PURBECK District Council has won a Federation of Small Business award for stepping in to shore up confidence at Dorset Green Technology Park.

FSB officials handed the local authority a high commended award from its small business friendly programme, for its action's at the business park after the site's owners went into liquidation in 2014.

Back then the district council quickly pledged to 'reinvigorate' the technology park, backed by a commitment to inject £927,000 of its own funds into the site.

This was match-funded by County Hall, and beefed-up with a £600,000 government grant secured through the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership.

Announcing the award, FSB development manager Neil Eames said: "Small businesses are vital to the local economy and council support is essential.

"We are delighted to acknowledge Purbeck District Council for their work with the Dorset Green Technology Park, which will provide modern functional workspace for small businesses and opportunities and an environment in which new businesses can be supported to prosper and grow."

The district and Dorset County Council is set to acquire 6.2 hectares of open land at the site, near Wool, where additional 20 small workplace units will soon be constructed.

PDC leader Cllr Gary Suttle said: "When the site owners went into receivership the district council took decisive action to save the site from total collapse.

"Our commitment to invest in Dorset Green has restored confidence to the existing companies on the site, including a world-class advanced engineering company which has just announced its own ambitious business expansion plans.

"Public and private investment secures the future of the site for high quality employment use, as well as addressing the expressed demand for modern fit for purpose small workspace.

"Jointly we have secured the future of 400 existing and 100 new jobs."