Gloucestershire's 100 Biggest Employers 2019

of opportunity

communications and travel infrastructure in order to make that happen. “It’s also vital that we help create opportunities to meet the needs of younger residents, by supporting the development of emerging business sectors. “There is potential in engineering, advanced manufacturing and aerospace, industries in which our city has a proud heritage. “But we also need to look to cyber security, digital and energy, as well as supporting those employers in the traditional sectors. “We want to generate further economic growth in Gloucester to create more opportunities for our residents and our businesses.”

places to live, work and play. Half-a-century ago, a Gloucester school leaver would have seen Dowty, the Cattle Market or the work of a different kind at the docks as their future, that is no longer true. The city now has more than 3,500 businesses beavering away within its boundaries, but the growing population still relies on larger employers to provide work. “We have a growing and changing city facing many challenges and opportunities that a modern urban economy provides,” Cllr James said. “We want to make the city a place where businesses of all sizes can thrive.We want to improve the connectivity,

In order to do that, the Economic Growth Strategy outlines a plan for business and another for people. For businesses, the stated aim is to strengthen support for start-ups, existing firms and inward investors into the city. That could be through providing workspaces for smaller businesses or by working with large employers and GFirst LEP to ensure the city remains a place they want to invest in. Cllr James said: “Making sure Gloucester is a place where business wants to invest is key, but it’s just as vital to have a workforce that is ready and qualified for

May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 79

Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs