Dorset, best known for its ‘Jurassic Coast’, picturesque views and traditional foods, has seen its fintech sector quietly contribute almost £200million GVA over the last two years, while also enjoying substantial growth, according to a new report.
The ‘Dorset Fintech Ecosystem Report 2025‘, published by Whitecap Consulting in association with FinTech West, the representative body for fintech in the South West, highlights 32 per cent growth of the fintech sector in Dorset, with employment figures increasing by 10 per cent.
Since the publication of the South West FinTech Report in 2023, growth in Dorset has been enhanced by the introduction of FinTech West’s South Cost Hub in Bournemouth, which aims to help guide and support aspiring growing companies in the industry.
This community of stakeholders across the public, private and education sectors has formed a steering group and created a series of events and related activity, along with launching a regional funding initiative for fintech.
Stuart Harrison, founder of FinTech West
“When we launched the South Coast Hub with the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, we started talking about the possibility of growing fintech in the region to be bigger than tourism,” explained Stuart Harrison, founder of FinTech West.
“Having seen the vibrant level of activity and enthusiasm for collaboration here, coupled with the strength in digital technologies and finance, that’s not just a pipe dream. This report shows we’re well on track to achieve that in the next few years, bringing substantial economic benefit and helping drive GDP per capita growth, hopefully for the benefit of all who live and work here.”
High growth potential in Dorset
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have long been a thriving financial centre, home to significant global financial businesses from LV= to JP Morgan and Nationwide. The region has seen a trend of financial and professional services firms relocating jobs from London or overseas back to the UK, benefitting from its reputation as a leading centre of excellence for the financial services sector, and the unique lifestyle offered across its unique mix of villages and towns, country and coast.
Having analysed multiple regional fintech ecosystems in recent years, Whitecap says that Dorset’s story is one that promises ‘very high growth potential’. The number of fintechs in Dorset (37) is comparable to regions such as Liverpool City Region (33 in 2023), and North East (39 in 2022).
Dorset’s fintech stats. Source: Whitecap Consulting
Commenting on this growth, Councillor Rich Herrett, portfolio holder for destination, leisure and commercial operations, for the BCP Council, added: “Boasting a highly skilled talent pool, combining experienced professionals with exceptional new talent, it is an attractive business location. Working together, FinTech West and BCP Council’s Economic Development team are positive that the future of the South Coast’s FinTech centre is strong. Overall, BCP provides a dynamic and supportive environment for businesses and individuals, making it a prime location for investment and growth.”
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