BUSINESSES in the Forest of Dean have been boosted by the opening of a new growth hub which offers bookable meeting and remote working spaces.

The new facility from Gloucestershire-wide network The Growth Hub, which provides free business support and space for businesses to develop ideas and skills, opened its doors at Vantage Point Business Village in Mitcheldean last Friday (October 8).

Local businesses are now able to take advantage of walk-in and bookable remote working spaces at the hub, as well a variety of meeting rooms including a main room equipped with "high quality" video conferencing facilities.

Forest of Dean District Council Leader Tim Gwilliam described the opening of the new facility as a key step along the path to "a more prosperous Forest of Dean".

"We set out 4 years ago with the key objective of making the Forest of Dean business friendly", Cllr Gwilliam said.

"Our aim is to work with key partners such as the Gfirst LEP to make it a place where business can thrive and where businesses will want to invest.

"There are key moments along the path to a more prosperous Forest of Dean and the opening of this brilliant facility will be one such moment. 

"The opening of this Growth Hub will further enhance support for businesses in the area, helping those already in the area to grow and also attracting new business to the area which will hopefully lead to more jobs and opportunities for local people.

"The Growth Hub is further evidence that the Forest is open for business and is looking to grow even stronger in the years ahead.

"With this fantastic building now in place, business in the Forest of Dean can continue on its path as one of the most exciting business platforms in the region."

Businesses are able to book workspaces at the hub "for as little as £15", with a range of memberships available for those looking for more permanent solutions.

The Growth Hub also offers free bespoke business support through one-to-one sessions, sector specific events run by local experts, workshops, networking opportunities and more.

Freya Lake, Business Host at the hub in Mitcheldean, commented: "There is nothing like The Growth Hub in the Forest of Dean currently.

"It’s a brilliant resource for all small and medium-sized businesses to use.

"When businesses come to The Growth Hub, they can expect free business support, help with their business plans and they can even use The Growth Hub as a space to grow their business.

"There is so much flexibility for how businesses can use and benefit from the working space at The Growth Hub.

"Whether a business owner needs a quiet place to focus or they need a large meeting room to host an important event, we are here to help."

Anyone interested in the growth hub should contact the team via their website at www.thegrowthhub.biz/forestofdean.