Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Economic Growth: Coastal Communities

Thursday 29 January 2026 · 1 question

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Jessica Toale highlighted Bournemouth and Poole as leaders in tourism, leisure, digital, and creative industries.
  • The Minister mentioned the 380 million creative industries sector plan to boost innovation, skills, and access to finance nationwide.
  • The plan benefits businesses including those in Jessica Toale's constituency through a strong talent pipeline from local universities.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jessica Toale Lab Bournemouth West
Education Economy Business & Trade
Context

MP raises concerns about economic diversification beyond tourism and leisure, highlighting the digital and creative industries as a key sector. The Sunday Times ranks two local firms among Britain's fastest-growing tech businesses.

Question

Bournemouth and Poole are premier tourism and leisure destinations but also leaders in the digital and creative industries. Two businesses in my constituency, Content Ignite and Iplicit, have been ranked in the top 50 fastest-growing tech businesses by The Sunday Times. Could the Minister please expand on how this Government are supporting fast-growing high-value industries in coastal towns such as mine?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Blair McDougall)

Through the £380 million creative industries sector plan, we are boosting innovation, skills and access to finance nationwide. This helps firms including those in her constituency. Businesses also benefit from a strong talent pipeline coming from local universities.

Partly answered
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