BOURNEMOUTH’S thriving digital economy is exciting and sets an example the rest of the country can learn from, according to a BBC boss.

Peter Salmon, the head of BBC England, paid a visit to BU on Wednesday to deliver a speech to students and staff.

Referencing research published recently suggesting Bournemouth has the fastest growing digital economy in the UK – with the number of digital start-ups in the area growing by 212 per cent between 2010 and 2013 – Mr Salmon told the Daily Echo he senses a buzz around the town.

“There is this feeling that something exciting is happening in Bournemouth,” he said. “Bournemouth has got this great reputation so it makes sense to be here and I want to find out more about what Bournemouth is doing right.

“Obviously the university is doing some great things and I want to find out more about it.”

He spoke to students about careers at the corporation, which he described as ‘the cornerstone of Britain’s creative sector’ and is keen to get young people thinking earlier than ever about developing their skills.

“For better or worse we expect those joining us now to have a level of basic practical skills in the media that my generation never had,” he said.

“The environment is much more pressurised now and you are expected to do a lot more of everything for yourself.

“Even before you come to university you are probably now pretty au fait with a lot of digital skills and when you come to university it is about building on that curiosity and that interest.

“The big thing is making sure there is a pipeline of talent and skills coming through – starting with kids as young as 11.

“Once you get to secondary school you should be thinking about your digital skills. Whether that is because you want to work in the digital sector as a designer or producer, or a different sector such as banking or finance or engineering – it is all the same basic stuff you need to know.”

He said the BBC is trying to be more proactive to encourage youngsters into the industry by using its established and well-known brands to create excitement.

He added: “We need to turn that excitement into something that then feeds into the UK economy.”