Bournemouth, Business | Posted on March 9th, 2026 | return to news

Small Business Minister meets Bournemouth business owners

Blair McDougall MP attended a meeting attended by business owners and organised by Bournemouth Town Centre BID.

The UK’s Small Business Minister, Blair McDougall MP, met business leaders from across Bournemouth town centre during a roundtable discussion organised and hosted by Bournemouth Town Centre BID.

The event, held at Flirt Café, brought together local business owners from hospitality, retail, leisure and professional services, along with Jessica Toale MP for Bournemouth West.

The 25 businesses in attendance were invited to raise questions and share their experiences of operating in the current economic climate.

Key themes included the impact of rising employment costs, including National Insurance contributions and wage pressures, alongside the ongoing challenge of business rates for hospitality and retail operators.

Business owners also raised concerns around parking costs and highlighted the importance of making Bournemouth town centre more accessible to support footfall and encourage visitors into the area.

The discussion also explored challenges faced by young people entering the workforce, with businesses raising questions about how rising wage costs are affecting entry-level opportunities and the need for stronger training and workplace skills.

The ongoing issues of empty units, easing development and reducing bureaucracy were also high on the agenda.

Participants said both MPs welcomed open and honest feedback from businesses, including concerns about the pressures they are currently facing. The Minister and local MP emphasised that insights from town centre businesses help inform discussions at Westminster around the future of small business support.

Bournemouth Town Centre BID said the roundtable forms part of its ongoing work to ensure levy-paying businesses have opportunities to engage directly with decision-makers and communicate the realities of running a business in today’s economic environment.

Ali Carmichael, founder and director of Experience UX & Town Centre BID board director, said: “It was a valuable opportunity for businesses to speak directly with the Small Business Minister and our town centre MP about the challenges and opportunities facing Bournemouth town centre. As a BID, we are committed to ensuring the voices of our levy payers are heard and represented at both local and national levels.”