The Forest Economic Partnership (FEP) hosted their second stakeholder meeting of 2024 this week at AccXel Construction School in Cinderford.

Led by chair Neill Ricketts, these meetings are a chance to share the latest FEP news, shine a light on all the positive activity happening in the Forest of Dean, network and connect with the community, and focus on action to drive sustainable economic growth.

These quarterly meetings bring together a broad range of stakeholders in the FEP community, from industry leaders, individuals, community groups, to representatives of local government, education and private businesses.

The regular guest speaker slot invites businesses, charities, and organisations who are based in or deliver services within the Forest of Dean to share the work they do and the projects they have on.

These included The Music Works, whose new hub will be opening in Cinderford in Autumn 2024 thanks to Levelling Up funded renovation of a disused site, as well as Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF), Canopy Creative Network, Dean Radio, Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism, and AccXel, who have recently been awarded funding to run digital skills training sessions on site.

FEP also updated stakeholders on the position of their finances, board of directors' membership, and the latest news from the subgroups, Net Zero & Climate Action and Education & Skills.

As the FEP's newest subgroup, the Net Zero & Climate Action group will support businesses to adapt to climate change. The main aims are to improve awareness of current and proposed climate legislation, share consultation activity and information on funding to decarbonise, improve energy efficiency and waste reduction.

FEP are actively recruiting businesses to the subgroup. Please get in touch if you are interested.

The Education & Skills subgroup is committed to improving career opportunities and raising aspirations in the Forest of Dean. After successfully hosting two Inspiring the Forest careers fair style events, the subgroup is now looking at ways they can offer more tailored support to young people.

FEP is dedicated to supporting a thriving economy in the Forest of Dean and remain focused on continuing the positive momentum they have developed over the past six years.

If you are passionate about the Forest of Dean and want to get more involved in your local business community, get in touch via FEP@fdean.gov.uk