I went to the second of the Connected Bournemouth series of discussions and networking events, at the Steele Raymond offices last night. When we talk of Bournemouth, we mean the larger conurbation that encompasses Christchurch through to Poole in reality.

There was a short talk by Chris Thorpe about robots, automation and Artificial Intelligence and the impacts that will bring to the employment. This was really interesting, an eye opener and very worrying if it all comes true.

The central theme of the night's event was about how to give Bournemouth access to the best talented workforce. How to entice and retain?

We broke off into smaller discussion groups and the feedback collated with the aim of the council enacting on key points raised.

This was my view.

Bournemouth has previously suffered from its sleepy seaside resort image, full of the older retired generation. Things have changed massively over the past two decades since I have been here.

There are many things that people probably don't know, so aside from the Digital economy that has got a lot of press lately plus the tourism and financial sectors, Bournemouth has one of the largest language school economies in the UK. This contributes hugely to the local economy for the schools themselves, families taking on students, local spending and related tourism.

There are also premium global brands like Sunseeker and healthy artisan food and drink scene. Local gins, sparkling wines that are served at the Savoy in London, iced coffees and home to UK Bartender of the Year.

Recent stats show that there has been net migration increase in the 30+ age group. Whilst we may want more of the University students to stay and work, it is really a small level at only 3%. I think when you are at that age and have spent 3 or 4 years in the same spot, you will probably want a change and be lured away by the bright lights.

But, as the 30+ years postive net migration shows, once people have seen the lifestyle that can be had in Dorset, it makes for an easy decision to "return". I myself moved down from the North East for work and to start a new life here. That story can continue by showing people it is a great place to live as well as having the investment and infrastructure for new businesses to start. Those "returners" can bring new skills and experiences to the area.

There is a good level of business diversity here in terms of sectors and sizes, but that has its own issues in terms of recruitment. We need small businesses to startup and thrive, but the large companies can skew salary expectations especially in IT and digital. We need investment in schools and colleges so they can feed the right people and skills straight into the smaller businesses.

This leads onto housing and living costs. We cannot let this get out of hand, as to disrupt the diversity and vibrancy of this growing town.

We need to promote the different lifestyle success stories that abound here - through different channels and mediums. We need to embrace what the area has to offer. We need to embrace this is a place where people want to raise families. Finally, we need to embrace the fact that people want to retire here - I certainly do.