What Does the Future Hold for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole? BCP's Ambitious Growth Plans Discussed

From major investment and town centre regeneration to creating jobs, developing skills and embracing artificial intelligence, the future of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole was firmly on the agenda at a recent local business networking event.

Business leaders, educators and representatives from BCP Council came together at BOMO House in Bournemouth for Chewing the Fat, a free-to-attend networking and discussion event organised by local entrepreneur Dan Ware.

The event provided an opportunity for members of the local business community to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), with a particular focus on the area's ambitious 10-year Growth Plan.

With significant investment opportunities, regeneration projects and plans to strengthen the local economy, the discussion raised an important question:

How can Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole fulfil their potential as somewhere people want to live, work, invest and build their futures?

A New Vision for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

One of the key speakers was Anema Matin, BCP Council's Director of Investment and Development, whose responsibilities include regeneration, housing delivery and town centre economic development.

Anema explained that one of the challenges facing BCP has been the absence of a single, clear vision communicating the area's economic strengths and investment potential.

Despite its thriving business community, universities, maritime industries, financial services sector and growing digital economy, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have often been recognised nationally primarily for their beaches and tourism.

The council's new 10-year Growth Plan aims to change that.

Rather than another strategy document, the plan is intended to identify tangible opportunities for investment, regeneration and economic growth over the next decade.

The ambition is to position BCP as a competitive location for businesses and investors while improving opportunities for residents.

Anema emphasised that the plan is intended to drive real investment and change, rather than simply becoming another council document.

Unlocking Millions of Pounds in Investment and Regeneration

Perhaps one of the most significant discussions centred on the scale of investment required to unlock development opportunities across the area.

According to figures shared by Anema at the event, approximately £79 million could be needed to unlock regeneration sites owned by BCP Council.

A further £150 million could be required to progress stalled development sites associated with around 7,000 consented homes across the conurbation.

These figures highlight both the opportunities available and the financial challenges involved in delivering major regeneration projects.

However, there are already examples of substantial investment activity.

Anema highlighted approximately £750 million of investment associated with major planning applications supported by the council this year, including developments involving Bournemouth Airport, AFC Bournemouth and JP Morgan.

JP Morgan's expansion alone was discussed as representing investment of more than £350 million.

These projects have the potential to support employment, attract businesses and increase economic activity across the area.

However, speakers acknowledged that attracting investment is only part of the challenge. Making BCP an easier place in which to invest and develop is equally important.

Making Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole More Attractive to Investors

One of the Growth Plan's priorities is creating a clearer, more coordinated approach to inward investment.

Currently, businesses and developers can face challenges navigating different organisations, planning processes and sources of support.

The proposed solution is to establish a single point of contact for businesses and investors interested in opportunities across BCP.

This would bring together information about investment opportunities, key industries, business support and ongoing assistance.

Planning was also discussed, with acknowledgement that delays and complicated processes can discourage potential investors.

Anema encouraged businesses experiencing difficulties with planning or development to engage directly with the council and share their experiences.

She also highlighted the importance of ensuring that investors have a positive experience when engaging with the area.

After all, an investor who encounters unnecessary barriers or delays may choose to take their investment elsewhere.

The message was clear: attracting investment requires more than identifying opportunities. It also means creating an environment where businesses feel confident investing their money.

Creating Better Jobs and Opportunities for Young People

Another major theme was the importance of developing local talent and ensuring young people have opportunities to build successful careers without necessarily leaving Dorset.

Dan Ware, Chair of the BCP Growth Board, spoke passionately about wanting Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to become a genuine alternative to cities such as London, Bristol and Brighton.

For many young people, moving away can feel like the only route to accessing certain careers and opportunities.

The Growth Plan aims to strengthen connections between employers, colleges, universities and businesses to help change that.

The discussion also explored how education must adapt to the changing demands of employers.

With artificial intelligence transforming industries and entry-level roles, developing practical skills, creativity, communication and adaptability is becoming increasingly important.

Dan also highlighted the need for young people to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, whether they eventually establish their own businesses or apply those skills within existing organisations.

The Important Role of Bournemouth & Poole College

Phil Sayles, Principal of Bournemouth & Poole College, provided insight into the vital role further education plays in supporting the local economy.

The college works with approximately 700 businesses and trains more than 2,000 apprentices annually, helping employers develop the skilled workforce they need.

It also supports around 3,000 adults through skills courses each year, alongside thousands of young people studying technical and vocational qualifications.

Phil emphasised that university is not necessarily the right pathway for everyone.

Many young people have valuable practical abilities and talents that can be developed through apprenticeships, vocational training and employment.

He also highlighted the importance of what he calls human skills.

Communication, teamwork, resilience, creativity and the ability to build relationships are increasingly valuable in a world where technology is changing how businesses operate.

For employers across Dorset, developing these skills will be essential to building a strong and adaptable workforce.

The discussion also raised concerns about the reduction in part-time employment opportunities for young people.

These early experiences of work, particularly in industries such as hospitality, can play an important role in developing confidence, communication skills and workplace experience.

Phil stressed that education should be closely connected to the needs of employers, helping students develop not only qualifications but the practical abilities required to succeed in the workplace.

