POOLE has been named as one of the country’s hotspots for the high value manufacturing which could boost growth in the UK.

The town is a new entrant at number 11 in a national league table compiled by Advanced Engineering 2018, an industry show being held in Birmingham.

The ranking puts Poole ahead of traditional manufacturing centres like Coventry, Birmingham, Southampton and Manchester.

High value manufacturing is usually defined as the application of leading-edge technical knowledge to create products which can bring sustainable growth.

Paul Parsons, managing director of ASC Process Systems in Poole, said: “What an achievement for the area.

“Securing a top 20 place in the advanced manufacturing hotspots league table shows how important engineering it to Poole. We are pleased to be flying the flag for the area at Advanced Engineering 2018.”

Advanced Engineering compiled an “impact score” based on the number of visitors from each area to last year’s show and the number of exhibitors registered so far this year, taking into account travel factors. The show is on October 31 and November 1 at the NEC.

Alison Willis, industrial divisional director at Easyfairs, organiser of the show, said: “There is a wealth of advanced engineering talent in Poole, and this is demonstrated by the town securing its place in the top 20 of our high value manufacturing hotspots league table.”

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: "This is fantastic news for Poole and a great endorsement of the tremendous engineering businesses we have in Poole.

"We have many leading engineering business based in the town, often operating on a global level and embracing the latest innovation and technology in their production processes."

Anthony Ford, president of Poole Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: “This further demonstrates that whilst many people believe tourism and technology are some of the key economic generating sectors within the area, it is in fact manufacturing, and in particular the engineering sector, which is becoming known for providing some of the best high value engineering within the UK. I’m certainly pleased that Poole has now been formally recognised as a hotspot.

“Highlighting this achievement will not only provide a boost for the local economy but also draw in new businesses to help support those manufacturers within their supply chain, which all moves to create greater employment opportunities across the town.”

Phil Whitehurst, chief executive of Actisense – manufacturer of innovative marine electronics in Harwell Road, Poole – said: “This is excellent news for Poole and we are delighted to have, in part, contributed to this success alongside many other dynamic local businesses.

“Over the last 20 years, we have seen the town establish an excellent reputation not just in the UK but around the world as a home of both manufacturing expertise and innovation.

“Looking to the future, we hope this will encourage more manufacturers to realise opportunities in our growing local economy. Poole is well connected to the rest of the world and has access to a diverse range of sectors. This makes it an attractive location for investment. We also have a regional business community which is passionate about supporting educators and inspiring more young people to consider worthwhile STEM careers locally.”