DORSET has made its case to government for the Great South West initiative, which supporters say would be worth £45billion and 190,000 jobs in the region over 15 years.

The county was among those formally presenting a prospectus to growth minister Jake Berry.

Supporters want the government to recognise a “growth alliance” which would be the region’s equivalent of the Northern Powerhouse and the Midlands Engine.

Jim Stewart, chair of Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership and chief executive of Poole Harbour Commissioners, was among the delegation from across the south west.

He said: “Our alliance as the Great South West provides an opportunity to work at scale on common interests – connecting our rural communities, making the most of our natural assets to drive tourism and productivity and focusing on cleaner, smarter growth.

“Today, we have presented a united proposal to the Minister highlighting the need for investment in digital technology and automation, and providing better access to training and education. This is pivotal to driving productivity in our region, particularly as we strive to become the leader for the green and blue economies in the UK.”

Mr Berry said: “This government is committed to levelling up every part of the country and giving people the opportunities to unlock their full potential wherever they live.

“We’re already investing over £415million from our Local Growth Fund in exciting and innovative projects across the South West like Spaceport Cornwall, the Somerset Innovation Centre and the Port of Poole.

“I am looking forward to working with local leaders to explore how we build on this investment and the many strengths of this region to create thousands of jobs, boost business and grow the economy so people across the South West can benefit for generations to come.”

The Great South West prospectus includes an ambition to make the area the first net zero carbon region in the UK. It includes a focus on creating world-leading growth in the ‘green’ and ‘blue’ – land-based and marine-based – economies.