Telephone: 01453 828829 - Stroud District Council

Stroud District Business Directory 

August 2004

2 

BUSINESS PREMISES 

TO LET 

* Offices, workshops & storage 

* 100 to 10,000 sq ft 

* Flexible terms 

* Junction 13, M5 location 

* Ample car parking 

* Pleasant rural environment 

* Helpful on-site management 

Wycliffe 

www.wycliffe.co.uk 

HMC and IAPS Day, Flexi-Boarding and 

Boarding School for pupils age 2 1 /2 to 18 

Preparatory School Age 2 1 /2 to 13+ 

Nursery, Pre-Preparatory and Preparatory Schools 

prep@wycliffe.co.uk 01453 820471 

Senior School Age 13+ to 18+ 

Year 9, GCSE and A levels 

Senior@wycliffe.co.uk 01453 822432 

60630 

Telephone: 01453 828829 

Facsimile: 01453 828830 

E-mail: lettings@bondsmill.co.uk 

Website: www.bondsmill.co.uk 

Bond’s Mill Estate Ltd 

The Wheelhouse 

Bond’s Mill, Stonehouse 

Gloucestershire GL10 3RF 

60856 

60714

FOR ALL YOUR COMPUTER 

SUPPLIES 

We are one of the leading computer 

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First class SERVICE comes as standard - we 

have built our success on this commitment 

• Laser, Ink Cartridges & Ribbons 

Original, Compatible & Remanufactured available 

• Listing paper & Standard business forms 

• Branded, Bulk & Own Logo Disks & CD Roms 

• Disk & CD ROM duplication 

• PCs, Printers & Upgrades 

• Back-up Media 

ALL BRANDS SUPPLIED 

Tel: (01453) 791400 

Fax: (01453) 822695 

email: sales@multiplies.co.uk 

ON ALL PRODUCTS & SERVICES 

CALL FOR ADVICE & INFORMATION 

K E L E X 

Print & Design Ltd 

FOR ALL YOUR PRINT 

REQUIREMENTS 

Any print requirements you may 

have, no matter how big or small, 

we can help. 

• Business Cards 

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• Invoices/Delivery Notes/Statements 

• NCR Sets, Books & Pads 

• Brochures/Folders 

• Single through to Full Colour 

• Wedding Stationery 

RING TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTATION 

Tel: (01453) 826548 

Fax: (01453) 822695 

email: sales@kelex.co.uk 

61032 

3

4 

60535

Contents 

7 ...........................................................Introduction 

8..............................Mixing Business with Pleasure 

10...................................A Dynamic Local Economy 

11....................................Planning for Employment 

14 ..........................Making the Most of Local Skills 

15 ..............Building Tomorrow’s Businesses Today 

16 .......................................Making Business Count 

18 ...........................Contacts and Useful Addresses 

22 .............................................Classification Index 

24 .......................Stroud District Business Directory 

69 .....................................................Entrants Index 

Front Cover Pictures 

Top: Oysters at the Retreat Public House, Stroud 

2nd Top: Pangolin Editions, Chalford 

2nd Bottom: Local craft market, Stroud 

Bottom: Local milestone 

Published by: Burrows Communications Limited 

Offices at: 

Head Office: Publicity House, 106 Stafford Road, 

Wallington, Surrey SM6 9AY 

Tel: 020 8773 3000 • Fax: 020 8773 8888 

email: postmaster@burrows.co.uk 

home page: http://www.burrows.co.uk 

Waters Green House, Waters Green, 

Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 6LP 

Tel: 01625 619955 • Fax: 01625 619333 

email: postmaster@burrows.co.uk 

home page: http://www.burrows.co.uk 

Our Advertisers: 

We gratefully acknowledge the support of all the firms whose 

advertisements appear in these pages. Without their help we would not 

be able to produce this business directory. As a reciprocal gesture we 

have pleasure in drawing the attention of our readers to their 

announcements, but wish to make it clear that Stroud District Council 

can accept no responsibility for their products or services advertised. 

The Falcon Inn, Painswick 

5

Introduction 

Welcome to the third edition of the Stroud Business Directory, covering the period 2004 to 2006. 

The directory has been developed to publicise the goods and services of local businesses, promote local 

purchasing and assist the growth of the local economy. 

The directory is also a source of important background and contact information for businesses and entrepreneurs, who 

may be considering relocating to the Stroud District – a place where ‘business and pleasure really do mix’. 

The first point of on-line contact for business and enterprise support is the Stroud Enterprise Hub (SEH) – a virtual 

business centre and information point for council services. This is located at www.stroud.gov.uk/SEH. 

Or alternatively, please contact: 

Stroud Enterprise Hub (SEH) 

Stroud District Council 

Regeneration and Culture 

Council Offices 

Ebley Mill 

Stroud 

Gloucestershire 

GL5 4UB 

Tel: 01453 754306 

Fax: 01453 754309 

E-mail: enterprise@stroud.gov.uk 

General council and regeneration information is also available online at: www.stroud.gov.uk. 

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this directory, Stroud District Council 

does not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. If your company is not included in this directory, but would 

like to be in any future publications or databases, please contact the SEH at the above address. 

Canal restoration and regeneration activity, Ebley Wharf 

7


Mixing Business with Pleasure 

Exploiting natural advantage 

The Stroud District covers an area of about 175 square 

miles in the south of Gloucestershire. Its western 

boundary is formed by the Severn Estuary beyond which, 

lies the Forest of Dean District. To the north lies 

Gloucester City and Tewkesbury Borough, whilst Cotswold 

District lies to the east. The city of Bristol is located some 

15 miles from the southern boundary of Stroud District, 

whilst Birmingham, Swindon and London are within easy 

reach by car (the M5 runs through the District) and train 

(London Paddington line). 

Frampton-on-Severn 

8 

Map 1.0 : Stroud District 

The eastern half of the District is part of the Cotswold 

Hills, which is designated as an Area of Outstanding 

Natural Beauty (AONB). To the west of the Cotswold 

escarpment there are superb views across the low-lying 

landscape of the Severn Vale. In fact, the overall quality 

of the natural environment is one of the area’s great 

selling points – 2,800 hectares of land designated as 

either Sites of Special Scientific Interest or National 

Nature Reserves. 

Stinchcombe Golf Course 

It is not surprising that the District is predominately rural 

in character. Its landscape of country houses, gardens, 

churches and industrial and craft heritage attracts visitors 

throughout the year. The resident population is currently 

107,898 (2001 census) with three quarters living in the 

settlements of the Stroud Valleys, and the market towns of 

Cam, Dursley and Wotton-under-Edge.

An Industrious Culture 

Stroud Town is unique within the District, as the central 

point where five picturesque, yet very different valleys 

meet. It was the hub of the mid Gloucestershire cloth 

producing valleys transforming it from a traditional 

Cotswold town to a vigorous Victorian business and 

social centre. This is evident today in the plethora of 

historic mills lining the valleys. 

The quality of the District’s industrial heritage is also 

evident in the area’s canals, which are now part of a 

nationally important restoration project. This exciting 

project aims to once again link the Thames and Severn 

rivers, bringing two of England’s most beautiful inland 

waterways back to life. The first phase of the project has 

received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, to start 

work on a 10 mile stretch of the root. 

Today, Stroud Town is a centre for alternative health 

activities, organic produce and fair-traded goods. It is 

also a bustling working market town, with a thriving 

farmers market and an expanding range of local 

speciality shops and businesses. Central to this success 

are its local residents, a considerable number of whom 

are gifted artists and artisans, providing the town with a 

vibrant music, festival and cultural scene. 

Trading on Distinctiveness 

The other main towns within the District are known for 

their diversity and distinctiveness. Painswick and 

Minchinhampton are renowned for their idyllic settings, 

narrow streets and Cotswold stone buildings. In the south 

of the District, Wotton-under-Edge has a busy high street, 

based upon medieval street patterns and dramatic views 

of the Cotswold Hills. On its outskirts lies Renishaw, one 

of the most successful engineering firms in the District, at 

the forefront of automated metrology and employing 

1,200 people worldwide. 

View from Frocester Hill 

Nailsworth, towards the south of Stroud Town, is a 

bustling, creative market town with a national reputation 

for gastronomy, and a number of Gloucestershire’s finest 

restaurants, all within easy walking distance. Both 

Dursley and Stonehouse are working towns, founded 

upon a long-standing industrial economy, but they still 

retain many historic features and places of interest. In 

fact, Dursley, like Painswick, straddles the route of the 

Cotswold Way trail. 

In contrast to the valleys, the area of the District bordering 

the River Severn and the Gloucester Sharpness Canal is 

lined with old villages, such as Frampton-on-Severn, 

which boasts one of the longest village greens in the 

country. Other features in this area include Sharpness 

Docks, which has been an operational port since the late 

19th Century and Berkeley Castle, one of England’s 

oldest inhabited castles, made infamous by the murder of 

Edward II in 1387. 

Forecasting Strong Growth 

In addition to the restoration of the Cotswold Canals, 

major regeneration activity is also focusing upon: 

• The continued physical rebirth of Stroud Town – 

refurbished arts / entertainment facilities, a new leisure 

complex and transport interchange. 

• The development of an innovative ‘urban village’ at 

Cam / Dursley, integrating housing and employment uses 

and involving considerable financial investment by the 

South West Regional Development Agency. 

• The continued development of Sharpness Docks as an 

important short sea-shipping hub, for Europe and beyond. 

Work is also ongoing in many of the District’s diverse 

communities to establish town and parish plans, which set 

the strategic context for new action and investment. This 

is about directly addressing the needs of local people and 

businesses and setting clear priorities for development 

and growth. 

9


A Dynamic Local Economy 

Demographics and Economic Activity 

According to the 2001 Census, the resident population of 

Stroud District was 107,898. Of this population, 54,819 

people were economically active, which represents an 

activity rate of 71% (all people aged 16-74). Census 

occupation profiles indicates that 41.4% of the employed 

residents are employed in management / senior official 

and professional occupations. This contrasts to a South 

West average of 38.4%. The Stroud District also has a 

higher than County percentage of the population who are 

employed in skilled trades – 13.9% compared with a 

Gloucestershire average of 12.4%. 

Sharpness Docks 

As the Stroud District is an attractive place to live and is 

well located for the urban centres of Gloucester, 

Cheltenham and Bristol, it attracts a considerable number 

of commuters, with over 17,958 people living in the area, 

but working elsewhere (2001 Census). Based on evidence 

from the Local Area Labour Force Survey, it is clear that 

the economic activity rate (commonly referred to as the 

percentage of the population in a given area, who are 

available for work), within the District, increased by 4.5 

percentage points from 1999 to 2000. During the same 

Cam Long Down 

10 

Wotton-Under-Edge 

period, Gloucestershire witnessed a 1.4 percentage point 

increase and the South West and the UK witnessed a 

slight decrease of 0.4 and 0.1 percentage points respectively. 

It is evident that unemployment, in line with national 

trends has fallen significantly within Stroud District. 

In fact, in the space of 10 years, unemployment within 

the area, has fallen by over 40% from 3,041 to 1,843 

(2001 Census). Building upon the area’s industrious 

character, it is also evident that the number of people 

claiming unemployment related benefits has fallen 

significantly. According to NOMIS (2003), the rate of 

1.6% recorded in Stroud, is 40% below the UK average. 

Key Economic Sectors 

The Stroud District over the period 1998 to 2001, has 

witnessed an increase in the percentage of people 

employed in the following key sectors: 

• Construction (3.8% to 6.1%) 

• Distribution, hotels and restaurants (22.2% to 24.4%) 

• Transport and communications (3.0% to 4.3%) 

• Banking, finance and insurance (10.3% to 11.9%) 

• Other sectors (3.8% to 4.5%) 

(NOMIS 2003) 

Over the same period, the 

percentage of people employed in 

the manufacturing sector has 

declined considerably from 29.4% 

to 22.2%. Although a small 

percentage of the overall 

population are directly employed in 

agriculture and fishing, this 

important sector continues to show 

further signs of decline, with a fall 

from 1.8% (708 people) to 1.6% 

(610 people).

Business Growth 

In 2001, there were 4,729 businesses within Stroud 

District, which represents an increase of 264 businesses 

since 1998, or a 5.6% growth. Over this period there 

has been a growth of 274 new businesses employing 10 

people or less. 

This statistical information suggests that the District has 

witnessed an extremely rapid growth in micro and small 

businesses, with demand for quality small workspace 

remaining buoyant. 

Table 1.0 

Summary: Key Information 

Demographics and Economic Activity 

• 4% growth in the local population (1991 – 2001) 

• Higher than average percentage of residents employed in management, senior official and professional occupations 

(34% compared to 23% UK average) 

• Significant out-commuting (over 17,958 people in 2001) 

• Good economic activity rates (4.5% point increase from 1999 to 2000) 

• Significant decline in unemployment rates (decrease of 40% in 10 years – 2001 census) 

Key Economic Sectors 

• Solid employment growth across a number of economic sectors – including construction; distribution, hotels and 

restaurants; transport and communication; banking, finance and insurance and other sectors (1998 – 2001) 

• Continued decline in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors (1998 – 2001) 

• Substantial growth in micro and small businesses (5.6% growth from 1991 to 2001) 

• Decline in larger employers 

Business Growth 

• Rapid growth in micro and small businesses (from 1998 to 2001 a growth of 274 businesses employing 

10 people of less) 

• Projected demand for good quality small business workspace 

• Good business survival rates (upward growth in the total stock of VAT registered businesses) 

Planning for Employment 

Not only are the small business growth rates strong in the 

local area, there is also compelling evidence to suggest 

that overall, new businesses are surviving and indeed 

flourishing in the Stroud District. VAT registrations / deregistrations 

demonstrates an upwards growth in the total 

stock from 1996, with a positive net change of 45 in 

2001. This contrasts to a net decline of 45 in 2001, for 

Gloucestershire as a whole. 

The Stroud District Local Plan, Revised Deposit as amended June 2001, has identified 36 key employment sites, which 

cover a variety of business accommodation from modern manufacturing units to older converted mills. These committed 

employment sites are identified on Map 2. 

Industrial Space, Stonehouse Siemens Plc, near Stroud Dairy Crest, Stonehouse 

11


Map 2.0: Key Employment Sites 

12 

Forest of Dean 

District 

Bristol (15 miles) 

South 


Gloucester 

City 

Tewkesbury 

Borough 

Cotswold 

District

Table 2.0: Key Employment Sites 

Site Reference Name Parish Size (ha) 

EK1 Chalford Industrial Estate Chalford 3.6 

EK2 Meadow Mill Industrial Estate Eastington 1.9 

EK3 Stroudwater / Oldends Lane Industrial Area Stonehouse 55.6 

EK4 Bonds Mill Industrial Estate, Bristol Road Stonehouse 3.3 

EK5 Upper Mills Industrial Estate, Bristol Road Stonehouse 2.5 

EK6 Ryeford Industrial Area Stonehouse 5.7 

EK7 Dudbridge Industrial Area Cainscross 4.9 

EK8 Daniels Industrial Estate, Bath Road Rodborough 3.3 

EK9 Bath Road Industrial Estate Rodborough 6.4 

EK10 Fromeside Industrial Estate, Dr. Newton’s Way Stroud 1.4 

EK11 Salmon Springs Industrial Estate, Painswick Road Stroud 2.0 

EK12 Stafford Mills Industrial Estate, London Road Thrupp 1.7 

EK13 Griffin Mills Industrial Estate, London Road Thrupp 3.5 

EK14 Phoenix Industrial Estate, London Road Thrupp 6.8 

EK15 Hope Mills Industrial Estate, London Road Thrupp 4.8 

EK16 Brimscombe Port Industrial Area, London Road Thrupp 4.2 

EK17 South Woodchester Industrial Area. Bath Road Woodchester 3.2 

EK18 Frogmarsh Mill Industrial Estate, Bath Road Woodchester 1.2 

EK19 Inchbrook Industrial Estate, Bath Road Nailsworth 8.6 

EK20 Nailsworth Mill Industrial Estate, Avening Road Nailsworth 3.3 

EK21 Spring Mill Industrial Estate, Avening Road Nailsworth 2.4 

EK22 Frampton Industrial Estate, Bridge Road Frampton on Severn 2.7 

EK23 Draycott / Middle Mill Industrial Area, High Street Cam 8.4 

EK24 Cam Mills, Everlands Cam 2.4 

EK26 Mawdsley’s Uley Road Dursley 0.9 

EK27 Tabernacle Road Wotton-under-Edge 0.5 

EK28 Renishaw, Old Town Wotton-under-Edge 0.6 

EK29 Berkshire Gravure, Brookside Wotton-under-Edge 0.9 

EK30 Abbey Mill Industrial Estate, Charfield Road Kingswood 2.3 

EK31 Renishaw, New Mills Kingswood 8.9 

EK32 Sharpness Docks Hinton 68.1 

EK33 Rigestate, Station Road Berkeley 1.0 

EK34 Former MOD Site 4 Hardwicke 15.4 



EK37 Lodgemore / Fromehall Mills Stroud 6.7 

The District also has a number of sites, which have planning permission (as of January 1 1999) and have not yet been 

developed, and new sites allocated for employment use, to meet anticipated needs up to 2011. These sites are detailed 

in Table 3.0. 

13


Table 3.0: Planning Permission and Employment Allocated 

14 

Site Size 

Reference Name Parish (ha) Status 

P1 Site adjoining waste transfer station Alkington 1.1 Planning Permission 

P2 Draycott Mills Industrial Estate Cam 0.33 Planning Permission 

P3 Land south of Draycott Mills Cam 1.7 Outline Planning Permission 

P4 Coaley Junction Cam 1.44 Planning Permission 

P5 Whiteway Hill Garage Dursley 0.27 Outline Planning Permission 

P6 Woodlands Farm Ham and Stone 0.72 Planning Permission 

P7 Javelin Park Haresfield 11.05 Planning Permission 

P8 Howard Tenens Sharpness Ltd Hinton 15 Planning Permission 

P9 Renishaw Metrology Kingswood 13 Planning Permission 

P10 Moreton Valence Airfield Moreton Valence 4.38 Planning Permission 

P11 Land at Old Airfield Site Moreton Valence 0.51 Planning Permission 

P12 C M Downton Moreton Valence 3.5 Planning Permission 

P13 Gouldings of Nailsworth Ltd Nailsworth 2 Planning Permission 

P14 Woodtech Fitted Furniture Ltd Stonehouse 1.2 Planning Permission 

P15 Land adj to Lower Mills Stonehouse 3 Planning Permission 

P16 Bonds Mill Stonehouse 6 Planning Permission 

P17 SNFA Bearings Ltd Wotton-under-Edge 0.8 Outline Planning Permission 

A1 Adj MOD, Aston Down Chalford 3 Planning Permission 

A2 Land off Draycott Crescent (EA1) Cam 11.6 Employment Allocated 

A3 Meadow Mill (EA2) Eastington 2.2 Employment Allocated 

A4 Sharpness Docks (EA3) Hinton 6.8 Employment Allocated 


A6 Sharpness Docks (EA5) Hinton 4 Employment Allocated 


A8 Land at Charfield Road (EA7) Kingswood 0.3 Employment Allocated 

A9 Stroudwater Business Park (EA9) Stonehouse 13.7 Employment Allocated 

A10 Stroudwater Business Park (EA10) Stonehouse 2.2 Employment Allocated 

A11 Land adjacent ABB Kent-Taylor Factory (EA11) Stonehouse 1.4 Employment Allocated 

A12 Land adjacent Ham Mills (EA12) Thrupp 0.6 Employment Allocated 

A13 Hunt’s Grove (MU1) Hardwicke 5.2 Employment Allocated 

A14 Land at Lister Petter (MU3) Cam 1.5 Employment Allocated 

Farmers Market, Stroud (www.foodlinks.info) 

Making the Most of Local Skills 

Starting Young 

Stroud District is fortunate in having an excellent range of local schools – 

primary, secondary and independent. With reference to the DfES Performance 

Tables for Primary Schools (2003), of the 47 schools for which comparable 

information was obtainable, 37 schools achieved equal to or above the 

England average point score (27.4%). This equates to 79% of the primary 

schools for which information is available. 

Delivering Quality Further Education 

Stroud College recognises that there is a need to provide customer and 

employer focused education services, which respond to the dynamics of a 

changing world. Stroud College is currently developing as a Centre of 

Excellence for care services and is focused upon finding realistic solutions to 

community and organisational training needs.

It has long been the case that colleges are expected to 

form partnerships and alliances with external organisations, 

especially in the private sector. Stroud College has 

turned this into an art form, enabling the college to 

provide enhanced learning experiences and an excellent 

range of courses. NETg, the worlds leading e-learning 

company, has a vast range of interactive e-learning 

courses, many of which are available to students at 

Stroud College. The college also offers a full range of 

flexible and distance learning options. 

Street Entertainment, Stroud 

As part of the Adults in Continuing Education and 

Training (ACET) consortium, the college has taken a 

lead in promoting learning in the community. Recent 

community training initiatives have focused upon: 

families; older learners, people living in rural areas 

and towns; people with special educational needs 

and unemployed. 

Accessing the Best in Higher Education 

The Stroud District is also fortunate in having a number of 

excellent higher education establishments on its doorstep, 

including the University of Gloucestershire, 

Gloucestershire College of Arts and Technology (Gloscat), 

Cranfield University, University of Bristol and the 

University of the West of England, to name but a few. 

The University of Gloucestershire is one of Britain’s newest 

universities, with a growing reputaion for providing 

quality programmes and teaching, and a full range of 

student support. The University of Gloucestershire offers 

programmes of study leading to undergraduate, taught 

postgraduate and research degrees, plus professional 

qualifications, including teacher training. The current 

programme of study focuses upon: 

• Undergraduate programmes 

• Postgraduate taught programme 

• Research degrees 

• Teacher training 

• Professional courses 

• Business school professional courses 

• Foundation degrees 

• Part-time courses 

Linking Business and Education 

The Stroud and Mid-Gloucestershire Education Business 

Partnership (SMGEBP) was established to improve 

collaboration and understanding between employers and 

the education service to fulfil local needs for a skilled and 

effective workforce. The partners are committed to 

working together to enhance job opportunities for all 

young people. Some examples of current projects, 

include: 

• School curriculum projects linked to real 

business situations. 

• Industry days – practical work skill development 

(communication, negotiation, team building etc). 

• Key skills seminars – time management, revision 

techniques etc. 

• Teacher placements and courses. 

