The book will be closed on GFirst LEP at the end of March.

This morning (Nov 22) a deal was agreed on how Gloucestershire's local enterprise partnership will be brought to an end after nine years and its work transferred to the council.

Earlier this week Punchline revealed details of the change  which will see senior leadership roles and finance functions cut and annual operating costs fall from £1.3million to £750,000.

Some staff have already been transferred over but a further 13 employees are still being consulted over their fate with council documents suggesting at least three roles will be cut.

The transfer is expected to be completed by April 1, 2024 with most of the roles and responsibilities of GFirst LEP, including the Growth Hub team, moving over to the council.

Government confirmed the transfer of LEP functions and assets to upper tier local authorities back in August.

In preparation for this LEP CEO David Owen, was seconded from November 2022 to the role of director of economy and environment within the council.

Speaking after the cabinet meeting where the transfer was approved he thanked all LEP board members, staff and council members and staff for their support during the transition discussions.

He said: "Change often brings innovation and growth, and we're excited to embrace this new chapter in our journey.

"With the opportunity for even stronger partnerships getting behind a new economic strategy for the county we will continue to work with businesses to shape a brighter, greener, more prosperous future for Gloucestershire."

Ruth Dooley, chair of GFirst LEP, said she was pleased to see the continuation of important initiatives including the business groups, Invest in Gloucestershire, Made in Gloucestershire and Growth Hub support.

She added:"This is testimony to the hard work of the LEP staff, board members, business group members and indeed all our business stakeholders".

Cllr Mark Hawthorne (Con,Quedgeley), leader of Gloucestershire County Council has been a member of the LEP board since its inception back in December 2014.

He said: "I have seen first hand the excellent work that the LEP team has achieved.

"Attracting over £113 million of investment into the county from central Government that has boosted our economy and generated thousands of new jobs is a fantastic legacy.

"We know not all LEPs are the same, but we have been extremely lucky to have GFirst LEP as a key strategic partner.

"Moving forward, we look forward to welcoming the LEP team into the council and utilising their experience to help deliver a sustainable growth agenda in partnership with the business community."