Forest Economic Partnership Launches Inaugural Innovation Awards

Celebrating Ingenuity and innovation in the Forest of Dean

Coleford 22/04/2025

Forest Economic Partnership (FEP) is thrilled to announce the launch of its first-ever Innovation Awards sponsored by Watts of Lydney, showcasing and celebrating the ingenuity and forward-thinking nature of businesses in the Forest of Dean. Applications to the awards can be made through the website fep2050.co.uk/awards will open on Monday 31 March 2025 and close on Friday 31 May, with the winners revealed at the awards at the FEP's stakeholder events 5:30 -7:30pm on 11 June 2025.

The Forest of Dean Business Awards are designed to highlight the exceptional work of local businesses that are driving innovation and fostering economic growth. To ensure fair recognition across the spectrum of business sizes, we have established two award categories: one for businesses with up to 100 employees, and another for those exceeding 100 employees. Each winning business will be presented with a £1,000 cash prize, as well as valuable recognition for their achievements.

John Thurston Chairman of Watts of Lydney Group and Headline Sponsor for the Forest Economic Partnership Innovation Awards said:

"We are delighted to be the headline sponsor of the Forest Economic Partnership's inaugural Innovation Awards, especially as my grandfather founded the business on his innovations of developing diesel engines, industrial tyres and automatic boilers. We strongly believe in supporting the entrepreneurial spirit and groundbreaking ideas that drive the Forest of Dean's economy. These awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase the exceptional businesses in the Forest of Dean, and we are proud to be a part of celebrating their achievements."

Cllr Johnathan Lane, Vice-Chair of the Forest Economic Partnership said:

“The Forest of Dean has a long and proud tradition of innovation, and these awards will shine a spotlight on the businesses carrying on that legacy. We want to celebrate those who are not just embracing new ideas, but also driving economic growth and creating opportunities in our community. The FEP is committed to supporting these businesses, and we believe these awards will play a vital role in fostering a thriving and dynamic future for the Forest of Dean. We are excited to celebrate the achievements of our local businesses and look forward to seeing the innovative ideas that emerge through these awards."

The FEP anticipates that the Innovation Awards will become an annual event, further solidifying its dedication to supporting a vibrant and dynamic business environment in the Forest of Dean.

For more information about the Innovation Awards, interview requests and sponsorship opportunities, please visit foresteconomicpartnership.co.uk or contact fep@fdean.gov.uk.

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About the Forest Economic Partnership

Launched in 2018 by Forest of Dean District Council, the Forest Economic Partnership (FEP) is a collaborative initiative dedicated to creating a thriving and sustainable economy in the Forest of Dean district. The FEP brings together businesses, local councils, residents, and key stakeholders to identify challenges, develop solutions, and drive economic growth. Through its diverse network and initiatives, Forest Economic Partnership champions innovation, promotes responsible resource management and supports the development of a vibrant business community in the Forest of Dean.

About Headline Sponsor Watts of Lydney

Watts of Lydney Group is a family-owned business with a rich history spanning over 150 years. The group operates across various sectors, including commercial vehicle sales and service, manufacturing of polyurethane and thermoplastic products, and property management.

Key Divisions:

• Watts Truck & Van: This division serves as a premier commercial vehicle dealer in South Wales, offering sales, servicing, and parts for DAF trucks and all-makes commercial vehicles.
• Watts Urethane Products: Established over 35 years ago and based in Lydney, Watts Urethane Products specialises in processing castable polyurethane. Their products range from high-speed motorsport components to durable street furniture, serving diverse applications across various industries.
• Plysolene: Plysolene manufactures extruded thermoplastic sheets, renowned both in the UK and internationally for their excellent quality and flexible customer solutions.
• Althorpe Properties: This division owns and manages a varied portfolio of retail premises, trade counter properties, and industrial units in the Forest of Dean

.

The group's headquarters are located at Althorpe House in Lydney.

watts-group.co.uk

Join Artspace for a relaxed linoprinting Saturday workshop at Artspace

Saturday 17th May 2025

10:30am – 4:30pm (at Artspace Cinderford)

Join Emily Bagnall on an easy-going linocutting workshop at Artspace.

Participants will enjoy a hands-on art experience, learning the techniques of carving designs into linoleum blocks to create relief prints.

The process involves sketching a design, transferring it onto the linoleum, and then using carving tools to remove the negative space.

