Industry

The area has a long tradition of industry, going back past the Cotswold cloth industry of the fourteenth century and the Saxon industrial areas of Gloucester to the Roman iron foundries in the Forest Of Dean.

The Stroud Valleys have been designated the first Industrial Heritage Conservation Area in the country.

About a third of the working population are working in industry.

The industrial scene is predominantly of small to medium sized companies, especially in light engineering. Of course, the support for small industries - both in the financial and the service sectors - are also well established.

A proportion of the working population commutes to companies outside the area, especially to Bristol, and within the area, especially to Gloucester. There is even some commuting to London.

The Circuit also includes England's most inland seaport - at Sharpness.