End of an era and the start of a new chapter...

Friday saw confirmation that Government core funding for LEPs will end in March next year which means things are changing at GFirst LEP - Gloucestershire's Local Enterprise Partnership

We've achieved a huge amount over the last decade or so and demonstrated the power of partnership, collaboration, and a local focus. And when I say we... I mean the brilliant team of people that work for us, the board, the business community of Gloucestershire, our local authorities, the voluntary and community sector, our public sector friends, our educators, and our politicians. It has been a genuine partnership with one ultimate goal - deliver for and with Gloucestershire to make this place one of the best.

There will be time over the next eight months to celebrate the successes and outline the plans for the future...and this is not the end, but just a new beginning for economic development and growth in the county that will remain routed in partnership and with a strong voice for business.

The county's future will continue to need the brilliant support that the whole community has shown GFirst LEP and over the coming months we'll be working across GFirst LEP - Gloucestershire's Local Enterprise Partnership and Gloucestershire County Council - along with our partners - to develop a new economic strategy for Gloucestershire as well as to firm up how growth will be supported in the future.

On the back of a period of uncertainty, it is now time to move forward in a bold and positive way to keep delivering sustainable economic growth for the county.

Thank you to everyone for your support and please stick with us as we develop the pathway for the future.

David Owen
CEO GFirst LEP