Partnership looks to 2019 as it marks a year of achievement

THE Forest Economic Partnership is gearing up for an action driven 2019 and is encouraging all local businesses, small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs to sign up and have their voices heard.

Launched in January this year with a handful of stakeholders, FEP now has more than 150 members representing more than 100 organisations and businesses.

In its inaugural year FEP has secured significant commitment from its business members, including four business volunteers who fulfil the roles of FEP chair and sub-group leads.

FEP was formed to give the Forest of Dean a voice in the Glos2050 big conversation and to deliver a thriving and sustainable economy.

The four SME led sub-groups in relation to Digital Connectivity, Education & Skills, Bridges & Borders and Transport & Infrastructure have been meeting monthly to identify key issues and objectives for the District and are now forming clear and action oriented plans for 2019.

Andrew Callard, FEP Chair, shared these plans with the attendees of the November Stakeholder meeting which was held at the new Gloucestershire College Campus, leaving members with the clear message that exciting times are ahead for the District in 2019 and beyond.

The Forest of Dean has historically been poor at shouting about its successes, a message reinforced at the meeting by Ian Mean, Business West Director and Small Business Champion for Gfirst LEP,

“The Forest Economic Partnership has now been going for nine months, and has produced a set of excellent plans that bode well for the economic growth of the area,” he said.

“I am impressed that there is now a driving leadership for the FEP with plans to match - in the person of Andrew Callard who is a good marketing man.

“Those plans to develop growth seem realistic.

“And I would go as far as to say that I have never seen a better set of plans to deliver such realistic economic growth for a rural community.

“But if the Forest is to make real progress, they must get better at shouting about their successes.”

In the first year the organisation has proactively engaged with key organisations, lobbied key network providers and improved communication to the businesses via a dedicated Twitter handle @FEP2050 #FOD2050. Bringing businesses and schools together via the Education and Skills sub-group has already resulted in the introduction of a governor-approved flexible work placement scheme at Dene Magna School, improving the flexibility for students looking for work experience opportunities. The formation of an action group is looking to build on this success, by delivering an ‘Inspiring the Forest’ event programme for 2019 to highlight Forest businesses and raise aspirations. FEP has a voice that is rapidly growing in stature and recognition. Having already contributed to a number of key consultations, including Glos2050, Cross-rail Franchise, Dene Magna Sixth Form, House of Lords Select Committee Rural Economy and Forest Community Hospital, they have now been invited to consult on the Forest of Dean Local Plan 2041. This is a huge milestone for FEP, for the first time giving Forest businesses the opportunity to influence Council plans and play a part in shaping the District.