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New Gloucestershire Business Board set to drive Local Growth Plan ambitions

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Gloucestershire’s new Business Board has hit the ground running, bringing together senior industry leaders, education providers and experienced professionals for its first meeting in May.

With a strong focus on action, the Board immediately began identifying priority areas to support growth across key sectors, including cyber and secure technologies, advanced engineering and manufacturing, agritech, and energy and low-carbon innovation. Discussions also centred on how the Board can provide clear guidance, advocacy and practical support to help deliver the five economic missions outlined in Gloucestershire’s new Local Growth Plan.

Co-chaired by Rob Stemp, CTO of Deepminds, a cyber technology consultancy, and Cllr Julian Tooke, Gloucestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Economy and Growth, the group set a clear expectation for pace and purpose.

Rob Stemp said: “We’re here to make things happen, not just to talk about them. There’s a huge depth of experience around the table, and our focus is on turning that into tangible progress quickly.”

Cllr Julian Tooke added: “This is about working together to back Gloucestershire’s businesses and unlock growth in sectors where we already have real strength. The Board has a key role to play in shaping practical, deliverable actions.”

The meeting follows recent efforts to promote Gloucestershire to investors, reinforcing the county’s growing profile and the strength of its business support network.

With momentum already building, the Board is now focused on translating its early discussions into clear next steps that will support sustainable economic growth across the county.