Why Gloucester

Why Gloucester?

Cradled by the picturesque Cotswold Hills , with its skyline dominated by its Norman Cathedral, Gloucester has plenty to offer in terms of, culture and heritage. Combine this with a diverse and growing economy, good access, a skilled workforce and excellent support for business and you start to understand why locating in Gloucester City makes good business sense and can provide a quality of life second to none.

Who does business here?

Technical engineering, manufacturing, the finance industry, design and technology all have a strong base within the City through companies such as Messier-Dowty, Avon Metals, Cheltenham and Gloucester plc and Severn Glocon. Companies which have enjoyed success here for a number of years are now choosing to re-invest as they expand or consolidate their operations. Notably Unilever has chosen Gloucester as one of its main European centres, and Ecclesiastical Finance has recently announced its intentions to construct new offices at Gloucester Docks.

Retail and Leisure Industries

Recent investors in retail and leisure include Homesense, Prezzo, Frankie and Benny’s, B&Q, Comet and River Island and in springtime of 2009, the opening of Gloucester Quays, the City’s new retail outlet centre, will bring further retail opportunities, a new hotel and numerous cafes and restaurants all within a few minutes walk of the existing City Centre. This is reflected in the 2008 national retail ranking published by Experian which moved Gloucester 7 points up the league table from the previous year and predicted that the City will be one of the winners in retail terms over the coming ten years.

Major Future Investment and Regeneration

The City is benefitting from a one billion pound development programme over a ten year period – In 2007 a new campus for Gloucestershire College was completed and the Gloucester South West Bypass was opened. The Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company has been set up to ensure that solid foundations are in place for the delivery of the remainder of the regeneration strategy, which includes:

· 100 acres of brownfield land reclaimed

· 82 historic buildings repaired

· 300,000sqft of retail space developed

· 3000 new homes built in the central area

· 2000 new jobs created

· £1 billion of private sector investment levered

· 150,000 sq ft of commercial floor space established

· 4.25km of waterfront area upgraded

Educational Excellence

The City has an excellent selection of schools including 4 grammar schools. The County's largest further education college, Gloucestershire College has a brand new state of the art campus within easy reach of the City centre and just outside central Gloucester is the Gloucester campus of the University of Gloucestershire.

Unique Heritage and Lifestyle

With its Roman foundations, Victorian Docklands, a magnificent Norman Cathedral and an impressive list of award winning museums and attractions, Gloucester's rich historic past combines with a modern multi-cultural city to create a vibrant atmosphere, full of life and begging to be explored.

Get in Touch

Whether you require assistance in finding the right property for your business, getting the right training or advice, the Economic Development Team of Gloucester City Council are here to help and can be contacted on 01452 396973 or 396974 or continue to browse the other pages of www.gloucester.gov.uk/business |