Representatives from a wide range of companies and organisations attended the Gloucester City Council Business Forum at EDF Energy in Barnwood today.

The 50-strong audience heard from a number of guest speakers about the improvements taking place across the city.

Council leader Cllr Paul James (pictured) explained about how the local authority is working to regenerate the city and support business through its Gloucester Business Growth Grant Scheme,

Dr Polly Pick, director of business engagement and partnership at the University of Gloucestershire, described passionately how she wanted to forge links with companies and ensure that every student at the university had an opportunity to go on a work placement, as well as detailing plans for the university's business school.

Mark Shorrock, the CEO of Tidal Lagoon Power, gave a presentation about the work under way to build the first tidal lagoon at Swansea Bay.

"Everybody that I bring to Gloucester for the first time always seems to be surprised about quite how beautiful and what a magnificent city it is," he added.

"Visitors from France, Belgium and the Netherlands have all been wowed by the place - we should be proud of that."

The event, which provided an opportunity for the city to communicate with the business community, also featured a Q&A featuring Cllr James, Richard Graham MP, Mr Shorrock and Bob Fenton from EDF.

What do you think? Email mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk