Ian Mean MBE is stepping back from the role of Business West director for Gloucestershire after five years in the role to concentrate on his wider business community activity.

Ian, aged 78, was awarded an MBE in 2023 for his services to the community of Gloucestershire. He has been a passionate advocate for local businesses, and equipping people with the skills they need to succeed. During a long career in newspapers, Ian is a former editor of Western Daily Press and editor in chief of The Citizen and the Gloucestershire Echo.

Ian will continue his work with Gloucestershire County Council's new Economic Growth Board, as director of the Forest of Dean Economic Partnership, as chair of Gloucestershire Hospitals Organ Donation Committee, and regional chair for South Central division of NHSBT organ donation committees.

Ian was also a former vice chair of GFirstLEP, he is an honorary vice president of Gloucestershire College, president of Churchdown Male Voice Choir, former vice chair of the Gloucestershire Heritage Urban Regeneration Company and a Freeman of the City of Gloucester.

Ian said: "I love what I do, I love working with people and I'll always support the heartbeat of business in Gloucestershire. It's exciting times here in Gloucestershire."

Phil Smith, managing director of Business West, said: "I thank Ian for his phenomenal contribution, commitment, drive, energy and dedication to Business West, the wider business community, and Gloucestershire as a whole.

"Gloucestershire remains a core focus for Business West and we will maintain the local place-based engagement and representation, including supporting key local projects such as Small Modular Reactors at Berkeley and Oldbury.

"We are committed to continue supporting our Gloucestershire members, and our broader economic development role in the county. Ian will support us with the transition to our new structure until March 31, 2025."

Mark Owen, editor of Punchline-Gloucester.com, said: "I've known Ian a long time. He's an avid supporter of Punchline and a regular on our Business Breakfast Briefers show. He's someone I greatly admire as an editor and as somebody who loves Gloucestershire as much as we do.

"Ian is a force of nature who has so much energy, drive and determination that is inspiring for all of us. I look forward to our continued relationship."

Ian was awarded a lifetime achievement at the last Gloucestershire Live Business Awards.

He recently spoke at the launch of the new Cheltenham Growth Hub.