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Gloucestershire Business News

GFirst LEP annual review saddles up to ride into town

Aside from what it plans to do with its millions to drive the Gloucestershire economy there is one pressing question that will be answered first at tomorrow's seventh GFirst LEP annual review.

Last year, in a clever use of smoke, mirrors and showmanship, board members from the local enterprise partnership arrived on skateboards in front of an audience gathered at Rush Skate Park near Stroud.

The year before chairwoman, Diane Savory, and chief executive, David Owen, made their entrance in smoke-filled four-by-fours at Gloucestershire Airport.

Tomorrow, with the event due to be staged at Hartpury University and Hartpury College - famed for its equestrian connection - the smart money could be on an entry on horseback, aboard a horse-drawn chariot or perhaps after impressing with a few turns of the show-jumping arena.

Let's not even explore the other well-known connections the seat of learning has - to the game of rugby or the worlds of veterinary and nursing. Heaven knows what the marketeers will dream up to grab our attention.

Joking aside, the LEP's review has become a hot ticket (even if one or two previous venues have been beyond draughty to the point of bone-chilling).

It is when the Government appointed organisation reports on how it is and will be spending the millions of pounds it has won to invest in the county, on infrastructure and capital projects, help and advice.

That money equates to somewhere in the region of £101.69 million through its Gloucestershire Growth Deal, and €41 million in European funding through our EU Structural and Investment Funds Strategy.

To date it has already brought us the successful business advice, mentoring and support centre, the Growth Hub, and spread the model county-wide. With SGS College it is delivering Berkeley Green, the Gloucestershire renewable energy, engineering and nuclear skills centre, and with the Royal Agricultural University Farm491, a state-of-the-art space for agri-tech innovators, and major road improvement schemes. To name but a few.

It also looks to the future unveiling what we can all expect from the year ahead.

However, much showmanship is laid on for us, and whatever is revealed, one thing is promised by the pre-show publicity - and that is "an enthralling morning".

The event is due to begin at 8.30am. Pre-registration is advised.

Visit the GFirst LEP website to find out more.

Read more: VIDEO: Economic partnership wins £100 million of growth funding 

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