OWNERS of a multi-million pound office investment in Cheltenham are hoping their development draws more business to the town. 
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Gloucestershire-based manufacturer Advanced Insulation is set to move to a new £1.9m headquarters at Quedgeley West Business Park in Gloucestershire, following its acquisition of a 31,000 sq ft office unit.

Advanced Insulation manufactures fire resistant coatings for use in the oil and gas, subsea and defence sectors.

Advanced Insulation employs 40 people. But the company said it is hoping to create up to 30 new jobs after it has relocated early in 2011.

Work on the new premises will include the fitting out of office space and manufacturing facilities, as well as the installation of a controlled R&D laboratory. GVA Grimley has now been appointed to design and implement the fit-out.

Martin Hoyle, director of building and project management at GVA Grimley, said: “The reconfiguration and refit of the unit at Quedgeley West will ensure that Advanced Insulation has specialist premises that are entirely suited to their specific needs, taking them into the next stage of their development.”  
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More than 200 businesses have pledged their loyalty to Gloucester and declared their determination to build its future prosperity.

They have signed the 'Gloucester Works City Commitment', which recognises the importance of skills to the city's economic progress.

Many of these businesses have taken practical steps over the last year to train their existing staff, and shape the training of future employees through Gloucester Works.

"Our priority as a city must be to help improve people's prospects," said Ahmed Goga, director of Gloucester Works. "We can't force the pace of businesses to create new jobs, but we can make sure that our workforce is ready to respond to those companies recovering from the recession.

"All our focus now is on supporting the unemployed, listening to what businesses need and trying to match the skills of job seekers with the requirements of employers. We need businesses to keep talking to us, and for them to know that there is a pool of at least 1,000 people in the city who are actively taking steps to get 'job-ready'.


"That's why we're launching the 'Gloucester Works Jobs Drive' in The Citizen. Over the next few months we'll be sharing the experiences of job seekers and employers in the city, and would like to hear from businesses interested in signing up to the City Commitment."

Paul James, leader of Gloucester City Council, recently visited a Gloucester Works 'Jobs Hub' at Gloucester Library.

He said: "During my visit I was able to meet job seekers who are benefiting from the Jobs Hub and find out more about the courses available to them - I was very impressed with both the flexibility and breadth of programmes on offer through Gloucester Works. The results of their efforts are very encouraging; we have seen unemployment figures fall for much of the last year which is impressive in such a difficult economic climate.

"However, we can't afford to be complacent as unemployment in the area is still too high. To help combat this, I believe that local businesses have a crucial role to play in the development of skills in the city. There's no better asset to a business than a motivated and highly-trained workforce."

Gloucestershire Airport signed the City Commitment and Kim Davenport, business development and landside operations manager, has seen its business improve as a result of the training staff received.

She comments: "With the aviation industry continually developing, it's vital we train our staff to meet the demands of this fast paced environment. Staff completed courses ranging from team leader training for our line managers to customer service training for front desk staff. We have since won a customer service award trophy from the airline Manx2.com, which would not have been possible without the help and guidance from Gloucester Works."

For more information on the City Commitment visit www.gloucesterworks.co.uk/ citycommitment or else call 01452 396814.  
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TRADERS at the Docks say business is booming despite major development work – but want shoppers to remember they still need support.

The Docks has recently had its car park revamped and there are major road works taking place as part of the £7 million linkages scheme in nearby Southgate Street.

Traders have formed two groups deal with marketing and operational issues in a bid to promote the Docks more.

Gloucester City Council leader Paul James set up the Docks and Quays Stakeholder Group and chairs its meetings.

He said: "I know that the works currently taking place in the Docks have made life difficult for some of the businesses operating there.

"We need to send a message out that the Docks is very much open for business and the museums, cafes, bars and restaurants need our support.

"It's great to see the different organisations and businesses in the area communicating and working together – something which didn't always happen in the past.

"There's a lot we still need to do to make the Docks the complete destination we know it can be, but with everyone's enthusiasm, I know this can be achieved."

Ryan Fortey, who owns Head Kandy hairdressers, said: "Everybody down here is really supportive, and it has helped us all to buck the trend against the recession.

"With the linkages project due to be finished soon, more people will be attracted to the area, and it can only get even better for the businesses down here."

Liz Lacy, office manager at Naylor Powell Estate Agents at the Docks, said: "Business is very good at the moment.

"We have got a lot more people coming in now than we did before. Because of the Quays we have got a much higher footfall now, which is great."

The Docks and Quays Stakeholder Group includes Gloucester City Council, British Waterways, the Regional Development Agency, Marketing Gloucester and businesses including Dr Foster's pub, Vinings Restaurant, the Antiques Centre and Head Kandy hairdressing, as well as the Waterways and Soldiers of Gloucestershire museums.  
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