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His Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex opens the Forest Enterprise Hub
Their Royal Highnesses the Earl and Countess of Wessex came to visit the Forest of Dean today (24th April 2014) for a day-long royal tour of the district.
23 April 2014
Their Royal Highnesses the Earl and Countess of Wessex came to visit the Forest of Dean today (24th April 2014) for a day-long royal tour of the district.
Prince Edward and the Countess Sophie were welcomed by 200 flag-waving youngsters before embarking on a tour of the Vantage Point Business Village.
During his tour of the business village, which boasts more than 2000 workers and 80-plus global and microcompanies Prince Edward met staff from various businesses before going on to officially open the Forest Enterprise Hub. The Forest Enterprise Hub is a joint project co-ordinated by Vantage Point and the University of Gloucestershire.
In 2012, the University of Gloucestershire had just one enterprise centre, at Gloucester Docks. Last year, nearly £800,000 of funding was secured from the European Regional Development Fund to set up three more enterprise centres, in Cheltenham and Gloucester. Today marks the opening of our fifth enterprise centre, this Hub will offer a wide range of support services targeted at companies with the potential for rapid growth. The University’s support for enterprise is one example of the services offered through the Growth Hub and is available to all our students and graduates.
Prince Edward unveiled a commemorative plaque in front of Vantage Point Chairman Brian Bennett and the University’s Vice Chancellor Stephen Marston together with 40 invited guests.
The day will end with a special reception at the Three Choirs Vineyard, at nearby Dymock. Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire and former Vice-Chancellor Dame Janet Trotter, who hosted this first major royal tour to the Forest of Dean for many years, described the visit as a great boost to this very special area of the county.
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