PURBECK District Council’s £2m Prospect Business Park has won an award.

The council has been commended in the Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) Small Business Friendly Award programme for creating the trading estate in Swanage.

Companies Jade Aden and D&P Lovell Ltd have already developed two of the 30 plots, and all the remaining units have been sold or are subject to contract.

Dorset FSB chairman David Ramsden said: “We are delighted to acknowledge Purbeck District Council within our Small Business Friendly Award programme.

“The business park in Swanage is clearly a major investment to support small businesses and has created some first class business units.

“Developing workspace for the creation of over 100 jobs can only help the employment growth and diversification in Swanage.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the council in encouraging micro and small business development within the district.”

Earlier this month district councillors criticised a report by workforce firm Manpower, which concluded average annual salaries in Purbeck were among the worst in the south west.

On the FSB commendation, Purbeck District Council leader Cllr Gary Suttle said: “The Prospect Business Park was a brave attempt to invest in the future of Swanage during the depths of the recession.

“This is by far the biggest investment the district council has ever made to provide employment in the district.

“The project would not have been possible without public sector gap funding from the council or the support of the former South West Regional Development Agency and everyone involved who contributed to the delivery of this business park.”