK benchmark, and outperforms 63.2% of authorities, placing it in a solid middle-ground position nationally.
Tagged with any industry or buzzword on a curated list of innovative sectors, for example chips, biotechnology, quantum, AI, data, SaaS, FinTech and CleanTech. About 2.5% of companies.
Tagged with any of the eight IS-8 sectors: advanced manufacturing, clean energy, creative industries, digital and technologies, financial services, life sciences, professional and business services, and defence. About 18% of companies.
We publish a score for each pillar, not for the measures inside it. The percentage beside each measure is how much it counts towards the pillar score. Select the lock to see the companies behind a measure on the Beauhurst platform.
Scaling
959
Well below average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−41 points against the UK · Likely range 946–972 · 30% of the composite
The Scaling pillar captures whether companies are scaleups, their headcount growth over recent years, and accelerator participation. At 959, Dorset ranks 316th of 360 authorities and sits 41 points below the UK benchmark, outperforming only 12.2% of authorities. This is the area where Dorset's companies lag the most relative to the rest of the country.
Annualised three-year employee growth rate over the latest four years of accounts, including group accounts, for companies with five or more employees at the start (capped). All other companies count as zero.
We publish a score for each pillar, not for the measures inside it. The percentage beside each measure is how much it counts towards the pillar score. Select the lock to see the companies behind a measure on the Beauhurst platform.
Investment
957
Above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−43 points against the UK · Likely range 941–973 · 30% of the composite
Investment measures equity-raising activity, the total value of equity raised in the last five years, and whether companies completed their first-ever equity deal recently. Dorset's score of 957 places it 134th of 360 authorities, 43 points below the UK benchmark, and ahead of 62.8% of authorities, suggesting a broadly mid-table position on access to external capital.
Whether the company's first equity deal ever was in the last five years. A first-time raiser always counts as an equity raiser too.
We publish a score for each pillar, not for the measures inside it. The percentage beside each measure is how much it counts towards the pillar score. Select the lock to see the companies behind a measure on the Beauhurst platform.
ESG
1,031
Above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+31 points against the UK · Likely range 1,019–1,043 · 10% of the composite
The ESG pillar reflects clean energy activity, other green activity, environmental accolades, social and governance signals, and not-for-profit proxy status. At 1,031, Dorset is 31 points above the UK benchmark and ranks 125th of 361 authorities, outperforming 65.4% of all areas. This is Dorset's strongest pillar and the only one to sit above the national benchmark.
Is limited by guarantee without share capital, a rough indicator of non-profit status.
We publish a score for each pillar, not for the measures inside it. The percentage beside each measure is how much it counts towards the pillar score. Select the lock to see the companies behind a measure on the Beauhurst platform.
Compared to Dorset
The chart below places Dorset's composite score of 974 alongside its neighbouring authorities in the South West region, where it sits 32 points below the regional average of 1,006.
Dorset scores 974 on the UK Local Growth Index, placing it 189th of 361 local authorities and 26 points below the UK benchmark of 1,000.
How does Dorset compare to the rest of the South West?
Dorset ranks 22nd of 27 authorities in the South West region and sits 32 points below the regional average of 1,006.
Which pillar is Dorset's strongest?
ESG is Dorset's strongest pillar, with a score of 1,031, which is 31 points above the UK benchmark and ranks 125th of 361 authorities nationally.
Where does Dorset rank on Scaling?
Dorset ranks 316th of 360 authorities on Scaling, with a score of 959, placing it 41 points below the UK benchmark. It is the authority's weakest pillar and outperforms only 12.2% of areas nationally.
How many active companies does Dorset have?
The index covers 26,503 active companies in Dorset, with corporate groups counted once.
How does Dorset rank within its county?
Dorset ranks 2nd of 2 authorities in the county, with a score of 974, level with the county average.
Explore the data behind the index
Every score on this page is built from real, named company activity, patent filings, fundraisings, spinouts and scaleups. Book a call to see the data behind any authority's score, and how Beauhurst can support your work.
