New Gloucestershire Business Board aims to boost local economic growth
The newly established board will focus on driving investment and innovation in the county
A new Gloucestershire Business Board (GBB) has been formed to provide local businesses with a stronger role in shaping the county's economic future.
Replacing the previous Economic Growth Board, the GBB is set to adopt a more dynamic, business-led approach to foster growth, investment, and innovation in Gloucestershire.
This board aims to offer strategic oversight of the county's economic development agenda, ensuring that business insights directly inform policy and major investment decisions throughout the county.
The GBB will be co-chaired by Cllr Julian Tooke of the Gloucestershire County Council and experienced cyber security leader Rob Stemp.
Membership will consist of approximately 12 to 15 senior business leaders from key sectors, along with representatives from education, local government, and the voluntary and community sector.
The board will be responsible for overseeing business engagement across Gloucestershire, including the Growth Hub network, sector-specific business engagement, and Invest in Gloucestershire initiatives.
Additionally, it will advise the City Region Board and Leadership Gloucestershire on significant economic issues.
Cllr Julian Tooke brings over two decades of experience in strategic communications and international business leadership to his role, having held senior positions at YouGov, dentsu, and Kantar Media before entering local government.
Rob Stemp offers over 27 years of experience in cyber security and entrepreneurship, having played a leading role in developing the county's cyber and tech ecosystem.
Cllr Tooke said: “The Gloucestershire Business Board marks an important step in strengthening how we work with businesses across the county.
"By bringing experienced leaders together with our public-sector partners, we can focus on the opportunities that will drive long term growth, investment and innovation.
"I am looking forward to working with Rob and the Board to ensure Gloucestershire remains a great place to live, work and do business.”
Rob Stemp emphasized the strategic advantages that Gloucestershire holds, particularly due to the presence of GCHQ and the National Cyber Security Centre.
Stemp said: “Gloucestershire has a rare opportunity to lead from the front. We have nationally significant cyber capability, a growing AI and advanced technology cluster, and strong foundations in advanced-manufacturing, agriculture and professional services.
"Our priority is to help our start-ups scale.
"We have strong early-stage businesses; the focus now shifts toward unlocking investment, building product-led companies and accelerating growth.
"Gloucestershire holds a genuine strategic advantage through the presence of GCHQ and the National Cyber Security Centre.
"We should use that national capability to strengthen our local economy.
"By aligning industry, higher education and local government, we can connect national expertise with regional ambition creating high-value jobs, attracting capital and ensuring Gloucestershire remains one of the UK’s most important economies."