Gloucestershire is gearing up for growth with the announcement of its new Economic Growth Board members, featuring some of the county’s brightest business leaders and innovators.
The Economic Growth Board has been created after the GFirst LEP was wound down and its responsibilities transferred to the Gloucestershire County Council in April 2024. The new Board brings together a diverse range of experience to oversee the county's economic development, help attract investment that drives our region forward, and manage projects such as the Gloucestershire Growth Hub network and the Made in Gloucestershire initiative.
Promisingly, the Forest of Dean has some strong representation on the Board too. FEP Director and Director of Business West Gloucestershire Ian Mean MBE and Nicola Bird, founder of AccXel Construction school in Cinderford, have both been appointed. Their inclusion will help amplify the Forest of Dean's voice and ensure the interests of the local community are represented.
On their appointments...
Ian Mean, Director of Business West and Forest Economic Partnership, said: "I am enthusiastic and privileged to be chosen to join the board. Over the last 20 years, I have tried to champion business in my various roles editing newspapers in the region and representing Business West. As a county, Gloucestershire punches above its weight and I am sure that the new board will help achieve the economic growth we need."
Nicola Bird, founder of AccXel Construction school, said: "I'm delighted to have been appointed to the Gloucestershire Economic Growth Board, I'm excited to get to work and make Gloucestershire the best place to do business in the country."
For more about the new Economic Growth Board and its full list of members follow this link -- Gloucestershire Economic Growth Board announces new members | Gloucestershire County Council