The Gloucestershire Business Board was started in February 2026 to help local companies have more influence over council decisions. This new group will focus on issues that affect jobs and support for businesses in Gloucester and the surrounding county of Gloucestershire.
The board is made up of 12 to 15 leaders from local businesses, schools, and the voluntary sector. It is led by Cllr Julian Tooke, who looks after business for the council, and Rob Stemp, a local technology expert.
This new group will oversee a project to bring investment to the area and manage the network of business support offices across the county. The leaders hope to use the presence of GCHQ to help local technology companies expand and create more high-paying jobs in the community.
This change follows the Gloucestershire County Council elections in May 2025. The board replaces a previous temporary group and aims to provide a direct link between private businesses and local government planning.
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