The partnership works closely with a wide range of 

businesses. Examples of recent business support include: 

BT, Waitrose, The Stroud and Swindon Building Society, 

Lloyds Bank, Marine Communications, Tesco and 

Renishaws, to name but a few. 

Building Tomorrow’s 

Businesses Today 

Gloucester Green Business Club 

The Gloucestershire Green Business Club, provides local 

businesses with current information on environmental matters, 

in response to changes in environmental legislation and 

commercial opportunities associated with good 

environmental management practices. The Club runs a 

series of monthly seminars throughout Gloucestershire, 

providing up-to-date information on environmental 

management, with guest speakers from business, industry 

and government. 

Recent topics addressed include: 

Made In Stroud Shop, Stroud 

• Implications of the Climate Change Levy (carbon tax) 

on businesses 

• Understanding the requirements of the Packaging 

Regulations and new Producer Responsibility legislation 

15


Ecotricity, Lynch Knoll Wind Park, Near Stroud 

16 

• Developing 

Environmental 

Management 

Systems (ISO 

14001), and 

options for 

integrating with 

quality, health 

and safety 

• Implementing 

energy and waste 

minimisation 

programmes to 

achieve 

environmental 

improvements 

and cost savings 

Glos Econet (www.gloseconet.org.uk) 

Glos Econet has been established to help businesses 

improve their environmental credentials and save money. 

Whether in a small office or a large manufacturing 

plant, sound environmental practices can improve 

business productivity, reduce company exposure to risk 

and deliver many environmental and financial benefits. 

However, with competing time pressures, knowing where 

to look for expert advice and setting priorities can be 

difficult. This website aims to simplify the process of 

getting started by linking you to some of the best sources 

of environmental business advice around. You can also 

see some local examples of what other companies in 

Gloucestershire have been doing to improve their 

environmental performance and gain competitive advantage. 

If you would like to keep an eye on the ongoing changes 

in environmental legislation and how they impact upon 

your business, you can also visit the Environment Agency 

NETREGS pages at: 

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/netregs/ 

Business in the Community (BITC) 

Business in the Community is a unique movement of 700 

member companies committed to continually improving 

their positive impact on society. It is a business led 

Stanley Mill, Kings Stanley 

organisation with a strong reputation for developing and 

sharing best practice. 

Examples of recent publications include: 

• Managing the New Legislation on Religion and Belief 

• Working with Business in Local Strategic Partnerships – 

a Guidance Note for Local Authorities 

• Brand Benefits – Cause Related Marketing 

• Affordable Rural Housing: Opportunities for Farmers 

and Landowners 

Social Enterprise Support 

The Stroud District is fortunate in having an extremely 

vibrant social enterprise sector which is supported at a 

local level through the Social Enterprise Centre based in 

Stroud Town and a number of important partners, 

including Business Link Gloucestershire, Co-operative 

Futures and ACE. One of the main aims of the partners 

is to establish a countywide Social Enterprise Alliance, 

supporting enterprise development across Gloucestershire. 

The Social Enterprise Centre provides facilities for 

enterprises and runs a variety of training and education 

projects for new ventures, including action learning 

networks and pratical business support. 

Making Business Count 

Delphi Automotive Systems, Stonehouse 

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) 

With a relatively small number of large businesses 

in the Stroud area, small firms are very important to the 

economic well being of the District. The FSB has a key 

role in ensuring the continued growth and viability 

of these small companies. Although run, largely by 

part-time volunteers, the FSB now has well over 180,000 

members nationally and is the largest UK organisation of 

its kind supporting and lobbying for the self-employed 

and small businesses. 

The Stroud Branch of the FSB, run by a volunteer 

committee, represents around 450 members and meets 

regularly with other business organisations such as the 

local Chamber of Trade. It co-operates closely with SDC 

on matters connected with community strategy and the 

local economy. Current key issues for the Stroud Branch, 

include improving the wellbeing of local market towns; 

enhancing the rural economy; developing the tourism 

sector and supporting key physical regeneration projects 

(e.g. The Canal Restoration project).

The Stroud Branch forms part of the FSB ‘ Bristol and 

Gloucestershire Region’ and, through this, co-operates 

with all of the other local authorities, Business Link and 

public sector organisations within this geographical area. 

It is also a key consultation body for Gloucestershire First, 

the South West Regional Development Agency and other 

bodies on county and regional economic matters. 

Business Link Gloucestershire 

Business Link Gloucestershire offers a range of 

information, advice and networking opportunities to all 

types of business in the county – especially to new and 

small companies. Services include advice on generic 

business planning, sales and marketing, quality, international 

trade, people development and new technologies, and 

are either free or available at affordable rates. Advisors 

can also offer specialist advice to important sectors for 

Gloucestershire including farming, tourism and manufacturing. 

Businesses can access direct local, regional and national 

information from Business Link Gloucestershire. Business 

Link also offers frequent opportunities for business 

networking in a number of venues across the county. 

Recent events have covered: 

• Family businesses 

• International trade 

• Workforce development 

Business Link Gloucestershire is one of a network of 

Business Links that operate throughout England. It has a 

staff of 54 and a turnover of £5m per year. Its head 

office is located at Chargrove House, Shurdington, 

near Cheltenham. 

Gloucestershire First 

Gloucestershire First is a countywide economic 

partnership established to maintain a sustainable 

environment in which businesses can flourish and grow. 

The organisation offers a free and confidential service to 

companies and organisations seeking to relocate within 

the County, or intending Gloucestershire to be their new 

business location. 

Gloucestershire First works in partnership with the 

following inward investment agencies: 

• South West Regional Development Agency – 

responsible for providing regional strategic leadership 

in economic development and for co-ordinating 

national programmes in the region. It provides land 

and property advice to inward investors, manages 

the Agency’s property portfolio and markets the 

region overseas. 

• Invest UK – is the only government agency covering 

the whole of the UK. It helps overseas companies to 

set up businesses in the UK, or expand their interests, 

as effectively as possible through the government 

consular network. 

• Trade Partners UK – government business portal, 

which holds information to help UK companies export 

or expand their interests overseas. 

It is important to note that Gloucestershire First provides 

the first point of contact for all enquires about available 

land and property within the county. 

Stroud District Local Strategic Partnership - 

Creating Wealth Syndicate 

As part of central Government’s modernisation agenda, 

every local authority has a duty to produce a Community 

Strategy in which the social, economic and environmental 

well-being of the area is promoted. The Stroud District 

Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) is the organisaton, which 

has been established to promote this agenda. 

The LSP consists of representatives from the public, 

private, voluntary and community sectors, who have the 

right diversity and mix of local knowledge and expertise, 

to drive the strategy forward and take practical action. In 

terms of organisational structure, there are three 

syndicate or work groups, which feed in to the overall LSP 

organisation. These are namley: 

• Affordable and decent housing 

• Rural transport 

• Creating wealth 

The Creating Wealth Syndicate is concerned with the 

economic, business, skills and enterprise issues across the 

district. Members of the syndicate are drawn from a wide 

range of backgrounds and include business support 

organisations, public sector organisations and private 

sector interests. The Syndicate also has strong links with 

the Stroud and District Business Club. 

Business link, Gloucestershire Public/Private partnerships Gloucestershire First 

17


Contacts and Useful Addresses 

Education and Skills 

Adult Continuing 

Education and Training (ACET) 

ACET provides adults, whatever their 

background, with a bridge to further and higher 

education and training, helping them progress 

smoothly and surely to fulfil their potential. 

ACET, Keyside House, Gloucestershire 

County Council, GL1 2TP 

T: 0800 5421655 

E : acet@gloucestershire.gov.uk 

www.gloucestershire.gov.uk 

Connexions Gloucestershire 

Connexions is the government's support service 

for all young people aged 13 to 19 in England. 

The service aims to provide integrated advice, 

guidance and access to personal development 

opportunities for this group and to help them 

make a smooth transition to adulthood and 

working life. The success of Connexions depends 

on the involvement of young people - listening 

to and taking account of their views in the design 

and delivery of Connexions will be essential. 

Southgate House, Southgate Street 

Gloucester, GL1 1UW 

T: 01452 833600 / 01452 524800 

E: info@connexionsglos.org.uk 

F: 01452 833601 

www.connexionsglos.co.uk 

Cotswold Vale Consortium 

Broad association of education providers, 

services and users within the Cam and 

Dursley area, established to improve working 

relationships and develop education and skills 

related projects 

c/o 

Dursley Education Centre 

Castle Street, 

Dursley, 

GL11 4BS 

T: (01453) 542060 

E : barbarapage@stroudcol.ac.uk 

Street Entertainment, Stroud 

18 

Cranfield University 

Cranfield Creates manages the Cranfield 

University Business Gateway, a web portal 

aimed at businesses across the region. The 

business web portal aims to make it easier for 

businesses and business support agencies to 

access the resources, facilities and expertise 

of Cranfield University and to increase our 

interaction with the business community. 

Cranfield University, Cranfield 

Bedfordshire , MK43 0AL United Kingdom 

T: 01234 750111 

E: info@cranfield.ac.uk 

F: 01234 750875 

www.cranfield.ac.uk 

Gloucestershire College 

of Arts and Technology 

Gloscat, one of the largest further education 

colleges in the UK, offers a wide range of 

education and training programmes 

including A Levels and GCSEs, vocational 

qualifications, work-based learning, basic 

skills courses, Higher Education, short 

courses for business, part-time day and 

evening courses and English for 

overseas students. 

Gloucester Campus 

Brunswick Road 

Gloucester 

GL1 1HU 

T: 01452 532000 / 01242 532000 

E: info@gloscat.ac.uk 

www.gloscat.ac.uk 

Gloucestershire County Council 

Education Services 

Everything you might need to know about 

admission procedures to primary and 

secondary level schools, hospital education, 

the reintegration service, Ofsted reports 

and tables. 

Shire Hall, Westgate Street 

Gloucester, GL1 2TG 

T: 01452 425300 

www.glocestershire.gov.uk 

Learndirect 

learndirect is a network of online learning 

and information services. It is a governmentsponsored 

initiative in flexible learning, 

intended to make possible the vision of a 

'learning society' where everyone can learn 

and upgrade their skills throughout life.The 

nearest district centre is based at Stroud College. 

Stroud College, Stratford Road, 

Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 4AH 

T: 01453 763424 

E : christinemauler@stroudcol.ac.uk 

Learning and Skills Council 

Gloucestershire (LSCG) 

At the national level, the Learning and Skills 

Council (LSC) is responsible for funding and 

planning education and training for over 16year-olds 

in England. The LSCG is the local 

branch of the organisation. 

Conway House, 

33-35 Worcester Street, 

Gloucester, GL1 3AJ 

T: 01452 450001 

F: 01452 450002 

E: gloucestershireinfo@lsc.gov.uk 

Prince’s Trust 

The Prince’s Trust offers practical solutions to 

help young people to get their lives working. 

This Includes: 

• Developing confidence, skills and job chances 

• Improving motivation and 

attendance at school 

• Starting a business 

• Overcoming barriers 

First Floor 

Discovery Court, 162 Southgate Street, 

Gloucester, GL1 2EX 

T: 01452 416191 

F: 01452 522890 

E: busglos@princes-trust.org.uk 

Stroud College 

Provides a range of further education 

opportunities, including flexible learning and 

outreach services. 

Stratford Road, Stroud, 

Gloucestershire, GL5 4AH 


F: 01453 753543 

E: enquire@stroudcol.ac.uk 

Stroud Consortium 

Broad association of education providers, 

services and users within the Stroud area, 

established to improve working relationships 

and develop education and skills 

related projects. 

c/o 

Stroud College, Stratford Road, 

Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 4AH 


E: barbarapage@stroudcol.ac.uk

Stroud and Mid-Gloucestershire 

Education Business Partnership 

(SMGEBP) 

Develops joint projects between local 

employers and schools. 

c/o 

Maidenhill School, 

Kings Road, Stonehouse, 

Gloucestershire, GL10 2HA 


F : 01453 825639 

E : carolendacott@waitrose.com 

Stroud Job Centre 

The centre gives help and advice on jobs and 

training for people who can work and the 

right financial help for those who cannot. 

54-56 London Road, Stroud, 

Gloucestershire, UK, GL5 2AD 


University of Bristol 

The University's links with business and 

industry are many and varied. The University 

works in partnership with companies on 

research projects; it spins out companies from 

its research; it promotes and teaches 

entrepreneurship; it devises certain 

programmes of study in conjunction with the 

private sector; it hosts business events through 

its Conference Office; it offers Continuing 

Professional Development programmes; and 

via the Bristol Enterprise Network, it is a key 

part of the network of business and other 

organisations working to increase the 

competitiveness of Bristol and the region. 

University of Bristol, Senate House, 

Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TH 

T: 0117 9289000 

E: public-relations@bristol.ac.uk 

University of Gloucestershire 

The University Development Centre (formerly 

the Centre for Business) is the gateway to the 

University for businesses, employers and other 

organisations. 

Park Campus, PO Box 220, 

The Park, Cheltenham, GL50 2QF 

T: 01242 536203 

F: 01242 536204 

E: udc@glos.ac.uk 

www.glos.ac.uk 

University of the West of England 

The Business Interface Team provides a 

comprehensive range of services for businesses 

of all sizes. They are a dedicated first point of 

contact on business or regional matters. 

Centre for Research 

Innovation and Graduate Studies 

University of the West of England 

Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane 

Bristol, BS16 1QY 

T: 0117 32 82542 

F: 0117 32 82688 

E: fern.urquhart@uwe.ac.uk 

Enterprise Support 

and Networking 

Business in the Community 

Business in the Community is a unique 

movement in the UK of 700 member 

companies, with a further 1600 participating 

in programmes and campaigns. The 

organisation operates through a network of 

98 local business-led partnerships, as well as 

working with 45 global partners. The purpose 

is to inspire, challenge, engage and support 

business in continually improving its positive 

impact on society. BITC is the largest and 

longest-established organisation of its kind - 

an independent business-led charity with over 

20 years experience. 

Business in the Community 

Royal Oak House, Royal Oak Avenue 

Bristol, BS1 4GB 

T: 0117 9897749 

F: 0117 9252726 

E: nat.selman@bitc.org.uk 

Business Link Gloucestershire 

Business Link Gloucestershire is dedicated to 

supporting all businesses in the county by 

providing independent, impartial advice. 

Chargrove House, 

Shurdington, 

Cheltenham, 

Gloucestershire, GL51 4GA 

T: 01242 863863 

F: 01242 864101 

E: info@glos.businesslink.co.uk 

www.glos.businesslink.co.uk 

Co-operative Futures 

Co-operative Futures is a policy and 

development organisation supporting the 

co-operative, mutual and social enterprise 

sector across Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, 

Swindon and Wiltshire. 

City Works, 

Alfred Street 

Gloucester, GL1 4DF 

T: 01452 543030 

E: info@co-operativefutures.coop 

Dursley and District Chamber 

of Trade and Commerce 

Local business organisation 

Mr. P. Jones 

President 

R.P. Jones 

15-17 Long Street, Dursley 

Gloucestershire, GL11 4HP 


Federation of Small Businesses 

With over 185,000 members, the FSB is 

recognised as the voice of small business by 

leading politicians of all major parties. Local 

branch details are provided below: 

19 The Hill 

Merrywalks, Stroud 

Gloucestershire, GL5 4EP 



E: TJMSTROUD@aol.com 

Glos Econet (www.gloseconet.org.uk) 

On-line environmental support network, with 

case studies and useful contacts 

E: info@gloseconet.org.uk 

Gloucestershire First 

Gloucestershire First acts as the authentic 

voice of the Gloucestershire economy. With 

membership drawn from the business 

community, local authorities, the voluntary 

sector and business support agencies, the 

partnership is tasked with raising the county's 

economic profile to attract inward investment 

and preserve existing jobs. 

Chargrove House Business Centre 

Main Road, Shurdington 

Near Cheltenham 


GL51 4GA 

T: 01242 864190 

F: 01242 864197 

E: info@glosfirst.co.uk 

Gloucestershire Green Business Club 

The club provides local businesses with 

up-to-date information on environmental 

management matters, in response to changes 

in environmental legislation and commercial 

opportunities associated with good 

environmental management practices. 

University of Gloucestershire 

Francis Close Hall 

Swindon Road, Cheltenham 

Gloucester, GL50 4AZ 

T: 01242 543290 

F : 01242 543283 

E : asteele@chelt.ac.uk 

Government Office for 

the South West (GOSW) 

GOSW is an outpost of central government. 

From its offices in Bristol, Plymouth and Truro 

the organisation represent the work and 

interests of several Government departments, 

including the Department for Transport; 

Department for Education and Skills; 

Department of the Environment, Food and 

Rural Affairs; Department of Trade and 

Industry and the Department of Work and 

Pensions, to name but a few. 

