Expert Office Advice

Vital stats and business information for companies considering relocation to or setting up an office in Gloucester.

Gloucester is a vibrant city which has great potential as a centre for any business. With its strategic location at the heart of Gloucestershire (The Golden County), a rich historic past and a thriving local economy, Gloucester is well on its way to unprecedented prosperity.

There is growing interest in Gloucester. New business start-ups and relocations have been on the rise. The number of people shopping in the city is increasing every year. It is stronger than in most of the rest of the country. This positive trend reflects the strong confidence that exists in Gloucester’s business community.

Population
111,306 – Official mid-year estimates 2005
Source: Office of the National Statistics

Migration, immigration, ethnic diversity, basic population demographics
• 92.5% of the population is white British and white non-British.
• Majority of the population fall under the 30-44 age brackets.

Unemployment/employment rate
• 65.3% of the population is employed
• 3.4% is unemployed
Source: National Census 2001

Average income/salary
₤432.80
Source: New Earnings Survey 2003 Analyses by Region, County and Small Areas Office for National Statistics

Location within the UK and closest major location
• Located on the eastern bank of the River Severn, 114 miles west-north-west of London
• Sheltered by the Cotswolds to the east, the Forest of Dean and the Malvern Hills to the west and north-west, respectively

Transport options to and within
• Gloucester is situated near the M5 motorway thus providing easy access to London, Birmingham, Bristol Triangle and other key destinations across the country.
• The bus station and railway station are easy accessible from the city centre.

Closest airports with average distance from town/city centre
• London Heathrow Airport – 100 miles from Gloucester
• Birmingham International Airport and Bristol Airport – 80 miles away
• Gloucestershire Airport – 6 miles from the city centre

Dominating sectors/industries
Gloucester’s economy is dominated by the service industries bannered by a robust financial and business services sector. Manufacturing continues to be important with internationally renowned companies setting up world class production facilities. Gloucester boasts of excellent infrastructure facilities. It has also been singled out as the centre for the South West of England regions’ developing medical instruments industry.

Large companies that have headquarters or major branches in the location
• Ecclesiastical Insurance, Lincoln National
• BTR Permali, Du Pont, Messler-Dowty
• Tesco, Cargo Homestore, Debenhams

Areas that are considered to be prime business locations
• Gloucester Business Park
• Sudbrook Trading Estate
• Waterwells Business Park
• City Business Centre

Major or annual business-related events
Retail Skills Network – training courses for retailers

Awards
• Best Playground Award 2005 – Gloucester Park Play Area
• Gold Award 2006 – Heart of England Bloom Awards

Restrictions
• Street trading requires consent whether from a vehicle, stall or on foot. There are prohibited streets.
• Large shops (retail areas) must notify local authorities if they wish to trade on Sundays.

Special business benefits/dispensations
• The Prince’s Trust offers finance to 18-30 year olds who have sound business proposals but lack financial capabilities.
• Living Over the Shops Initiative is aimed at encouraging local businesses to make the most of vacant floor spaces above their business premises and earn additional income.

3 best things about the location
• Prime sites with attractive rents and terms are available to lure investors.
• Gloucester has a large, highly trained and flexible workforce.
• Gloucester’s excellent location provides for easy access to key markets.

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