REGIONAL business chiefs are partnering up to create a strategy that could bring tens of thousands of pounds of investment to the south coast.

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is partnering with Solent LEP to create a new industrial strategy which will set out a long-term plan to boost productivity and bring investment to Dorset and the Solent region.

The proposed strategy will build on local strengths and deliver on economic opportunities, with a particular focus on the visitor and maritime sectors.

In Dorset, attention will be given to transport links which are cited as the county's number one impediment to business growth, followed by recruitment, housing and broadband access.

It comes after the LEP said at their annual business conference that the state of Dorset’s road network was the county’s biggest barrier to economic growth,

In a joint statement, both LEPs said: "Solent and Dorset LEP have been exploring a range of shared agendas. This builds on broader existing collaborations with all LEPs in the South West of England.

"Both LEP Boards have expressed a desire to explore, in partnership with Government, the potential development of a Local Industrial Strategy.

"Both LEPs recognise that there is a range of areas where collaboration should be explored, particularly given common strengths in, for example, the visitor and maritime sectors.

"Discussions are at an early stage and both boards are looking forward continuing the dialogue with a view to exploring new growth opportunities for both areas."

Ian Girling, chief executive of the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “It is essential there is a clear focus on partnership between the public and private sectors in terms of economic development and we look forward to working with the Dorset LEP in taking this plan forward.”

Councillor Gary Suttle, leader of Purbeck District Council and chair of Dorset Leaders’ Growth Board, said: "As a county, we are ready to play a major role in developing world-class industries supported by the infrastructure and skills that they need locally.

"In partnership with the Dorset LEP and Dorset's industries we look forward to working with Government in the planning and delivery of the Industrial Strategy and to help boost growth and productivity."