Bristol Office 

2 Rivergate, Temple Quay, 

Bristol BS1 6ED 

T: 0117 900 1700 

F: 0117 900 1900 

E: contactus@go-regions.gsi.gov.uk 

19


Nailsworth and District 

Chamber of Trade 


Mr. P Blackwell 

President 

Lakeside Garage, Stroud Road 

Nailsworth, Gloucestershire GL6 0BE 


Social Enterprise Centre 

The objectives of the SEC are to enable the 

development of social enterprise by offering 

tools for individual initiative and community 

enterprise. 

48C High Street 

Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 1AN 


E: claremahdiyone@hotmail.com 

South West of England 

Regional Development Agency 

The South West of England Regional 

Development Agency was established in 

1999. It’s most important role is to ensure the 

long-term economic success of the region. 

100 Temple Street 

Bristol BS1 6AE 

T: 0117 933 0200 

F: 0117 927 6466 

E: enquires@southwestrda.org.uk 

www.southwestrda.org.uk 

Stonehouse and District 

Chamber of Trade 


Mr. H Read 

Read & Co. 

40 High Street, Stonehouse 

Gloucestershire, GL10 2NA 


Stroud and District 

Small Business Club 

A well established networking and 

information club, which hosts a variety of 

events during the year. 

Chairman 

Chris Gill FRICS 

Severn Estates Ltd 

Palace Chambers, 40 London Road, 

Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 2AJ 



E: cjg@severnestates.co.uk 

Stroud Chamber of Trade 


Chairman 

Mr. N. Messenger 

Downfield Hotel 

134 Cainscross Road, Stroud, 

Gloucestershire GL5 4HN 


E: info@downfieldhotel.co.uk 

20 

Stroud District Local Strategic 

Partnership-Creating Wealth Syndicate 

Sub group of wider partnership organisation 

responsible for the district’s community 

strategy, with a focus upon business, 

enterprise and skills issues. 

W: www.stroud.gov.uk/lsp/index.html 

Stroud Valleys Credit Union Ltd 

The credit union is co-operatively owned and 

controlled by its members, for its members. 

Its main purpose is to service the financial 

needs of the local community on a not-forprofit 

basis and to retain members' savings 

in that community for the benefit of all 

the members. 

The Old Town Hall 

The Shambles 

High Street, 

Stroud, 


GL5 1AP 


UK On Line for Business 

UK online for business is a DTI-led 

partnership between industry and government 

that provides small businesses with impartial 

advice about e-business and information & 

communications technologies (ICT). 

www.ukonlineforbusiness.gov.uk 

UK Trade & Investment 

UK Trade & Investment is the Government’s 

sole inward investment agency, representing 

the whole of the United Kingdom. It 

provides a single point of entry for advice 

and assistance. 

Marketing Unit, 

Room 308, 

1 Victoria St, 

London, UK 

SW1H 0ET 

T: 0207 215 8000 

F: 0207 215 5651 

E: inward.investment@uktradeinvest.gov.uk 

Wotton-under-Edge Traders Forum 


Chairman 

Mr. Gareth Kitchen 

Cookability 

35 Long Street 

Wotton-under-Edge 


GL12 7BX 


Research and Analysis 

Gloucestershire Labour 

Market Information Unit (GLMIU) 

The GLMIU is a jointly funded by 

Gloucestershire County Council and the 

Learning and Skills Council, and operates as 

a specialist economic research unit 

responsible for producing: 

• Economy of Gloucestershire (annual report) 

• Economic Bulletin (quarterly bulletin produced 

in partnership with Gloucestershire First) 

• Studies of industrial sectors 

• Unemployment Bulletin (monthly bulletin) 

• Economic Regeneration Performance 

Indicators 

• The Researcher 

Conway House 

33-35 Worcester Street 

Gloucester 

GL1 3AJ 

T: 01452 450022 

F:01452 450021 

E : info@glmiu.co.uk 

www.glmiu.co.uk 

MAIDeN 

The MAIDeN project is a collection of 

resources to support the planning and 

management of public services in 

Gloucestershire. MAIDeN complements the 

national Neighbourhood Statistics, but is 

more up to date, more locally focused and 

more flexible. 

MAIDeN Project 

Environment Department 

Gloucestershire County Council 

Shire Hall, Gloucester, GL1 2TH 

T: 01452 426891 

E: maiden@gloucestershire.gov.uk 

Stroud Enterprise Hub 

A virtual business centre covering a wide 

range of business and enterprise support 

services provided by SDC. The Hub is 

available at www.stroud.gov.uk/SEH. 

Or alternatively, please contact: 

Stroud Enterprise Hub 


Ebley Mill, 

Westward Road 


GL5 4UB 



E: enterprise@stroud.gov.uk

NEWPORT TOWERS 

HOTEL 

Looking for a venue for your 

conference or corporate event? 

The Newport Towers Hotel is an ideal choice, offering 

professional facilities in a wonderful and relaxing setting. 

Our conference rooms can be arranged to suit your particular 

requirements and will seat between 5 and 200 delegates. 

A special 24-hour delegate rate is available for residential 

conferences and arrangements for meals and beverages 

will be specifically tailor-made. 

All bedrooms are fully en-suite and have direct-dial 

telephones, televisions and tea and coffee making facilities. 

A full range of food and beverages are offered at 

the bar or in our restaurant. 

Tel: 01453 810575 ● Fax: 01453 511062 

Newport ● Nr. Berkeley ● Gloucestershire ● GL13 9PX 

61228 

THE BUSINESS 

MOTORING 

SPECIALISTS 

Whatever your business needs, you’ll find solutions 

to your transport problems right here in Stroud 

• Free advice • Contract hire, leasing, purchase 

• New & Network Q car and van specialists 

Baylis Haines & Strange 

Westward Road, Ebley, Stroud � 01453 765522 

www.bhsvauxhall.co.uk 

VAUXHALL - A CENTURY IN MOTION 

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Telephone: 01453 828829 - Stroud District Council

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