Too often, the perception of Bournemouth, and surrounding area, is either a sleepy retirement haven or a stag/hen destination.

But the truth is very different.

And none more so than in the digital and creative sector.

Especially in the wider BCP area where there is a flourishing hub of agencies punching well above their weight.

The actual number is put at more than 5,000.

Now eight leading digital, creative and tech agencies have thrown aside competitive differences to highlight the work being done in Dorset.

Appius, April Six, Beep Digital, CHS, Cold Banana, EPM, Make Studio, and Talk Think Do have joined forces with local network, Silicon South.

They aim to give the world a glimpse into what it’s like working in one of the UK’s  fastest-growing digital and creative hubs.

Anthony Story, pictured left, Director of Silicon South, said: “As an industry network, we’ve seen incredible work coming out of Bournemouth for years.

“With clients from US start-ups to global brands – like Porsche, Lakeland and Osprey – agencies across the region are producing cutting edge tech, design and content every day.

“Frustratingly, too few people know it’s created here.

“That’s what the work.life.better campaign wants to change.”

To support the campaign, Silicon South has created a window to display the expanse of top-class work being produced by the agencies at siliconsouth.org.uk/work-life-better.

New content will be aggregated and updated every day and 16 videos launched as part of the work.life.better series.

The page also has a map identifying some of the 5,000+ digital, creative and tech companies in the greater Bournemouth region.

Matt Hammond, pictured left, Software Architect and Founder of Wimborne-based tech firm Talk Think Do, said, “I founded Talk Think Do in 2014, and now have a 30-strong team of software engineers and tech specialists.

“Knowing first-hand the potential BCP has to offer, we are proud to support this campaign that champions the breadth of innovative organisations thriving along the coast.

“I see huge growth potential for the tech sector in Dorset and anticipate our coastal destination becoming a leading tech hub in the UK.

“Talk Think Do is on a mission to create greater employment opportunity for tech & IT professionals in BCP, combining class-leading innovation with an exceptional working culture.

“I truly believe Dorset-based businesses can offer the best of every world; a fulfilling and impressive career, a beautiful landscape to explore and a creative and welcoming network of peers.”

Sam Smith, pictured left, Managing Director of Parley-based April Six, said: “We’ve been based in Bournemouth for more than 25 years, but this is the first time so many agencies have come together to support and promote our amazing creative and advertising talent.

“It’s not just that we work with clients at some of the world’s most iconic brands; our teams all enjoy near instant access to walk, cycle, run, swim, eat, drink and spend proper time with friends and families in the most beautiful locations in England.

“That’s the message we want to share – the work is award-winning and you get to enjoy life at the same time.

“You can have an amazing career without compromise.”

Throughout January and February, agencies will be throwing open their doors to offer people a chance to take a look inside and discover why the quality of both work and life is “Better in Bournemouth”.

To kickstart a week of open studio tours, on February 6, Silicon South is teaming up with Bristol Creative Industries and Wired Sussex to host a one-off webinar and podcast.

It will introduce frustrated Londoners (and isolated country dwellers) to all the perks of working with companies in the South and South West’s most thriving, creative – and friendly – cities: Bournemouth, Bristol and Brighton.

To find out more about the campaign, head to siliconsouth.org.uk/work-life-better or search #BournemouthBetter on social.

Anyone working in digital, creative or tech in the greater Bournemouth area is encouraged to use the hashtag to show what their work life is all about.

• youtube.com/@WorkLifeBetter