Afterwards you’ll apply ink onto your blocks with rollers to produce unique prints using our relief press.

It’s a fun and creative way to explore printmaking, with a focus on developing skills in design, texture, and composition, while also learning about the tools and methods used in traditional printmaking.

Free refreshments. Lunch not provided.

Cost: £65/ *£45 concessions

*Concessionary rates are available for those with a disability or who are on means tested benefits.

To book click the link below or call 01594 825111. Email dan@artspacecinderford.org for more information

What's On?

Wednesday 16th July / 10am-1pm
- Come to our Summer Party! A chance to celebrate what you have achieved this year!
- ‘Have a go’ arts activities and demonstrations

Thursday 4th September / 11am-2pm
- Mending workshop and textile crafts
- Learn to mend to make your clothes last longer
- Build your sewing skills
- ‘Have a go’ arts activities and demonstrations

call 01594 825111or email info@artspacecinderford.org for more information

Hoarding Group

Group Rules:

1. Confidentiality. What is said in the group, stays in the group!

(Unless something of a criminal nature is disclosed where we have a duty to report)

2. Always be respectful.

3. Listen without interrupting. We value everybody’s input – but also understand that some people may not feel confident in speaking within a group setting.

3. Do not judge.

4. Be supportive and encouraging

5. Only share what you feel comfortable with sharing.

6. Please refrain from using any offensive language!

We aim to provide a confidential safe space for people with hoarding behaviours to support each other. We can offer practical advice, empathy and understanding - however it is your lived experience that will provide a unique insight and understanding of this complex issue affecting approximately 2.5% - 6% of the population.

Welcome to the Coleford Hoarding Support Group

Get Help To Unlock Your Community’s Potential!

Forest of Dean District Council has just launched Community Grants 2025 to 2026.

This one-off funding is open to not-for-profit voluntary and community groups in the Forest of Dean to help build stronger, more cohesive communities.

To help you fill in the application form we’ve teamed up with Gloucestershire Rural Community Council to offer drop-in sessions or bookable slots across the Forest:

1 May 2025 | Ow Bist - Forest Community Space, Cinderford

Bookable slots: 11am - 12pm

Drop-in: 12pm - 1pm

PLUS: Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership will be on hand to offer support on 18 March, 10 April, 1 May.

Learn more about the FoDDC Community Grants and download the application documents HERE

For more information or to book your slot, contact us at volunteer@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073.

COURSES FOR ADULTS AT ARTSPACE CINDERFORD VENUE

Come to Artspace to enjoy a group workshop in our fully equipped art studio in Cinderford.

*FREE COURSES
Proof of eligibility when accessing free courses or concessionary tickets, will be required on enrolment. As these courses are popular, we do ask that eligible FREE learners are available for the whole course.

These fun creative courses are designed to help inspire learners to develop their skills in small groups and provide encouragement and opportunity for ongoing learning, developed confidence and independence.

These courses are *FREE for Gloucestershire residents over 19 years old and on low wage brackets or not currently in employment and/or with fewer than 5 GCSE’s (level 2) including Maths and English.

COURSE COSTS
If you are not eligible for free funding, fees are advertised for each course.
*Concessionary rates are available for those with a disability or who are in receipt of means tested benefits.

How to book or enquire:
Our courses are very popular so early booking is recommended. Please follow the links below to book onto a course directly. Alternatively, call us on 01594 825111, drop into Artspace between 9:30-4:30 Monday – Friday, or email coursebooking@artspacecinderford.org

What is Multiply?

Multiply is a national fund aiming to help adults aged 19+ improve their numeracy skills. It is specifically for those who have *less than a level 2 maths (That’s a GCSE or O level grade C or above or a CSE level 1) or who have a need to refresh their skills.

What’s maths got to do with art?

Well actually you might be surprised at just how much maths you are using when making art, without even realizing it! Our range of multiply courses will help you to feel more confident about your number skills whilst producing your own fantastic artwork.

All Multiply courses are completely FREEfor eligible learners*, and learners will also receive a pack of lovely art materials to take away with them at the end of the course.

For more information and to book a place contact us on 01594 825111 or email coursebooking@artspacecinderford.org

Forest of Dean District News

Listening to businesses across the district

As part of our Listening to Business initiative, we took a trip to businesses in Newent, Cinderford and Coleford to discover what’s going well and to understand some of the challenges they face.