Could BCP Become a Leading Centre for AI and Technology?

Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies were another important focus.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole already have an established reputation in financial services, digital media and technology.

Major employers such as JP Morgan, Vitality and LV= contribute to the area's economic strength, while local universities and colleges support the development of new talent.

The Growth Plan identifies opportunities to build on these foundations by attracting technology businesses, supporting startups and encouraging investment in emerging industries.

However, the discussion also acknowledged the challenges AI presents.

As businesses increasingly adopt automation, some traditional entry-level employment opportunities may become harder to access.

This creates an important challenge for educators, employers and policymakers: ensuring young people continue to gain the experience and skills needed to progress into successful careers.

It also reinforces the importance of developing skills that complement technology, rather than relying on technology alone.

Changing Perceptions: Why BCP Needs a Joined-Up Message

One of the most important themes throughout the discussion was the need to change how Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are perceived, both locally and nationally.

While the area has enormous economic potential, conversations about BCP can often be dominated by negative headlines, challenges facing our town centres and comparisons with how things used to be.

Yet Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have much more to offer than their beautiful coastline.

The area is home to successful international businesses, innovative entrepreneurs, leading educational institutions, advanced manufacturing, financial services and a thriving creative sector.

Dan Ware made the point that the beach should be seen as the backdrop to BCP's story, rather than the story itself.

But changing perceptions cannot be achieved by the council or Growth Board alone.

During the discussion, Liz Hutchings, Founder and Managing Director of Total Guide to Dorset, Total Marketing and Total Business Network , raised the importance of creating a consistent, positive narrative about the area, with local media, businesses, community groups and ambassadors all playing their part.

Liz commented:"We all have a responsibility to help shape how Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are perceived. Of course, we need to talk openly about the challenges, but we also need to celebrate what's happening here, the businesses investing, the people making a difference and the opportunities ahead.

"From the local media and business community to residents and ambassadors for our towns, imagine the impact if we were all working together to tell a more joined-up, positive story about BCP. We have so much to be proud of, but we need to get better at shouting about it."

As a local media platform promoting businesses, attractions, events and opportunities across Dorset, Total Guide to Dorset sees first-hand the innovation, investment and entrepreneurial spirit that exists throughout the area.

A more coordinated approach to communicating these successes could help strengthen confidence among residents, encourage investment and improve how BCP is viewed beyond the region.

Importantly, creating a positive narrative does not mean ignoring genuine challenges.

It means ensuring that the area's achievements, ambitions and opportunities receive as much attention as the issues that need addressing.

Four Priorities for BCP's Future Growth

The BCP Growth Board brings together representatives from major businesses, education, industry and the public sector to help deliver the area's economic ambitions.

Its work is focused on four key priorities:

1. Inward Investment
Attracting businesses, funding and development opportunities to the area, while making it easier for organisations to invest.

2. Talent and Skills
Connecting education with employers, supporting young people and creating better career opportunities for local residents.

3. Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
Supporting innovation, future industries and the adoption of new technologies to strengthen the local economy.

4. BCP's Economic Identity
Building a stronger, more recognisable story about the area's strengths, achievements and ambitions to attract investment and encourage local pride.

What Does This Mean for Local Businesses and Residents?

Although much of the discussion focused on economic development and business investment, the potential impact extends far beyond the business community.

Successful regeneration could help revitalise town centres, create employment opportunities and encourage more businesses to establish themselves locally.

Investment in education and skills could give young people more choices about their futures.

A stronger local economy could also benefit independent businesses, hospitality venues, retailers and the many organisations that depend on thriving local communities.

For residents, the ultimate measure of success will be whether these ambitions translate into visible improvements across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Of course, significant challenges remain.

Funding pressures, planning processes, stalled development sites and the changing employment landscape will all influence how quickly progress can be made.

And while there is considerable enthusiasm for the Growth Plan, delivering meaningful change will require sustained collaboration between the council, businesses, educators and the wider community.

The Importance of Bringing Local People Together

Events such as Chewing the Fat demonstrate the value of bringing together people who care about the future of their local area.

Hosted at BOMO House, the free networking event encourages open conversations about the issues affecting Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Rather than simply discussing challenges, the aim is to explore opportunities, share ideas and encourage greater collaboration.

With business owners, decision-makers and community representatives contributing different perspectives, these discussions can play an important role in shaping the future of the area.

It also highlights how valuable it can be for local businesses and residents to engage directly with those involved in shaping the area's economic future.

Looking Ahead: What's Next for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole?

There is no shortage of ambition for the future of BCP.

From major regeneration and infrastructure investment to technology, education and job creation, the Growth Plan outlines opportunities to strengthen the local economy over the next decade.

But the real test will be turning these ambitions into measurable progress.

There is also a responsibility for the wider community to support that progress, whether through investing in local businesses, championing the area or helping to create a more positive and consistent narrative about its future.

For residents and businesses across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, the coming years could be significant.

What would you most like to see change across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole?

Whether it's improvements to our town centres, better employment opportunities, new investment or support for independent businesses, we'd love to hear your thoughts.

Total Guide to Dorset will continue following developments affecting the future of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, sharing news, business updates and opportunities across the area.

VIEW GROWTH PLAN HERE