Together Gloucestershire to expand initiative which seeks to make it easier for local companies to do business with each other
Gloucestershire’s business community is to get a boost after funding was secured for an initiative that will make it easier for the county’s companies to do business with each other.
Together Gloucestershire, an organisation focused on developing sustainable local purchasing among businesses in the county, will use the Strategic Economic Development Funding (SEDF) grant to create a database for businesses.
This will help to identify opportunities for businesses in the county to collaborate, which could provide a significant boost to the local economy.
Together Gloucestershire is aiming to launch the database in July this year.
The SEDF is an initiative is designed to stimulate the local economy by providing grants to projects that align with the Gloucestershire Economic Strategy. The funding bid was put forward by Cotswold District Council and supported by Gloucestershire County Council and all the county’s district councils.
Adam Vines from Together Gloucestershire said: “Our organisation exists to drive long-term positive change in the local business landscape and this funding is a significant step forward in achieving our vision. It will enable us to scale up our efforts to create new opportunities for local people and businesses and ensure that no one is left behind in the county’s economic growth.”
Paul James, economic development lead at Cotswold District Council, who played a big role in championing the funding bid, said: “Supporting the economy is a core priority for Cotswold District Council, and we’re delighted to have supported Together Gloucestershire in securing this grant. Our diverse business community can make a significant contribution to economic growth in Gloucestershire, and this initiative will open up more opportunities for businesses across the county which is very exciting.”
David Owen, director of economy and environment at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Gloucestershire’s Economic Strategy sets out our ambition to work with major public, private and third sector bodies across the county to widen opportunities for SMEs to engage in public procurement process to enhance opportunities to buy local. Together Gloucestershire is an innovative project which we hope will help stimulate opportunities for local businesses and promote social value across the county.”
Together Gloucestershire was established in 2021 following discussions between the Cirencester and Cheltenham Chambers of Commerce, and the local Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). These discussions highlighted the significant economic potential of encouraging businesses to buy locally, with estimates suggesting a potential increase of up to £550 million in county-wide spending.”