Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole
Dorset’s economy is dominated by Bournemouth,
Poole, Christchurch, Ferndown and Wimborne in the south east of the
county. Outside of these areas there is a network of towns
that are principally focused on tourism, creative and
agricultural-based industries.
This part of the region has a stable economy
driven by the diverse mix of sectors and by the balance of service
and manufacturing businesses. Major employers in
the area include:
Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole is one of seven
areas in the UK - and the first in the South West - which has
a formal agreement between the Government, local councils, the
South West RDA and other public sector organisations known as a
Multi-Area Agreement
(MAA).
This is designed to be a cross-boundary local area agreement
(LAA). These agreements bring together key players in flexible ways
to tackle issues that are best addressed in partnership - at a
regional and sub-regional level. Currently, this MAA aims to
boost or improve jobs, skills, transport and the environment
The South West RDA is continuing to support
Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole through key investments and strategic
leadership. We played a key role in helping to secure the
2012 Olympic sailing events at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing
Academy at Osprey Quay. We have been instrumental in the
development of the former RNAS Portland site, now named Osprey Quay and are
continuing to ensure that this site forms a key part of the
region’s economic development.
Area Director is Tony Bray, and the team is
based at the RDA's Poole office.