Gloucestershire has long been associated with leading-edge technology and is already home to companies in a number of sectors such as aviation, energy and engineering. It’s also a great place to live and work with excellent schools, exciting annual sports fixtures, and the cultural treat of jazz, literature, and science festivals.

Now, with the planning phase for the Golden Valley development underway, the county of Gloucestershire continues to evolve and grow, developing its position as a key investment destination in the South West.

As long-standing members of the local business community, Charles Russell Speechlys is excited to see the region develop and to see its place as a cyber, science and technology hub gathering momentum. Later in June we will be sponsoring Insider’s Future of Gloucestershire debate where a group of key voices in the region will be meeting to discuss what opportunities exist in one of the most diverse and prosperous regions in the South West.

We are looking forward to hearing from Ruth Dooley, chair, GFirst LEP, Max Wilkinson, cabinet member for Economic Development, Culture, Tourism and Wellbeing, Cheltenham Borough Council, Greg Godfrey-Williams, UK Supply General Manager, Spirax Sarco, and Tom Kidwell, co-founder, Ecliptic Dynamics.

The morning will be a great chance to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Gloucestershire and which sectors and businesses could be dominant in the future. Work may soon be starting on the county’s ‘missing link’ but what other infrastructure is needed to support the ambitious growth plans in the region? A thriving business community promises opportunities to develop and attract the best talent so I am particularly keen to hear how we can collaborate to help deliver the “skills of tomorrow” and create a vibrant employment market for the next generation.