A NEW partnership aimed at attracting major investment to the Forest was launched on Monday (December 8).

Opening the first meeting of the Forest Economic Partnership, Forest Council leader Cllr Tim Gwilliam (Forest First, Berry Hill) said he wanted the area’s voice heard where decisions are made that will shape the economic future.

Representatives of business, education and voluntary organisations as well as the public sector attended the meeting at the Vantage Point Business Village in Mitcheldean.

Cllr Gwilliam said: “The purpose of the Forest Economic Partnership is for us to work together in a more strategic way to ensure the Forest of Dean’s voice is being heard at strategic meetings that are helping shape our economic future.

“We have invited representatives from the business community, the education sector and voluntary and public sector organisations to join together to agree a common purpose and a vision.

“You are the experts – it is your vision, your passion that will make this partnership succeed and create a legacy.

“The partnership has to be more than a partnership in words and name.

“We are looking for the doers, the experts in their field who can help us think about big ideas and interventions

“People who have a passion for this area and who have bold ideas about how we can transform the way we work, live and play in the Forest of Dean.

“As a Cabinet and a council we wish to aim high, to attract major investment that creates growth and opportunity while enhancing the special qualities of culture, heritage and landscape that we are so lucky to live with.”

Kevan Spencer, the managing director of Vantage Developments, spoke of the arrival, later this year, of the Forest Growth Hub.

He said: “We expect the Forest Growth Hub to open its doors in September and our dedicated team of business navigators will be available to meet people looking to start up new businesses, provide tailored advice for established businesses and connect them with training solutions where needed.”