Overview
Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, a dynamic area in the UK, displays a vibrant economic landscape. The region is marked by a diverse range of industries, with notable strengths in professional, scientific, technical activities, and construction. The presence of 186,381 employees and a 7.8% growth in employment indicates a healthy job market, while the emergence of sectors like mobile apps and internet platforms signifies an inclination towards digital transformation.
Employment and Business Growth
- Total Employees: 186,381. The area has seen a robust growth in employment, with a 7.8% increase. This suggests a thriving job market conducive to both job seekers and employers.
- Employee Raisers: 742 companies have increased their employee count, signaling positive business growth and economic expansion.
- Top Sectors by Company Count: Professional, scientific, and technical activities (4,472 companies), Construction (3,896), and Wholesale/Retail Trade (3,625) dominate the business landscape. This diversity indicates a balanced economic environment.
Sector Dynamics and Company Trends
- Top Sectors with Rising Company Numbers: Notable growth in modern sectors like Mobile Apps and Internet Platforms, with each having 4 new companies. This trend reflects the region’s adaptability to new technological advancements.
- Scale-ups: 134 scale-up companies, indicative of a nurturing environment for business growth and expansion.
- New Companies in Last 2 Years: 4,053, showcasing a fertile ground for entrepreneurship and new business ventures.
Business Continuity
- Company Cessations: 3,179 companies ceased, a number to be analyzed in the context of new company formations and overall economic trends.
- Dead Companies: The presence of 31,790 ‘dead’ companies could reflect market saturation or competitive dynamics in certain sectors.
Intellectual Property and Innovation
- Patent Owners: 376, indicating a healthy innovation ecosystem.
- Grantees: 6, which could point to the region’s engagement in research and development activities.
Diversity and Leadership
- Founders’ Gender: 16.27% female founders, 82.30% male, showing a gender gap in entrepreneurship that may require targeted initiatives for balance.
- Directors’ Gender: 28.83% female and 67.06% male directors, reflecting a similar trend in corporate leadership.
- Age Distribution of Directors: A broad age distribution among directors, with a notable proportion (30.09%) over 60 years of age, suggesting experienced leadership.
Conclusion
Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole exhibit a thriving and diverse economic landscape, with a strong presence in traditional sectors and an emerging focus on technology and innovation. While the employment growth and the number of new companies are encouraging, the gender gap in entrepreneurship and leadership, along with a significant number of company cessations, present areas for targeted improvement.