SHIP RENEWS BUSINESS TIES WITH COUNTY
HMS Gloucester has strengthened its ties with the county business community following an affiliates day.
As it sails around the globe, the ship flies the flag for Gloucestershire and promotes locally-produced goods and services at every opportunity. HMS Gloucester is one of 250
HMS Gloucester is one of 250 organisations and individuals working unofficially as part of the Gloucestershire First ambassadors network.
This was created nine years ago to attract commerce and investment to the county and the ambassadors’ work is celebrated annually with a major business dinner.
Gloucestershire First was represented at affiliates day in Portsmouth by its economic development officer Angela Presdee and John Courts, who manages the ambassador scheme.
The opportunity was taken to replenish the ship’s supply of promotional literature used when the captain and crew entertain VIPs throughout the world, and the possibility of welcoming inward investors to a reception when HMS Gloucester next docks at Avonmouth was discussed.
Several local producers supported affiliates day including the Freeminers’ Brewery, Three Choirs Vineyard, the Cotswold Food & Drink Company, Kitchen Garden Preserves and Bottlegreen Drinks.
“We have worked with HMS Gloucester for a number of years and built up a very close relationship with the captain and crew,” said Mr Courts.
“When it comes to ‘selling’ Gloucestershire, they do a marvellous job and can be relied upon to promote the county in very influential quarters at every opportunity.
“Each year our voluntary ambassadors travel far and wide on business and pleasure but HMS Gloucester is our flagship in every sense of the word.”
Ends
Issued on behalf of Gloucestershire First by Tony Haynes Eastwood Public Relations tel 01242 253707. 28/9/05.