Following the Government's decision to transfer the functions of Local Enterprise Partnerships to upper tier authorities, I am now the Head of the new Growth & Enterprise Team at Gloucestershire County Council.I am responsible for Invest in Gloucestershire (inward investment), Made in Gloucestershire (food and drink initiative), Business Groups and the Growth Hub network.

GFirst LEP is one of 38 Local Enterprise Partnerships across the country.We are the independent business voice for Gloucestershire striving to make our county the best place to live, work and play. We do this by driving sustainable economic growth through investing millions in infrastructure, generating inward investment opportunities, flying the flag for Gloucestershire internationally, providing business support through The Growth Hub, supporting education and skills development, and… Show more GFirst LEP is one of 38 Local Enterprise Partnerships across the country.We are the independent business voice for Gloucestershire striving to make our county the best place to live, work and play. We do this by driving sustainable economic growth through investing millions in infrastructure, generating inward investment opportunities, flying the flag for Gloucestershire internationally, providing business support through The Growth Hub, supporting education and skills development, and championing our local food and drink producers through Made in Gloucestershire.We’re led by the business community, in partnership with voluntary, education and public sectors, to help Gloucestershire realise its economic potential.We have secured over £113 million in funding from central Government to fund projects including; The Gloucestershire Growth Hub network, Farm 491 in Cirencester, The GREEN Skills Centre at SGS Berkeley, Elmbridge Court Roundabout, the AccXel Centre in Cinderford, the West Cheltenham Transport Improvement Scheme that will open up the Golden Valley Development and many more!Take a look at our website for further details http://www.gfirstlep.com/projects/ Show less

The Growth Hub is a unique partnership between the University of Gloucestershire and GFirst LEP created to enable businesses in Gloucestershire to maximise their growth potential, made possible thanks to £10 million of funding including Government support. The Growth Hub acts as a single point of contact for over 26,000 businesses and new start-ups across the county.The Growth Hub provides a range of innovative and tailored business services designed to boost the development of… Show more The Growth Hub is a unique partnership between the University of Gloucestershire and GFirst LEP created to enable businesses in Gloucestershire to maximise their growth potential, made possible thanks to £10 million of funding including Government support. The Growth Hub acts as a single point of contact for over 26,000 businesses and new start-ups across the county.The Growth Hub provides a range of innovative and tailored business services designed to boost the development of companies with high growth potential, increase exports, and fast-track entrepreneurial start-ups.My role as a Business Guide was to work with 'high growth' clients on a more in-depth level and work closely with them over a period of time.The Growth Hub is THE place to go to for businesses with support or growth needs and is based at the University of Gloucestershire’s Oxstalls Campus. Show less

Crimestoppers is an independent charity helping to find criminals and help solve crimes.The charity runs the anonymous 0800 555 111 phone number that you can call to pass on information about crime. Callers don't have to give their name or any personal information and calls cannot be traced. This means you won't need to appear in court or give a statement to the police.As a result of information passed to Crimestoppers...◾One person every ten days is charged with… Show more Crimestoppers is an independent charity helping to find criminals and help solve crimes.The charity runs the anonymous 0800 555 111 phone number that you can call to pass on information about crime. Callers don't have to give their name or any personal information and calls cannot be traced. This means you won't need to appear in court or give a statement to the police.As a result of information passed to Crimestoppers...◾One person every ten days is charged with murder◾During 2012-13 over £65 million worth of illegal drugs were taken off the streets◾Around 20 people are arrested every dayIn October 2011 I was awarded the 'National Volunteer of the Year' award.In February 2013 I was made Chairman of the Regional Committee. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Show less

Business West is one of the most influential business leadership organisations in the UK. They work with and represent over 6000 businesses in Bristol, Bath, Swindon, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire as well as across the wider South West.They provide:Business Solutions - helping provide the right solutions to improve and grow business.Export Solutions - helping business to trade overseas.Membership - helping connect businesses.Policy & Representation -… Show more Business West is one of the most influential business leadership organisations in the UK. They work with and represent over 6000 businesses in Bristol, Bath, Swindon, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire as well as across the wider South West.They provide:Business Solutions - helping provide the right solutions to improve and grow business.Export Solutions - helping business to trade overseas.Membership - helping connect businesses.Policy & Representation - representing your interests.My role was to provide specialist marketing support, solutions and guidance to local businesses (Bristol, Bath & North Somerset, Gloucestershire & Wiltshire) but specifically those with a turnover of £1 million plus or aspirations to do so. Show less

My role at Business Link (a contract run by Business West) was to provide specialist marketing support, solutions and guidance to local businesses in Bristol, Bath & North Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.I offered an in-depth understanding of the marketing issues businesses face; undertaking diagnostics to assist customers to identify/ prioritise issues, producing an action plan and helping to source appropriate solutions. This included to provide a brokerage service to the most… Show more My role at Business Link (a contract run by Business West) was to provide specialist marketing support, solutions and guidance to local businesses in Bristol, Bath & North Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.I offered an in-depth understanding of the marketing issues businesses face; undertaking diagnostics to assist customers to identify/ prioritise issues, producing an action plan and helping to source appropriate solutions. This included to provide a brokerage service to the most appropriate suppliers.This marketing support was provided via a range of contact options; face-to-face clinic sessions, telephone clinic sessions or site visits to maximise the efficiency of service. Show less

The roles of the Committee are to;i) raise awareness of the Institute and the importance of Marketing.ii) retain members by providing better local membership value through learning, training, CPD and networking.iii) grow membership by developing industry sector communities and partnership arrangements.iv) engage with studying members and educational institutes.

Worked for an eclectic mix of clients, positions included; Board Member of Crimestoppers, Communications Board Member of Children's Hospice South West and Chairman of the Radio Academy.

Stayed within the UKRD Group of radio stations, but moved to Bristol to launch Star FM into a competitive market place. Also MD of sister radio station serving Gloucestershire.

I was a member of the original team that launched Pirate FM back in 1992 - Cornwall's first local commercial radio station.I started as an Advertising Sales Executive then worked my way up through the ranks as Sales Manager, Sales Controller to finally Marketing & Sales Director.