Great things are happening in ‘The Forest’ – maybe even the future success of your business relocation or new business start-up amid the afforested beauty of England’s first (1938) National Forest Park.
With an area of 203 square miles (528 square kilometres) and a population of some 80,900 people (2005), The Royal Forest of Dean lies at the western extremity of Gloucestershire, between the rivers Severn and Wye. Without a doubt, this region is one of the most fascinating in the whole of the United Kingdom – and a great place to do business.
Yet, despite a charming individuality, the Forest of Dean is only a short drive from Gloucester and Cheltenham, and a surprisingly convenient starting point for the UK motorway network. In the Forest, it’s never been easier to combine business with pleasure: traditional beauty, a modern business backdrop and the first-class transport links you need.
Business success in the Royal Forest of Dean
Conveniently located for the M4 (M48), M5 and M50 motorways, the Forest of Dean is uniquely positioned to allow growing businesses convenient access to the Midlands, Southern England, the South West and Wales. Surprisingly, for an area that can seem so removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life, the Forest of Dean is less than one hour’s drive from Birmingham, Bristol or Cardiff.
The attraction of the Forest of Dean as a location for modern manufacturing and service industries is being increasingly recognised. Aided by good communication links, committed business support and a long and successful tradition of manufacturing, the Forest is one of Gloucestershire’s best-kept business secrets. Don’t forget the strong support of the Forest of Dean District Council too, as they work with partners from all sectors to achieve sustainable development of the local economy
In recent years, the Forest of Dean has invested heavily in business and industrial parks and a core of strategic sites provide an excellent location for modern manufacturers and service industries. These include London General Insurance, GlaxoSmithKline, Dezac and Watts, all of which draw on a highly skilled local workforce. The Forest is also home to a cluster of plastic and polymer companies, a high quality food and drink sector and a thriving community of arts and crafts businesses.
A great place to live and work
For anyone who loves stunning scenery and rural peacefulness, combined with the knowledge that major urban facilities are easily accessible, the Forest of Dean makes a wonderful location for work and play.
When your business day is finished, the forest tracks, picnic sites, wildlife and sculpture trails of the Forest are just minutes away. Walkers and mountain bikers will be in their element, as well as industrial archaeology enthusiasts and those with a passion for natural history (400 deer live in the forest). And if your urge to explore extends to something a little more adventurous there’s the Forest’s acclaimed Go Ape adventure centre – or the rugged Welsh Mountains a short drive away to the west…
Head the other way and Gloucester’s beautifully restored historic docks, as well as Cheltenham’s stylish shops and restaurants are easily accessible for a relaxing Saturday afternoon or an evening’s entertainment.
Location, accessibility, hotels and conferencing
Good A-roads, as well as the M48, M5 and M50 motorways, link the Forest of Dean with Wales and the rest of England, while regular rail connections from Lydney quickly take you to Cardiff, Gloucester and beyond – for business or pleasure.
The major conurbations of Cardiff, Birmingham and Bristol are less than one hour’s drive from the heart of the Forest – each offering an international airport handling flights to the UK, mainland Europe, North America and beyond. Even London Heathrow is only a couple of hours away and, of course, Gloucestershire Airport is conveniently located for business aviation services.
Economic profile
Population: 80,900 (2005) Source: ONS (Nomis) mid-2006 population estimates
Employment Rate: 35,200 Rate: 76% July 2006 - June 2007 (Source: Annual Population Survey ONS Crown Copyright Reserved))
Unemployment Rate: 1.6% February 2008 (Source: Claimant count: % of resident working age population ONS Crown Copyright Reserved)
Housing allocation 2006-2026: 5,400 (Source: Draft Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West)
Ready to relocate or set-up business in the Forest of Dean? Contact Invest in Gloucestershire now…