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
13 August 2018
GFirst LEP appoints Ian Mean to Board of Directors
GFirst LEP, Gloucestershire’s Local Enterprise Partnership, is delighted to announce the appointment of Ian Mean to the Board of Directors - his specific role will include being the Small Business Champion for the LEP.
2 August 2018
Cirencester is open for business as Gloucestershire Growth Hub network takes shape
Since first opening in 2014, the Gloucestershire Growth Hub, based on Oxstalls Campus in Gloucester, has delivered an outstanding level of business support and growth impact for county businesses. This has been evidenced repeatedly through national statistics and regional reports and most recently through The Times THELMA Award for Outstanding Employer Engagement. Such has been the impact of The Growth Hub, that GFirst LEP is supporting a widely publicized network roll out which sees The Growth Hub service being adopted by strategic partners throughout Gloucestershire.
31 July 2018
Work starts on Merrywalks transformation in Stroud
Work is underway on the first phase of the £12 million transformation of the Merrywalks Shopping Centre in Stroud.
27 July 2018
LEP business leaders welcome strengthened role for LEPs
LEP business leaders today welcomed publication of the government’s Review of Local Enterprise Partnerships, and the additional £20m funding that underpins it. It will enable LEPs to continue to build on their strengths as unique business led local organisations, brokering business partnerships, developing local Industrial Strategies, and setting the economic direction that shapes their local area.
16 July 2018
Improving Gloucestershire’s connectivity for all
It’s no secret that GFirst LEP have supported a variety of high profile transport projects in Gloucestershire including; Elmbridge Court Roundabout, the A40 Over Roundabout and the South West Bypass to name but a few.
9 July 2018
SMEs urged to take advantage of funded training
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are being urged to take advantage of fully funded skills training for their workforce, available at Gloucestershire College, before the March 2019 deadline.
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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.