‘The One about Evolution’ – GFirst LEP’s Final Event

We were delighted to welcome guests from across Gloucestershire on Tuesday evening, who joined us for the final time at The School of Business and Technology at The University of Gloucestershire.

David Owen, CEO of GFirst LEP, and Ruth Dooley GFirst LEP Chair looked back over the past 13 years of GFirst LEP and all that it has achieved.

Guest speakers included; Vice Chancellor of the University of Gloucestershire Clare Marchant who talked about future plans for the University, John Wilkinson the Director of the Western Gateway Partnership who spoke about the Western Gateway being the first pan-regional partnership to bring together local leaders from two countries, and Councillor Mark Hawthorne, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, with an inspiring speech about the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for the county.

A special film was shown from our previous Chair Dr Diane Savory who was unable to attend, Diane spoke with immense pride about her 10 years at the helm. 

Ruth Dooley commented, “It has been an absolute privilege and an honour to have Chaired GFirst LEP. Government confirmed the transfer of Local Enterprise Partnership functions and assets to upper tier local authorities in August last year. It is credit to all involved that the transition in Gloucestershire has moved smoothly and at pace.

I’m so pleased to see that all of the important initiatives and activities that have been led by GFirst LEP will continue. This includes the Growth Hubs, our Business Groups, Invest in Gloucestershire and Made in Gloucestershire. This is testimony to the hard work of the LEP staff, Board members, Business Group members and indeed all our business stakeholders.”

David Owen said: “It was wonderful to celebrate with friends all that the LEP has achieved for Gloucestershire. Thank you for the opportunity for me to lead the organisation for 15 years, it's been the best job of my life and probably will be the best job of my life.”