Ruth Dooley
Ruth is a partner at Hazlewoods and the current Chair of GFirst LEP’s Business and Professional Services business group. She also sits on the Management Board of The Growth Hub.
Our Ambassadors have made a huge difference throughout the county over the past few years, and, as volunteers, they’ve dedicated thousands of hours to help Gloucestershire grow – from helping young people get into work with practice interviews, being an active member of one of our sector groups or campaigning for action from the government to improve our infrastructure and much, much more.
Get involved
If you think you have the drive and passion to make a difference, we want to hear from you! Email info@gfirstlep.com or complete our enquiry form to find out more about becoming a GL Ambassador.
Who are our GL Ambassadors?
We’re proud to have over 700 GL Ambassadors, and here are just a few of our Gloucestershire superstars …
Ruth is a partner at Hazlewoods and the current Chair of GFirst LEP’s Business and Professional Services business group. She also sits on the Management Board of The Growth Hub.
Anne Dawson is a broadcaster and journalist that leads the Media School at the University of Gloucestershire, and is a member of the Creative business group.
Phil is a co-founder of Harbour Key and a Chartered Tax Adviser. He is a member of GFirst LEP’s Banking and Finance business group, where he assists in delivering free advice sessions on accessing business finance.
Clive is an active member of the Business and Professional Services business group. He is a skilled facilitator and provider of market data, with a focus on the aerospace and security sectors.
John has over 32 years’ experience in delivering environmental and sustainability projects. He has a strong technical, business and project management background, and is an active member of GFirst LEP’s Energy business group.
Qing Lin from Join in China has been recognised for her active work promoting tourism links between China and Gloucestershire, and she runs regular events regarding the benefits of trading in Hong Kong and China.
James is the managing partner of Alias, a PR, marketing and design consultancy. With over 15 years' experience working with some of the biggest brands in the world, him and his team now advise Gloucestershire’s brightest businesses on marketing strategy.
Polly Barnfield OBE is Founder and CEO of Maybe*.
#WDYT campaign which is helping High Streets evolve.
In 2012 Polly was awarded an OBE for services to Philanthropy.
Russell has been Principal and CEO of Hartpury College since September 2012. He is also a member of GFirst LEP’s Rural & Land Based business group and has been newly appointed to the LEP Employment & Skills Board.
Sam Holliday is the Development Manager for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Gloucestershire. He works with, and for, the thousands of FSB members in the county and is passionate about supporting and promoting small businesses and Gloucestershire itself.
Claire Thayers, Corporate and Community engagement manager, Folk2Folk, the local lending movement, also heads up the Association of Gloucestershire Business Groups, created to support our business groups in our towns.
Claire also sits on our Visitor Economy & Tourism Business Group.
Latest News
21 March 2019
Local Industrial Strategy - Call for Evidence
Overview To develop a Local Industrial Strategy for Gloucestershire, GFirst LEP, Gloucestershire’s Local Enterprise Partnership is issuing a public ‘Call for Evidence’.
8 March 2019
Leader Views - Dr Diane Savory OBE
Dr Diane Savory is Chair of GFirst LEP. After joining Cult Clothing, the predecessor of SuperGroup Plc, she rapidly progressed through the organisation to become its Chief Operating Officer, transforming the company from a small, local enterprise to the now-distinctive global fashion retailer that is Superdry. Here, Diane encourages more women from all business sectors to consider getting involved and contributing to their LEP.
8 March 2019
Third wave of the UK’s science and innovation audits published
Wave 3 of the science and innovation audits (SIAs) have been published today, which have identified a number of strengths in different industries across the country. From the marine economy in the Highlands of Scotland to Steel Innovation in South Wales, the SIAs have boosted the country’s understanding of the UK’s scientific and research strengths and the commercial opportunities that exist in different regions.
12 February 2019
Chancellor of the Exchequer opens new Business School and Growth Hub building
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP, visited the University of Gloucestershire on Thursday 7th February to officially open the new Business School and Growth Hub building at the Oxstalls campus in Gloucester.
11 February 2019
Preparing for Brexit
The UK will leave the EU on 29 March 2019. Leaving the EU means your business may need to prepare for change.
8 January 2019
GFirst LEP ERDF Film 2018
A short film showcasing ERDF projects in Gloucestershire.
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If you’d like to help us in strengthening the economy of Gloucestershire, please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.