Around 160 people gathered at University of Gloucestershire's Oxstalls campus yesterday (March 12) to celebrate GFirst LEP.

The late afternoon showcase kicked off to the music of Friends, the iconic 90s TV show, so beloved by many - as is the departing company.

After a short introduction by Clare Marchant, vice-chancellor of University of Gloucestershire we, got to the leading cast members: CEO of GFirst LEP David Owen and chair Ruth Dooley as they reflected on the achievements of the last 12 years - and their optimism for further success in the future.

Formed in 2012, local enterprise partnerships brought millions of pounds into their local areas, bringing together business, councils, colleges and the voluntary and community sector.

Over the last 12 years, GFirst LEP successfully bid for £113m of Government funding and 41 million euros of EU funding for major projects in the county.

Just some of the projects the LEP was involved in include the West Cheltenham Integrated Transport Scheme, The Forum in Gloucester, Gloucester's Transport Hub, the new Forest of Dean campus for Gloucestershire College, agri-tech projects with Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester and Hartpury University, AccXel construction training centre in the Forest of Dean, setting up a network of Growth Hubs to support business across the county and work on the A417 Missing Link.

But now local enterprise partnerships as we know them are no more. From April 1, GFirst LEP will be integrated into Gloucestershire County Council.

How will this change things?

David Owen, chief executive of GFirst LEP, told guests: "When I reflect on the history of GFirst LEP, it's always the word 'partnership' which is the most important one.

"We're about to celebrate the successes of GFirst, but the reality is none of those successes would have been possible without the support of the business community, local councils, education, the voluntary and community sector, the board and the brilliant staff team."

Speaking to Punchline-Gloucester.com after the event, David Owen said: "What a fantastic job we've done. And we've done a fantastic job not because of my work or the team, but the support from the business community of Gloucestershire. There's a huge passion for this county and that's why we've been successful as an LEP, because people care about the place. They want to see success.

"We've been able to harness and grab that passion for Gloucestershire and run with it. It's been a huge privilege to do that."

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire County Council and the incoming chair of GFirst LEP, said: "The legacy of GFirst LEP is far wider than £113m. It is the confidence we gained as a county to go out there and get the big prizes.

"This is not the last episode of GFirst LEP. This gathering is the beginning of the next steps on our journey. There is so much potential we're about to unlock as a county. That potential has come from the confidence we've gained from 10 years. The team which helped get us here will take us on to the next 10 years.

"I genuinely believe Gloucestershire has a great future ahead of it. I genuinely believe that we are a rising star in the UK economy. I genuinely believe this is one of the best places to work and live in the country."

In an exclusive chat with Punchline-Gloucester.com, Mark Hawthorne added: "If you look at Gloucestershire now, we're really punching above our weight. The amount of inward investment we're attracting into the county is huge.

"We're a place where business can do business and that's down to GFirst LEP and the legacy they leave."

Ruth Dooley will be stepping down as chair of GFirst LEP at the end of the month.

She said: "It's been a fantastic journey, with great success in the county. But it isn't coming to an end.

"All of the activities of GFirst LEP are continuing. It's a building block for the future and we've got so many exciting things going on in the county for the future."

The staff from GFirst LEP have all been transferred to the county council.

David Owen concluded: "I'm really excited for the future. There's absolute commitment from the county council to keep going with everything the LEP has achieved. It's exciting new times. We'll carry on supporting businesses in this county and growing the economy, working with partners."

Punchline-Gloucester.com said: "It was a slightly quieter and more subdued annual meeting than in the past, but that was to be expected. This was in essence a wrapping up party - a chance to say thank you to everyone and hopefully to ensure those present, that the work would still carry on, but now under the control of an enthusiastic council leader.

"Only time will tell how it will all play out, but for now - it's the end of this show. Let's all hope the sequel is just as good. But we know, deep down, it never is. 

"Although TED 2 was pretty good."

Speakers at the event also included John Wilkinson, director of Western Gateway. Look out for an exclusive chat with him tomorrow!