Students leaving the University of Gloucestershire's new £18m School of Business and Technology yesterday evening (September 18) might have spotted a gathering in its inner sanctum.

But it is unlikely the private party would have attracted too much attention - as while champagne and nibbles were on hand this was a discreet, informal occassion.

Careful not to steal the thunder of the University's forthcoming official launch of the new facility, this was a 'thank you' to those who have helped make possible the important business service now headquartered in the multi-purpose building.

Sarah Danson, manager of that service - the Growth Hub, which works to help and support businesses across the county achieve success - ran through a list of names by way of a thank you.

Top of the list was GFirst LEP, also now headquartered in the new building, along with university itself. It was their partnership, she said, which had made the Growth Hub business service possible.

"And I would like to thank our business partners and stakeholders, without whose support this would simply not be possible," said Ms Danson, toasting those present.

It is the Growth Hub's connections to the business community and its clever army of advisors which is helping it have a real impact on the county it is set up to serve.

Alex Cottrell, marketing manager at the Growth Hub, called opening of the new facility - which also provides a shared space for students and university staff to mix with the county's business community - "really, really exciting".

It allows the Growth Hub to continue the work it has been doing since opening in 2014 at the Oxstalls site and oversee its growing network of branches, which now includes Cirencester and Tewkesbury.

"Since June last year we have already helped more than 800 businesses," added Ms Cottrell.

If you go back to the very start then that figure swells to 2,519 companies county-wide, with 805 "high growth" companies receiving extra support supporting by more than 200 trusted advisors.