The wider economic perspective continues to show Bournemouth capitalising on the national diversification within the service sector and consolidating its position as one of the most prestigious business centres in the United Kingdom. JP Morgan established their Global Technology Hub in Bournemouth in the 1980s and several firms now have their regional or national headquarters in the town, including RIAS, McCarthy & Stone and LV= (Liverpool Victoria).

Although tourism is still vitally important to Bournemouth, the banking, finance and insurance sector is now the most valuable sector within the economy in terms of GDP (Gross Domestic Product). Other major growth sectors since 1991 have been Public Administration, Education and Health (25.6% increase). The emphasis is on high quality service-sector employment, reaping the benefits of a skilled local workforce combined with low wage rates relative to national levels. This growing diversity and increased economic strength is actively promoted by Bournemouth Borough Council, who are playing a fundamental role in the continued success of the local economy.

Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole are working in partnership to produce an economic development strategy which identifies a single vision and joint action plan for the whole of the sub-region. The following documents are available to download:

"Raising the Game" Economic Development Strategy 2005-2016 (pdf file, 36pp, 3mb)

MAA Summary V3 - Bournemouth Dorset & Poole Multi Area Agreement (Word document, 16pp, 113kb)

BDP MAA V6.5 - Draft Economic Strategy Action Plan for Bournemouth Dorset & Poole (pdf, 77pp, 566kb)