Stuart Emmerson, Director of Business Development at Hartpury University and Hartpury College, has 20 years of public, private and third sector senior experience.

He has worked in senior roles for the Federation of Small Businesses, in local government and as a Director at Social Enterprise UK. Prior to joining Hartpury, Stuart worked for Worcestershire LEP as their Director of Investment and Partnerships, attracting new businesses to the county, developing partnerships and raising the profile of key initiatives with regional and international partners, including one of the UK’s 5G test beds.

During this time, Stuart has been directly involved in securing over £40M investment. This has included major projects from a state of the art community leisure facility in outer London, to leading on a successful Levelling Up Fund Government bid, on behalf of Hartpury University and Hartpury College and in partnership with the Forest of Dean District Council and Forest of Dean MP.

"I am passionate about unlocking the potential of the Forest of Dean. Having grown up locally and now working in the district for Hartpury University and Hartpury College I know first-hand the talent, assets and opportunities for growth in the Forest of Dean. The Forest Economic Partnership has achieved a reputation for bringing people together to realise ideas in the interests of local people and the local economy. It is a vehicle that has the credibility and drive to play a pivotal role in helping to shape the future of the Forest and it would be a privilege to contribute to this positive agenda."