Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are home to a thriving and varied manufacturing and engineering sector with specialisms in aerospace, defence and marine.

It is here that the bath bomb was created in a garden shed in 1989 and continues to be manufactured by LUSH, creators of pioneering beauty products who now operate in over 52 countries with 928 global shops and where the Astro Lamp later known as the Lava lamp was designed in 1963 and continues to be manufactured by Mathmos. It is also where in the 1970’s the founder of the internet Sir Tim Berners-Lee started his career as an engineer for Plessey Telecom in Poole (which later amalgamated into Siemens Communications).

The area was home to pioneering aviator Sir Alan Cobham who designed and manufactured aerial refuelling equipment which broke new ground, enabling the first round-the-world flight by specially equipped Boeing B-50 Super fortresses. Cobham Limited still has its HQ in Bournemouth having been originally founded by Sir Alan Cobham as Flight Refuelling Limited. In 2020 Draken International acquired Cobham Aviation Services and now HQ Draken Europe from Bournemouth Airport, Christchurch.

Engineering and manufacturing businesses choose Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole for many reasons:

• A vibrant and dynamic supply chain supported by key national trade associations and sector organisations.

• A Port and two harbours providing strong links to mainland Europe, Channel Islands and Santander.

• The Port of Southampton Container Terminal within 1 hour.

• Co-locating with global leaders in engineering and manufacturing including: Trident Marine Systems, AVIC Cabin Systems, BAE Systems, Siemens, Honeywell, AEC Walker, LUSH and Curtiss-Wright.

• It is home to Bournemouth International Airport offering direct links to 36 European destinations, as well as the fastest growing cargo-hub. Southampton Airport is accessible in under an hour, Bristol, London Heathrow and London Gatwick are within 2 hours.

• Excellent universities (Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth) and colleges with specialisms in aerospace and marine related research and education. Plus close links to 11 neighbouring universities and the National Composite Centre, the South West’s “Catapult Centre” located at Bristol & Bath Science Park and Satellite Applications Catapult, the Defence BattleLab at Dorset Innovation Park and iAero in Yeovil.

• A superb quality of life - acting as a magnet for skilled people.