Mission 5: Innovation, Investment and Enterprise

Gloucestershire’s spirit of enterprise runs deep - it's rooted in a proud industrial and agricultural heritage and reimagined through a new generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and change makers. 

A dynamic, high‑performing economy depends on the ability to innovate, attract investment, and nurture enterprise. Gloucestershire’s economic future will be shaped by how effectively it empowers businesses to create, collaborate, and compete. By strengthening the county’s innovation ecosystem, supporting entrepreneurs, and unlocking new sources of sustainable investment, we will ensure that Gloucestershire continues to evolve as a resilient, future‑focused economy.

 Supporting business growth and innovation

Innovation is not just about technology - it is about people, ideas, and the places that bring them to life. Gloucestershire’s business support ecosystem plays a vital role in enabling start-ups and scale-ups to thrive. Through the Gloucestershire Growth Hub network over 34,000 businesses have access to tailored advice, funding, collaborative workspaces, and sector-specific business groups enabling innovation and enterprise.

Flagship developments such as The Golden Valley, The Forum, and the University City Campus are redefining the county’s economic landscape, offering significant opportunities for growth. These projects are not only magnets for investment but also the symbols of Gloucestershire’s future - where innovation, education and enterprise converge. Ensuring these are accessible through well-connected transport and digital infrastructure is essential to maximising their impact across all communities and ensuring their environmental sustainability.

Inward investment and global reach

Attracting inward investment and supporting global trade are key to the continued success of this county, and success depends on a well-skilled, adaptable, and resilient workforce ready to turn investment into innovation and opportunity. Foreign direct investment activity is spearheaded under the Invest in Gloucestershire brand, helping to promote our assets internationally, in partnership with our local stakeholders and the UK Government's network of Embassies and Consulates throughout the world.

Targeted high growth sectors, including secure technologies, cyber and digital, and advanced engineering are key drivers of investment, whilst the county’s smaller businesses form the backbone of the local economy.

Start-ups and small businesses across the county are driving innovation and local employment, yet they often face significant barriers during their early and growth stages. This includes the need for access to affordable, flexible workspace, particularly for entrepreneurs seeking to establish roots in high-demand and accessible locations. As businesses scale-up, they also encounter increased risk, from managing cash flow and hiring talent to navigating new markets. By continuing support for business growth services, and providing the right infrastructure in the right places, we will ensure the essential building blocks are in place to continue and grow our local economy.

Gloucestershire is committed to attracting inward investment from companies that demonstrate strong environmental and social responsibility. We actively seek government grants and funding streams that support sustainable development and help protect the planet. In addition, we aim to use public sector procurement reach as a force for good, prioritising contracts with businesses that uphold the highest standards of environmental stewardship and social value. By aligning investment, funding, and procurement with our sustainability goals, we can drive inclusive growth that benefits both people and the planet.

A culture of innovation and collaboration

Gloucestershire’s strength lies in its ability to collaborate. The business sector groups function as engines of insight and innovation, shaping the future workforce and driving forward priority growth opportunities and areas of competitive advantage.

Our partnerships with local universities, colleges, Innovate UK, and the Catapult network are critical to accelerating innovation and technology adoption. These relationships help businesses remain agile, competitive, and resilient in the face of change.

The county’s vibrant Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) network also plays a vital role delivering services, creating jobs, and driving inclusive innovation. Recognising and integrating their contribution is essential to building a resilient, community-focused economy and sustainable economic growth.

In a time of rapid technological change, we regard ongoing innovation as an ongoing necessity for our county. We understand that Gloucestershire must have a thriving, innovating, digital economy to succeed in the 21^st Century and beyond.

Social value and inclusive growth

Partners are committed to ensuring that investment across the county helps to deliver increased social value - working closely with industry to help strengthening local supply chains and small business contract opportunities, supporting net zero innovation, and creating opportunities for all, including apprenticeships and tackling barriers to employment. By working together with businesses, educational institutions, anchor organisations and communities on shared social value goals, public sector providers can harness the combined ‘buying power’ of Gloucestershire. This will help us collectively to deliver more coordinated, targeted, and impactful outcomes. By strengthening local supply chains and supporting social mobility, we will ensure that economic growth benefits all residents, particularly for those in disadvantaged communities.

By fostering a robust ecosystem that not only drives innovation and attracts investment but also champions community wealth building principles, we will ensure that economic benefits circulate and remain within Gloucestershire, strengthening local businesses and our local communities.

Gloucestershire’s High Growth Sectors