A businessman who prides himself on creating jobs and training opportunities for local people wants to see Cinderford's Northern Quarter regeneration get underway.

Neill Ricketts is founder and chief executive of Versarien plc, the thriving Cinderford-based advanced engineering materials group, which specialises in heat transfer and cooling systems for industry.

As a member of the Cinderford Regeneration Board and board member of G-First (Gloucestershire's Local Enterprise Partnership), he brings a local business view and is a key figure in the drive to get the £100m development secured and started.

A detailed planning application for the proposed Gloucestershire College Forest of Dean campus, a new £8.9m spine road and other residential, leisure and commercial development, is due be submitted to Forest of Dean District Council early this year.

Mr Ricketts, who has lived in Littledean for more than 25 years, said: "With private investors' support and public funding from the Homes and Communities Agency, we've got the perfect window of opportunity to ramp up the good progress made already and benefit Cinderford and the whole Forest of Dean.


"This regeneration is about the wellbeing, opportunities and prosperity of future generations. I began my career in the Forest as an engineering apprentice. I'm proud of the area, and Cinderford desperately needs investment to bring new life and vitality."

When Neill set up Versarien in 2010, he was determined that his rapidly-growing business would have a factory in Cinderford, as well as one in Princes Risborough.

From its existing base in the Forest Vale industrial estate next to the Northern Quarter site, Versarien already employs 55 people.

Neill, aged 43, added: "If we create local jobs for local people the rest will follow; regeneration will boost the town's and Forest's economy. Making this project happen will mean that shops can survive, businesses will thrive and most importantly, young people will stay in the area.

"As a business we work in close partnership with Gloucestershire College and the University of Gloucestershire. Together, we can provide the skills needed to feed local businesses. We're especially committed to our apprenticeship programme and we support local graduates to help them remain and work in the area.

"I've got six children and I want them to grow up in a place that prospers and provides opportunities. We need to give young people a reason and a chance to stay in the Forest.

"Cinderford has fantastic potential to create sustainable employment, skills, amenities and opportunities for local people and businesses. The regeneration will protect the history and heritage of Cinderford, meet the needs of the area and treat the site sympathetically to enhance the environment for people and nature.

"My own company needs to expand quickly, but the sort of space we need just isn't available locally right now. Bringing the Northern Quarter to life will mean we can make decisions now for the long term."

(CD/JP)