Living and Working In Bournemouth

Bournemouth is a popular coastal town and is situated by the English Channel in the south of England, within the county of Dorset. It is approximately 100 miles from London and has its own airport, offering both domestic and international flights, although it is smaller compared to other UK airports

It is a fairly new town, having had no settlement here apart from grazing cows in the heathlands until the early part of the nineteenth century when a gentleman named Lewis Tregonwell was persuaded by his wife to build a house there. By around 1840, Bournemouth’s potential had been recognised and a local landowner began to develop it into a seaside resort, building hotels, villas and laying out public spaces. The arrival of the railway in 1870 marked a turning point in Bournemouth’s history. The new rail link made the town more accessible from London and other parts of England, leading to a rapid increase in both population and visitors. Bournemouth’s reputation as a fashionable health resort grew, attracting wealthy Victorians looking to enjoy the seaside and the healing properties of the coastal climate. During this period, Bournemouth Pier, Bournemouth Gardens and several grand hotels were built, further boosting its popularity.

Bournemouth’s economy is diverse with several key sectors contributing to its growth. Tourism remains a cornerstone of Bournemouth’s economy, attracting millions of visitors each year. The town is famous for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, cultural attractions and proximity to natural landmarks like the Jurassic Coast. Tourism related industries such as hotels, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, continue to thrive, particularly during the summer months.The hospitality sector also benefits from conferences and events held at venues like the Bournemouth International Centre.

Bournemouth has established itself as a regional hub for financial services. Many major financial companies have a significant presence in the town. The finance and insurance sectors provide a large number of highly skilled jobs, particularly in areas like banking, insurance and investment management.This sector remains robust with ongoing investment in fintech and related industries.

In recent years, Bournemouth has developed a growing reputation as a hub for tech and digital innovation. The town is part of the Silicon Valley region, known for its digital and creative industries. Sectors like web design, software development, digital marketing and gaming are key drivers of economic growth. There is a vibrant creative sector and the town’s Arts University Bournemouth contributes to its reputation as a creative hub, particularly in the fields of film, animation and design.

Education is a significant sector, driven primarily by Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth. These institutions not only employ a large number of people but attract students from all over the world. The universities contribute to the local economy through research, innovation and collaboration with various businesses.

The health and social care sector is another important contributor to Bournemouth’s economy and the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals tNHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest employers in the area.

With over fifteen miles of wonderful golden sand to explore, blue flag award beaches, fantastic gardens and parks to admire, relaxing walks by the River Bourne and charming National Trust nature reserves to appreciate, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Bournemouth takes caring for the environment seriously and there have been several exciting projects recently implemented addressing various issues.

There are plenty of traditional seaside pursuits in Bournemouth and with numerous restaurants, cafes, bars, bistros and fish and chip shops, you'll most certainly have more than enough eateries to choose from. The Oceanarium on the seafront, is where you can explore and learn about the marine ecosystems and there is also an exciting variety of available water sports as well as a number of interesting museums in the area. Add into the mixture a fantastic combination of shops and an exciting nightlife and you really couldn't ask for more.

Only around ten miles from Bournemouth, beginning at Studland, the Jurassic Coast is a spectacular UNESCO world heritage site, stretching approximately ninety five miles along southern England, showcasing some of the finest scenery in the UK. The three main centres on the Jurassic Coast include Bournemouth, Weymouth and Axminster. The New Forest National Park, known for its heathland and free roaming ponies, is also only around ten miles from Bournemouth and has charming villages such as Brockenhurst, Burley and Lyndhurst. Sandbanks is a small peninsula with sandy beaches and is a perfect choice for a luxurious beach day. Christchurch is a nearby historic town known for its riverside walks, ancient priory and pretty harbour while the Hengistbury Head nature reserve offers scenic views of the coastline and is great for bird watching and walking.

The town of Bournemouth is undoubtedly a desirable place to live. With a combination of such a stunning location, a great range of amenities and diverse job opportunities, it is little wonder that so many people are attracted to the town.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on October 25th between 10am - 2pm. The venue is Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre and Ballroom, BH1 2EW which showcases the latest events and shows. It first opened its doors in 1929 and after having undergone several redesigns during the last century, it remains a firm favourite as a choice of entertainment venue within the town.