June Bulletin

 

Thank you for your continued support of the Forest Economic Partnership. The Forest Economic Partnership is dedicated to ensuring that the District's goal of having a vibrant and thriving economy in 2050 is still sustainable regardless of the current situation

News:

FEP’s Approach to COVID-19

Since the creation of the Forest Economic Partnership in January 2018, we have worked towards the goal of a thriving economy for the District in 2050; post Covid-19, these goals have not changed.

 Our core messages remain the same, create a sustainable groundwork for business to come, grow and thrive, whether this is focusing on helping schools improve the aspiration of our future workforce or helping our partners and stakeholders implement infrastructure changes which assist the District’s Economic Development.

 In the coming months and years, we have no illusions that the District and its businesses won’t see troubles stemming from the recent events, however the ambition of the FEP is to find ways to help the District overcome these and build a better future here in the magnificent place we call home. 

Stakeholders are Going Digital

Following discussion, the June Stakeholder Meeting has been rearranged to the 30 June 2020 9.30-11.30. We’re trialling the meeting as a Zoom Question and Answer Session. This will be a mix of questions sent in and submitted on the day. There are also a number of matters requiring stakeholder input/approval.

Look out for the full agenda and presentations on 24 June 2020 and forward your questions to fep@fdean.gov.uk 

To reserve your place now please contact fep@fdean.gov.uk for the Zoom Meeting ID.

Back to Business

From the week commencing 22 June 2020 we will be reconvening our Sub-Groups! Keep an eye on your inboxes for doodle polls and meeting invites!

Cinderford Future High Street Fund Consultation

Ways to improve activity in Cinderford Town Centre are being shared with local residents, businesses and organisations as part of the Town Council’s bid to Government for its Future High Street Funding.

Ideas include the reuse of the former HSBC bank into a local business hub, safeguarding the Methodist Church’s future and bringing in new community activities as well as addressing traffic within the High Street and creating functional social space for markets and events.

To have your say on their Town Council’s vision and proposals follow the link

The George Small Business Hub – Homeworkers Survey
WORKING FROM HOME? WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Over the last couple of years, we’ve been working hard to raise money to buy The George for the use of the local community. Currently our plans are on hold because of the Covid lockdown, but with the country facing one of the worst recessions in its history, it’s vital we start to think NOW about what we can do to help restart the local economy when the lockdown is over.

It’s always been our plan to create a small business hub at The George with flexible co-working space for local freelancers and home-workers. With the enormous rise in home-working as a result of the Covid lockdown, this is more relevant than ever. That’s why we are urgently gathering information to support a major expansion of our provision of flexible – and socially distanced – workspace at The George.

IF YOU ARE AN EXISTING HOMEWORKER, OR INTENDING TO WORK FROM HOME IN THE FUTURE, PLEASE HELP US BY FILLING IN AND RETURNING THIS SIMPLE 4-MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/8XPJ52F 

Smart, the future of sustainable travel?

At FEP, we're committed to promoting the best outcomes for the district; we've been researching a model called "Mobility as a Service" or in plain English "Smart Travel".

Find out more at: https://fep2050.co.uk/blog/smart-the-future-of-sustainable-travel/ 

Preparing a safe return to filming in the Forest of Dean

The Forest of Dean has a very mixed economy with 48 business parks providing office, industrial and warehousing space. Two of its strengths, manufacturing and tourism, are at the opposite end of the spectrum for a safe return to work. Both could learn from the approaches proposed by the British Film Council to enable filming to recommence across the UK and new locations found.

 For more read: https://fep2050.co.uk/blog/tv-and-film-companies-preparing-a-safe-return-to-work-post/

Forest of Dean District Council Move Forward to Round 2 of Discretionary Grant

Over 18.7m has been paid out across the District in Round 1 of Government Grants with 95% of eligible businesses accessing the Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund.

Forest of Dean District Council have opened a second round of funding for businesses who may have been overlooked in the first round of funding. Find out more about the eligibility at: https://fep2050.co.uk/blog/missing-out-on-forest-of-dean-council-covid-19-business-support/

Businesses should also check out the changing support provided on the government website: https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/

Dates for your Diary

30 June 2020

Stakeholder Meeting - 9:30 to 11:30 Video Conference - Please RSVP to fep@fdean.gov.uk for Zoom Meeting ID.

17 September 2020

Stakeholder Meeting  9:30 to 11:30 at Hillside Brewery, Holly Bush Farm, Ross Rd, Gloucestershire, GL17 0NG

17 December 2020

Stakeholder Meeting (Venue TBC)