Gloucestershire has launched a new business-led body aimed at strengthening collaboration between industry and local government, with a focus on supporting economic growth, attracting investment and developing the county’s most productive sectors. The Gloucestershire Business Board held its inaugural meeting in May, bringing together representatives from business, local authorities and economic development organisations. The board has been established to provide strategic direction on economic priorities while creating stronger links between the public and private sectors.

Its primary objective is to support business growth across the county and identify opportunities to increase investment, innovation and employment. Members will work together to address barriers to growth and ensure that Gloucestershire remains competitive in attracting businesses and skilled workers. A key focus of the board’s early discussions was the identification of sectors where Gloucestershire already holds significant strengths and where future growth opportunities are expected to emerge. These industries include cyber and secure technologies, advanced engineering and manufacturing, agritech, and energy and low-carbon innovation.

The county has developed a national reputation in cyber and secure technologies through the presence of major employers, specialist research facilities and a growing network of technology firms. Advanced engineering and manufacturing continue to play a significant role in the local economy, supporting high-value jobs and supply chains across the region. Agritech has also been highlighted as an area with strong potential, reflecting Gloucestershire’s agricultural heritage and increasing interest in technology-driven approaches to food production and land management. Meanwhile, energy and low-carbon innovation have been identified as important sectors as businesses and public bodies respond to environmental targets and changing energy demands.

The board is expected to provide guidance and advocacy in support of the five economic missions outlined in Gloucestershire’s Local Growth Plan. These missions are intended to shape future economic development activity and create a coordinated approach to investment, skills development and business support. Leadership of the board is shared between representatives from both industry and local government. Rob Stemp, Chief Technology Officer at Deepminds, will serve as the business co-chair, bringing experience from the technology sector and the wider innovation economy. He will work alongside Councillor Julian Tooke, Gloucestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Planning, Economy and Growth, who will represent local government interests as co-chair.

The dual leadership model has been designed to ensure that decision-making reflects both commercial priorities and public policy objectives. By bringing together leaders from different sectors, the board aims to create practical solutions that can be implemented across the county.

Both co-chairs have emphasised the importance of achieving measurable outcomes rather than creating additional layers of administration. Rather than simply increasing bureaucracy, the board is committed to pursuing initiatives that provide concrete advantages to investors, local communities, and the business sector.

The launch of the Gloucestershire Business Board comes amid wider efforts by local authorities and economic development partners to raise the county’s profile among external investors. Recent initiatives have focused on promoting Gloucestershire’s strengths in technology, manufacturing and innovation while expanding support available to local businesses.

Regional leaders have also sought to strengthen connections between businesses, educational institutions and public sector organisations. These efforts are intended to improve access to skills, encourage innovation and create conditions that support long-term economic growth. Looking ahead, the board’s immediate priority will be converting its initial discussions into a structured programme of work. Members are expected to identify specific projects and areas for intervention that align with the Local Growth Plan and respond to the needs of businesses across the county.

The board has stated that economic development must deliver benefits that are sustainable and widely shared. Future activity will therefore focus not only on attracting investment but also on ensuring that growth contributes to stronger communities, improved opportunities and long-term prosperity across Gloucestershire. With its first meeting completed, the Gloucestershire Business Board now faces the task of turning strategic ambitions into practical outcomes. Its success will be measured by its ability to strengthen collaboration, attract investment and support the continued development of Gloucestershire’s key industries.

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