Golden Valley: an Economic Benefit

We are finalists in the Economic Benefit category of the LGC Awards (Local Government Chronicle Awards), which recognise the best practice from every part of local government.

This award is intended to highlight the key role that councils play in supporting their local economy. The Economic Benefit category recognises projects that bring about long-term economic recovery and recognises that councils have a major role in that.

Speaking about the awards, LGC editor Sarah Calkin said: “The LGC awards seeks to recognise and celebrate the absolute best in local government, and as this year’s shortlist shows there is no shortage of new ideas and fresh thinking across the whole host of council services.

“From tackling homelessness and supporting our most vulnerable children, to helping local businesses succeed and leading their places towards a net zero future, council staff up and down the country are constantly seeking to improve despite challenging circumstances.

“I want to say a huge thank you to our judging panels of senior council officers who have sifted through more than 700 entries. But most of all, massive congratulations to everyone on the shortlist, making it this far is a huge achievement in itself."

Cllr Mike Collins, Cabinet Member Cyber, Regeneration and Commercial Income, said: “The LGC might not be well known to people in the private sector but it’s like the local government Oscars! Just being shortlisted is amazing. All eyes are on Cheltenham and the fantastic work being done to ensure the future prosperity of the town and that the CyberTech industry continues to thrive here.

“The Golden Valley Development is nationally significant and is a huge collaboration with the Joint Core Strategy, Tewkesbury Borough Council, GFirst LEP and, of course, our development partners HBDxFactory to name but a few. It has cross-party support and will have a tremendous impact for people businesses and businesses across Gloucestershire and the South West.

“That said, there’s seven other finalists in this very popular category. They’re also working hard to benefit their areas, too, so all we can do is keep working hard to deliver for the people of Cheltenham. The Golden Valley is the number one priority in our corporate plan so we fully appreciate the economic and other benefits it will deliver and we’ll let the judges do their thing over the coming months.”

The eight finalists in this category are required to present to the judges in April before they make their final decision. The Golden Valley team will be represented by Vivienne Clements of HBD and Paul Minnis and Councillor Mike Collins from Cheltenham Borough Council. The winners of the LGC Awards will then be announced on Thursday 8 June in London.