BUSINESSES and residents are invited to an exhibition at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) tomorrow to view the plans for its new business growth hub.

Following months of campaigning, the Cirencester university was selected for the new facility, which will form a multi-million pound network across the county, last month.

The hub is expected to help strengthen the local business community, providing state-of-the-art facilities, assistance and networking possibilities.

The university’s bid for the £1.25million government-funded development was submitted in partnership with the town and district council, as well as the chamber of commerce, community development trust and Cirencester College.

The Cirencester branch will form part of a £10million growth hub network, instigated by Gloucestershire’s Local Enterprise Partnership, GFirst LEP – based on the success of the one at Gloucestershire University, established in 2014.

In less than two years, the Gloucester hub has welcomed over 6,400 visitors with 1,900 of these having received personalised business support, and the network aims to grow the county’s economy above the national growth rate by providing support for businesses and opportunity to collaborate.

The hub will also build on the RAU’s existing areas of expertise by supporting businesses working in agri-technology or based in rural environments across the county.

Professor Joanna Price, RAU vice-chancellor, said: “The new growth hub will further strengthen and grow the Gloucestershire business economy.

“Entrepreneurship and innovation are central to the University’s academic mission and we are excited to be working with GFirst LEP and growing our relationships with our partners, including the University of Gloucestershire.”

Sarah Danson, growth hub project manager at GFirst LEP said: “I’m really excited to have our next partners on board for the Growth Hub Network – the RAU has submitted an excellent proposal and we look forward to working with them to develop the new Growth Hub and drive business growth in Gloucestershire.”

The drop-in event will take place on Wednesday, February 8 from 2pm to 8pm at the Boutflour Hall at the RAU.