University hosts GFirst LEP annual review

​Last week, GFirst LEP presented highlights of its annual review and plans for a ‘future-proofed’ county, in an event held at the School of Business and Technology.

The primary focus was GFirst LEP’s Local Industrial Strategy​, which sets a direction for Gloucestershire’s future economy and promoting local opportunities.

Welcoming over 350 local business representatives to the event, Vice-Chancellor Stephen Marston highlighted the university’s ongoing work to promote enterprise across the county, including:

• securing £3.4 million of EU funding to continue providing services across the Growth Hub network until 2022
• our Higher and Degree Apprenticeship programme, which has enrolled over 300 apprentices in partnership in employers
• our partnership​ with the universities of Bristol, Cardiff and Bath, which aims to make major contributions to the Cyber Business Park in Cheltenham

GFirst LEP​​ has surveyed over 5,000 young people to assess details of their lives and their hopes for the future, identifying reasons why young people might leave the county. While 70% stated that they might leave for a job, and 64% for university prospects, respondents praised Gloucestershire for its countryside, food and friendliness.

The event also highlighted opportunities for cyber tech within the county, particularly with the presence of GCHQ and a £22 million investment in the UK’s only cyber tech park.

Speaking at the event, Professor Kamal Bechkoum, Head of the School of ​Business and Technology, said:
“This fantastic event clearly demonstrates how the university is working in close partnership with the local business community.”

For more information, please visit the GFirst LEP website​.
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