WHAT always amazes me about Gloucestershire is the determination, enthusiasm and passion of local businesses.
The role of GFirst LEP is to harness this passion, build links between the private and public sectors and give business the tools to drive our county's economy forward.
The progress in Gloucestershire has already been staggering.
For example, nearly 4,000 start-up businesses have been set up across the county in the last nine months.
Our vision is that by 2022, Gloucestershire will be a county with even more world class businesses and a reputation for starting, growing, attracting and retaining a diverse range of companies.
To do this, we need the right skills, strong promotion and the infrastructure that will support business growth.
We have a fantastic foundation upon which to build.
Over the next 12 months, our challenge is to build on this progress and create a business plan for growth that will secure tens of millions of pounds for Gloucestershire, from a mix of UK Government, European Union, and private sector investment.
Although ambitious, there's no doubt in my mind that it's wholly achievable by harnessing the input, knowledge and drive from local companies and other key stakeholders across the county.
From our network of Ambassadors, business groups and sector groups, we've identified three flagship initiatives to build a growth plan for Gloucestershire:
● A skills flagship that works with our schools, colleges, training providers and higher education establishments to build an education system that works seamlessly with business – driving growth and engendering passion, creativity and ambition in the people of Gloucestershire – and importantly produces people with the skills needed by our businesses.
● A Promotion flagship that identifies the core services that businesses across the county need to grow – and accesses the resource and money to make them happen, particularly focusing on the huge opportunity to export and innovate.
● A Connection flagship that develops the M5 corridor as a key growth zone for Gloucestershire – developing employment and residential opportunities that will support the growth the county needs.
Input of the entire county – from local businesses, to the public, voluntary and not-for-profit sectors, educational establishments and young people will be crucial to help shape these plans and obtain your views and feedback as part of a consultation process.
Over the coming months, you'll see an increasing amount of communication from us asking you to contribute.
We want you to speak up, get involved and shape the future.
This will not be GFirst LEP's growth plan, it will be Gloucestershire's.
