POOLE has topped a regional league table when it comes to innovative businesses.
The strength of sectors such as finance, IT and software has helped the town outperform every other area in the south west for the percentage of its firms which qualify as innovative businesses.
The area of the recently-abolished Borough of Poole saw 160 successful claims for research and development tax relief in 2016-17 – accounting for 2.29 per cent of businesses.
Bournemouth was fifth among the region’s 15 local authority areas, with 1.4 per cent of businesses qualifying for the relief, while the former Dorset County Council area was ninth with 1.14 per cent.
Anthony Ford, president of Poole Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: “It’s great to see so many businesses in Poole are innovators, forward thinking and may qualify for the tax relief benefits available for such entities.
“Poole is not only a town steeped in Maritime heritage – and continues to be so with the likes of Sunseeker and the success of the Poole Harbour Boat Show – but has a forward thinking and progressive attitude towards business.
“With the current regeneration and developments happening around the town, Poole will, and continues to be, a formidable place for businesses growth alongside it’s tourism roots.”
Research and development tax relief specialist Jumpstart based its innovation league table on HMRC figures.
Article originally published on Daily Echo
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