BOURNEMOUTH and Poole’s digital economy grew in value by almost 70 per cent in four years and employs nearly 14,000 people, a report has revealed.

Tech Nation 2016 is a successor to the report which last year concluded that the area had the fastest-growing digital economy in the country.

The new version no longer measures the number of start-up companies to assess growth. But says the industry employs 13,965 people locally and grew by 68 per cent in gross value added (GVA) from 2010-14, to £350million.

The average salary in the digital tech industries of Bournemouth and Poole was £37,519 and the sector grew by 15 per cent in employment and 39 per cent by turnover in the same period.

It also shows the area has one of the highest ‘digital densities’ in the country – the percentage of such firms as a proportion of local businesses. Only Brighton and Reading & Bracknell have higher figures.

It was also joint eighth for percentage increase in employment in the sector, at 15 per cent.

Graduate talent and local networks were key factors boosting the industry locally. Its key sectors included telecommunications and networking; data management and analytics; app and software development; and social networks.

The Tech Nation report is produced by Tech City UK, the government-backed organisation aimed at helping digital businesses grow, and the ‘innovation charity’ Nesta, which led the collection of the data.

Matt Desmier, who organises Bournemouth’s Silicon Beach conference, said: “Tech Nation 2016 once again shows that digital tech businesses are powering the economic growth of Bournemouth and Poole.

“The area’s specialisms in digital marketing, telecommunications and apps and software development are giving the cluster a nationwide reputation for excellence. As digital tech businesses are enabling disruption across a wide range of traditionally non-digital industries, this will ensure the success and growth of this cluster for years to come.”

Duncan Cook, of Westbourne-based app developer 3 Sided Cube, said: “Having close working relationships with the local community of digital companies in Bournemouth and Poole has been of huge benefit to 3 Sided Cube.

“The ability to share ideas and expertise across a collaborative cluster enables our business to grow faster and more sustainably. The digital tech ecosystem here is fantastic for starting and growing a digital tech business, and Bournemouth and Poole is rightly being recognised as a leading environment for digital tech entrepreneurs.”

The report quotes Mike Hawkyard, MD of Bournemouth-based Amuzo, whose work includes Lego’s online Star Wars and superhero games.

He said of the town: “It’s just a fantastic place to live and I don’t believe that geographic location is a barrier to working with international clients any more at all.”

Ed Vaizey, minister for the digital economy, said of the report: Tech Nation 2016 sets out how digital tech innovation is disrupting the UK economy, creating high-quality employment opportunities and driving productivity nationwide.”