Business leaders gathered in Stonehouse for the official launch of an ambitious new business trade association which will look to boost the district’s prosperity.

Stroud Business Voice, the brainchild of Jon Close and Stroud town councillor Steve Dechan, was launched on January 29 at Stonehouse Court Hotel to a packed audience at the Business West networking breakfast.

Introducing the event Steve Dechan gave a stark warning for businesses in the area.

“What is the Stroud district doing?” Cllr Dechan asked.

“We are not together. We do not have a single voice whereas all those around about us do.

“Clearly, there is a lot of frustration from businesses. We just don’t have enough business space and there isn’t enough office or good manufacturing space.”

Some of the group’s core aims are to provide more office space and a better trained workforce.

So far, Stroud Business Voice has recruited at least 35 companies from across the district, and the South West’s business titans were in attendance for the groups official launch.

During the event concerns were also raised over the amount of young people leaving the region in search of better job prospects.

“What are we doing for the young people who we train but then leave Gloucestershire at the rate of 400 a year?” Steve exclaimed.

The group hopes that businesses will interact together to help create a more prosperous future for the district - and prevent the economic issues that some say hinder Stroud.

Steve, who runs a medical device business in Stroud is chair and policy director of the new Stroud Business Voice - he set out his ambitions for the group.

“I see us as a conduit which can join up some of the dots for the local business community,” added Steve.

“We wish to work together with district councils, the LEP and Business West. We just want to get up to speed with the rest of Gloucestershire.”

Organisers want more businesses to join the association, which hopes to support businesses across the district grow to achieve their potential as well as attracting new businesses into the area.

To join Stroud Business Voice or for more details go to stroudbusiness.co.uk