Located just south of Gloucester, and lying between the River Severn and the rolling landscape of the Cotswold heart, the valleys of Stroud & District are centred on the valley of the River Frome, a tributary of the Severn. The area is renowned as the birthplace of Cider with Rosie author Laurie Lee and is the site of the textile mills from where, centuries ago, scarlet military uniforms were sent around the world. Indeed, green baize for snooker tables, as well as high quality tennis balls, are among the interesting products still manufactured in this fascinating area.
Nowadays, this attractive part of the Cotswolds, with a population (2005) of 110,000 people, makes its own irresistible offer to you, the potential inward investor or business start-up entrepreneur. Under the guidance of Stroud District Council, the area has built a reputation for the quality of its enterprise, innovation and creativity – some of the qualities you are probably looking for as you research your business relocation.
What’s more, being located just off the main M5 motorway through the county, Stroud & District offers you the transport links you need to make your relocation or start-up dream a reality.
Support for your business
As well as great communications, a tradition of industry and commerce, a reputation for innovation and a ‘can do’ workforce, Stroud and its valleys are also renowned for their SME entrepreneurship, ‘green’ and environmental businesses. Stroud & District has recently had another boost from the work of the Stroud District Council to deliver a wide range of direct business services including rural business support, business start-up sessions, special support for market town businesses and dedicated retail support initiatives.
In Stroud, as well as elsewhere in the district, numerous small industrial estates and business parks offer a wide range of facilities for the inward investor. There’s the undoubted quality of life too, with easy access to Bristol, London or the Midlands when you need it – but without the big city grind when you don’t.
A great place to live and work
As a place to work – and unwind afterwards – Stroud & District offers a unique blend of environment, business facilities (many former agricultural and mill buildings have been converted into sophisticated business locations), transport links and relaxing leisure activities.
The town of Stroud enjoys a reputation as a charmingly ‘alternative’ centre, packed with interesting shops, cafes and a celebrated farmers’ market. The Stroud area is packed with wonderfully rustic pubs and hotels – many perfectly positioned in the heart of countryside that is a walker’s, cyclist’s or naturalist’s dream. An area of contrasts, from the riverside flatlands of the Severn to the steep-sided Slad valley, Stroud & District offers a very different Cotswold experience to that of the rolling central Cotswold downlands.
And as for so many other parts of Gloucestershire, the infrastructure that makes doing business with the rest of the UK so easy is helpful when it comes to leisure. From Laurie Lee’s beloved Slad Valley to the nightlife and leisure facilities of Gloucester or Cheltenham (or even to Birmingham or Bristol) doesn’t take long. It’s a perfect combination.
Location and accessibility
Both Stroud and neighbouring Stonehouse are on the main railway line between Gloucester and London, ensuring easy access to the capital. Similarly, access to the M5 motorway is easily accomplished via Junction 13, located a few miles west of Stonehouse and Stroud.
For longer trips, within the UK and Ireland, elsewhere in Europe or around the world, Stroud & District is perfectly located for access to Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff and London Heathrow airports, as well as the business aviation services of Gloucestershire Airport, just up the motorway at Staverton.
Sharpness Docks, located on the Severn Estuary within Stroud District, provides extensive cargo-handling facilities and port services for vessels up to 6,000 tonnes.
Economic profile
Population: 110,000 (2005) Source: ONS (Nomis) mid-2006 population estimates
Employment Rate: 51,900 Rate: 81% July 2006 - June 2007 (Source: Annual Population Survey ONS Crown Copyright Reserved)
Unemployment Rate: 1.3% February 2008 (Source: Claimant count: % of resident working age population ONS Crown Copyright Reserved))
Housing allocation 2006-2026: 6,700 (Source: Draft Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West)
For relocation, business support and growth in the heart of Cider with Rosie country, it’s got to be Stroud & District. Contact Invest in Gloucestershire now…