We spent time with Greenhills Coffee House, Forest Tailoring, Scoff's Coffee House and the Dog House in Coleford, as well as The Museum of Board Games in Newent.

If you are part of a business and interested in meeting officers and councillors to discuss business in the Forest of Dean, please get in touch by emailing: regeneration@fdean.gov.uk

Forest of Dean District News

Support for victims of domestic abuse

As part of the 16 Days of Action campaign that started on the 25th November 2024, we've been working to publicise the support that is available for victims of domestic abuse across the district.

Officers have been working with local businesses, including pubs, cafes and restaurants to promote the 'It happens here too...' initiative. This includes putting up posters on their premises to highlight the different forms of domestic abuse and the help and support that is available.

We've also been working with partners from the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) to highlight the training and advice that is available for both residents and businesses.

Forest of Dean District News

Help available for those affected by flooding

If you're a resident who has been affected by the recent flooding, we will assist with freecollections of bulky household items, including sofas, white goods e.g. fridges, freezers, washing machines. We cannot collect bricks, tiling, flooring or DIY waste.

The full list of items that can be collected can be found here.

Remember that if you've been affected by flooding, please report it on the Gloucestershire County Council website. This will help with preventative measures moving forward.

For highways updates, please check the Gloucestershire Roads page on Facebook, or at the by clicking here.

‘Pedal Eazy’ by borrowing an e-bike

^{Residents are being invited to borrow an e-bike for up to three months in a new scheme to promote sustainable travel in Gloucestershire.}

^{https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/gloucestershire-county-council-news/news-november-2024/pedal-eazy-by-borrowing-an-e-bike/}

Appeal Launched for Imjin Memorial to Honour Brave Glorious Glosters from the Forest of Dean

Coleford, 21 October 2024: An appeal has been launched to raise funds for a memorial to commemorate local veterans who fought with 1^st Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment (Glorious Glosters) in the famousBattle of the Imjin River in Korea, 22 – 25 April 1951. The Imjin Veterans’ Memorial will honour fifteen men associated with the Forest of Dean to recognise their bravery in battle and unwavering camaraderie and spirit to survive over two and a half years in the inhumane conditions of the prisoner of war camps in North Korea. The list of names will include Roy Mills from Cinderford, who sadly, passed away this month, and veterans from Coalway, Coleford, Dymock, Littledean, Mitcheldean, Newnham, Ruardean and Ruspidge.

The Battle of the Imjin River is widely recognised as one of the most fierce and intense military actions involving British Forces and is revered to this day in the Republic of Korea for saving Seoul, the country’s capital, from communist occupation.

The memorial is being overseen by the Imjin Veterans’ Memorial Steering Group, which was formed following aForest of Dean District Council motion on the 70th Anniversary of the battle. The group comprises Cllr Julia Gooch, Chair; Roger Deeks DL Vice Lord-Lieutenant; Anny Reid, Royal British Legion Trustee and National Memorial Trustees Chair; and Andrew Gardiner, author and veteran engagement representative.

“Following the70^th Anniversary of the Battle of the Imjin River, it became clear that we need a place where the actions and bravery of our veterans - who were just young national servicemen in April 1951 - can be remembered for future generations,” said Roger Deeks DL Vice Lord-Lieutenant. “Sadly, the recent loss of Roy, whom we all remember with so much respect and fondness, has added an extra degree of poignancy to the Imjin Veterans’ Memorial Appeal.”

Julia Gooch, Chair of the group and District Councillor, “I hope everyone who loves the Forest, and its rich history will dig as deep as they can into their pockets and help raise the £18,000, we need to make this brilliant and much-deserved memorial a reality.”

The walk-through memorial, which has been designed by Andrew Gardiner, will be built by local company,Grail Engineering, and installed in theCyril Hart Arboretum, near Speech House, Coleford. The design was inspired by the ‘freedom archway’ through which the veterans passed when they were released from captivity in 1953. Also featured are three plaques to bear the names of the veterans, commemorate Forest of Dean freedoms and rights, and honour the special relationship between Gloucestershire and the Republic of Korea. It is hoped the location of the memorial will make it a popular place for remembrance and an excellent option for school educational visits.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the appeal can do so by visiting theImjin Veterans’ Memorial page on the Forest of Dean District Council website fdean.gov.uk/ImjinVeteranMemorial orJustGivingjustgiving.com/crowdfunding/Imjinmemorial.The names of all donors will be recorded.