Businesses in Stroud need to come together to fight the district's corner - or risk being left behind at the county moves forward.

That is the message that underlined the launch of Stroud Business Voice.

Steve Dechan, one of the founders of the new business pressure group, had a clear warning for the area.

"What is Stroud district doing?" he asked at the Business West networking breakfast to launch the new group at the Stonehouse Court Hotel (January 29).

He added: "We are not together. We do not have a single voice whereas all those around about us do.

"Clearly, there is a lot of frustration from business. We just don't have enough business space—there isn't enough office or good manufacturing space.

"What are we doing for the young people who we train but then leave Gloucestershire at the rate of 400 a year?

"What we are asking business is what do you want your district to look like in the next few years and beyond?"

Mr Dechan, who runs a medical device business in Stroud is chair and policy director of the new Stroud Business Voice.

He said: "I see ourselves as a conduit which can join up some of the dots for the local business community.

"We wish to work together with district councils, the LEP and Business West. We just want to be up to speed with the rest of Gloucestershire."