Oral QuestionDepartment for Business and Trade

What steps he is taking to help increase economic growth in coastal communities.

Tabled: 22 January 2026Answered: 29 January 2026

Asked by

Jessica Toale

LabourBournemouth West

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Business and Trade

Answer from Hansard

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

The Government are committed to supporting growth in coastal areas such as Bournemouth West. The partnership between Business Growth Dorset and the new business growth service makes it easier for firms to access tailored support. The Department for Business and Trade is also strengthening the conditions for investment and helping high-value sectors such as advanced engineering, aerospace and digital industries to expand. Through national programmes supporting investment, exports and innovation, alongside Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council’s economic strategy, we will ensure that Bournemouth’s businesses benefit fully from UK-wide measures to boost economic growth.