Poole

With a population of around 147,645 in 2011, it is the largest coastal city and situated on the south coast of the United Kingdom. The history of the city can be found back before the Iron Age with the settlement of Romans in the town. The town developed as the busiest port in the 12^th century and recognized as staple port for exporting wool. The city had strong and successful trade links with North America and prosperity began with the export of wool trade.

The mercantile industry boomed during the era of urbanisation and the industrial revolution. Later on, the port was unable to accommodate the large ships in the shallow harbour. The city served as a departing site for Normandy landings and base for development of combined operations during Second World War. The city was targeted by German bombers and faced economic decline during the period of war. The city redeveloped by replacing old medieval buildings with terraced housing and Georgian mansions and to preserve old historical buildings, Conservation area was developed in the centre of the city. Poole Harbour is the second largest harbour in the world and also the home of migrating birds.

Economy

The major sectors contributing towards the growth of the city are manufacturing and service sector employing 16.8% and 78.7% of workforce respectively. Employers in service sector shifted their base to the city resulted in the economic growth and productivity. Poole serves as a headquarter of motor yachts, the largest manufacturer of shipyards and Animal, a clothing company. The city’s largest shopping centre, Dolphin comprising 110 stores and 1400 parking spaces was opened in 1969. Other employers in the city are Siemens, Lush, Barclays Bank, American Express Bank and Merlin Entertainments.

Education

The city has leading vocational and academic college ‘Bournemouth and Poole College’of the country and attracts more than 15,000 students every year. A large number of junior, primary, secondary and special schools are built in the city providing quality education to the students.