Enterprise to help Gloucestershire businesses is backed
Gloucestershire has been given the go ahead to set up its own Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
The partnership, led by Gloucestershire First, will represent the county to bid for government support to help aid local business and inward investment.
It plans to focus on projects including investment into rural broadband.
Gloucestershire County Council submitted the bid to the Government last month with support from local businesses, councils and county MPs.
David Owen, from Gloucestershire First, said the announcement was a "recognition of Gloucestershire as an economic entity".
Councillor Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: "LEP status is vital for Gloucestershire.
"[It] is directed at business growth, turnover and jobs - precisely our objectives for the Gloucestershire economy," he added.
Diane Savory, chairwoman of Gloucestershire First, said she wanted the enterprise to produce a "fresh and positive 'can-do' commercial environment in the county."