Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have a lot of appeal. Located on the south coast, between the Jurassic Coast to the west and New Forest to the east, the 12 miles of sandy beaches attract over 10 million tourists a year and support the employment of over 12,000 people.

Silicon beach

BCP’s strengths extend far beyond tourism. BCP has high employment, the 10th highest number of businesses per person of all UK towns and cities and the fourth highest concentration of digital and creative industries in the UK outside of London giving it the nickname ‘Silicon beach’. It is also the first 5G test bed in the UK.

Key assets

BCP also has an airport, currently serving European destinations, which has a runway long enough to operate jumbo jets. There are also two universities: Bournemouth University, renowned for its media courses and Arts University Bournemouth, with over 23,500 students between them. With AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League, Bournemouth, and the surrounding area, has become increasingly known internationally.

Business centre

There are twice as many finance and insurance companies per person than average for the UK with over 900 financial services businesses (including JP Morgan) and 250 head office operations. The Aviation Business Park, at Bournemouth International Airport, hosts national and international companies, especially those specialising in aerospace engineering and defence. Marine manufacturing and engineering companies, including Sunseeker, and the headquarters for the RNLI, are based in Poole which has the second largest natural harbour in the world.

Choice place to live

The appeal of the area makes it an attractive choice for retirees and second home owners. BCP has the highest proportion of over 65s in any UK city. As a result house prices in the highest value areas, Sandbanks and Canford Cliffs, are 3.4 times the national average at £950,000.