BUSINESS Secretary Vince Cable has met with Gloucestershire enterprise leaders to find out the county's secret of retail success.

The politician met members of Gloucestershire Local Enterprise Partnership this week to hear about the group's work. In particular he took the opportunity to find out about the its retail work and banking group.

Last year the LEP was named as the national retail Pathfinder by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills , which means it is a national trailblazer for retail.

Its banking group comprises eight leading banks and has also won plaudits for its work with businesses from other members of central government.

David Owen, chief executive of GFirst, which drives GLEP, said: "He was very interested in the work of our Banking Group, not least the fact that all the bankers are able to put competition aside for the greater good of the county.

“Our businesses have really got behind the LEP since it was launched just under two years ago and with their continued support we will ensure that this county prospers.”

Mr Cable said Gloucestershire LEP was demonstrating how businesses can work together with local government to help boost skills and investment and drive economic growth.

"It was useful to learn more about what the Gloucestershire LEP is doing, especially in the banking and retail sector and the work they are doing to promote apprenticeships," he said. "They are totally focused on building a stronger economy for the county."

For more information about Gloucestershire LEP visit gloslep.co.uk