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Andrew Merrell

@andymerrell.bsky.social

78 followers 225 following 18 posts

Andrew Merrell is a journalist and editor of Gloucestershire-focused digital magazine The Raikes Journal (www.raikesjournal.co.uk) which runs off substack.com/home. Contact him on 07956 926061 or andrew.merrell@raikesjournal.co.u

Posts Replies Media

Andrew Merrell @andymerrell.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

A meeting takes place behind closed doors today about the sale of a public asset for £25m-plus. raikesjournal.co.uk/p/two-critic...

Andrew Merrell @andymerrell.bsky.social · 02/09/2025

Could the deal to sell Gloucestershire Airport be about to cost the taxpayer hundreds of millions of pounds? How businesses feel about the sale of the Staverton site... tinyurl.com/29jdpk3x #glosbiz #gloucestershire #business

Airport deal could sell Gloucestershire short, warns business

Could the deal to sell Gloucestershire Airport, hailed as a saviour of its future and the businesses on it, be about to deliver the opposite - and cost the taxpayer hundreds of millions of pounds?

Reposted by Andrew Merrell

The Raikes Journal @raikesjournal.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

Dan Hodgson tells us why he was able to hit the ground running as CEO of Prima Healthcare, and why he believes turnover will increase by more than 50 per cent! And we celebrate Nimble Elearning's B Corp win & how WSP Solicitors found its new leader too! www.raikesjournal.co.uk/p/ceo-reveal...

raikesjournal.co.uk

CEO reveals the secret ingredient to his progression and ambitious growth plans

We talk to one of Gloucestershire’s newest CEOs about why he believes a £70m turnover is possible, how he’s readied himself for his role, and why people remain paramount in a business driven by tech.

Reposted by Andrew Merrell

The Raikes Journal @raikesjournal.bsky.social · 22/07/2025

The lead story from our monday edition, no less! Also featured is news of a £24m new leisure centre creating 185 jobs, where 160 new homes will be built, a property seminar by Willans LLP, and one man's plans to commute to work on foot! All 75 miles of it! @willansllp.bsky.social

Andrew Merrell @andymerrell.bsky.social · 22/07/2025

This business has just been crowned the very best in the UK and an example of British business at its best - and it's based right here in #Gloucestershire! www.raikesjournal.co.uk/p/government... @raikesjournal.bsky.social | #business | #glosbiz

raikesjournal.co.uk

Government crowns Gloucestershire firm the best in the UK

A Gloucestershire business has been singled out for praise by the Government as the very best in the UK - as a quite simply exceptional exporter. And it’s not in a sector you might think of either!

Reposted by Andrew Merrell

The Raikes Journal @raikesjournal.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

One-in-a-lifetime scheme comes to nothing for one of Gloucester's most deprived areas. www.raikesjournal.co.uk/p/45m-invest... #Gloucester | #Gloucestershire | #Planning | #Construction | @gloucesterchamber.bsky.social

raikesjournal.co.uk

£45m investment plans for deprived area of Gloucester kicked out by councillors

Just how hard is it to reduce the housing waiting list? Very hard. After eight years in the planning a £45m investment plan for one of Gloucester’s most deprived areas was refused last night.

Reposted by Andrew Merrell

The Raikes Journal @raikesjournal.bsky.social · 01/07/2025

You have to feel for the businesses on the airport and residents who live close by. www.raikesjournal.co.uk/p/speculatio... #glosbiz | #gloucestershire | #businessnews

raikesjournal.co.uk

Speculation over the real future of Gloucestershire Airport is sky high

In an attempt to control the news around the sale of Gloucestershire Airport the drip, drip-drip has only fuelled speculation about its real future, with talk the deal will shortchange the county.

Reposted by Andrew Merrell

The Raikes Journal @raikesjournal.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

The lead story on Friday's edition of The Raikes Journal CIC, the digital magazine for #Gloucestershire covering business, charity, education and training. www.raikesjournal.co.uk/p/gloucester... #business | #charity | @fao.org | #agritech | #agriculture | #innovation | #news | #glosbiz

raikesjournal.co.uk

Gloucestershire revealed as "a driving force” in a fast-emerging £multi-billion UK sector

The arrival of another European firm at a special business innovation centre in Gloucestershire has highlighted the county as "a driving force” in a market already worth a cool £13 billion to the UK.

Reposted by Andrew Merrell

The Raikes Journal @raikesjournal.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

What do the people of #Cheltenham think to their Grad II* listed minicipal offices being turned into a hotel? #hospitality | #InvestmentProperty | #hotels | #PropertyInvestment | #GLOUCESTERSHIRE www.raikesjournal.co.uk/p/cheltenham...

raikesjournal.co.uk

Cheltenham reacts to luxury spa hotel plans for municipal offices

News has broken that the preferred bidder for Cheltenham's Grade II* municipal offices wants to turn the building into a luxury hotel and spa - but what do the town's businesses think about that?

Andrew Merrell @andymerrell.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

Believe you need a well-mapped out career path from day one to succeed? Special thanks to Simon Pathé of Willans for revealing otherwise! #Gloucestershire | @willansllp.bsky.social | #law | @prideinglos.org.uk | #Cheltenham www.raikesjournal.co.uk/p/from-secon...

raikesjournal.co.uk

From secondary school teacher to partner in a law firm

Career paths are not always straight forward. Simon Pathé’s certainly wasn’t. He was one of four new partners who chose to join law firm Willans of late, and he sat down with Raikes to explain why.

Reposted by Andrew Merrell

The Raikes Journal @raikesjournal.bsky.social · 26/04/2025

An incredible story that speaks volumes for Cheltenham. tinyurl.com/yxp7y4pp #Gloucestershire | #business | #defibrillators | #Cheltenham

Cheltenham says ‘thank you’ for an incredible life-saving legacy

Eight years ago Cheltenham had no defibrillators - today it has 100 of the machines that can save lives by restarting a heart after a cardiac arrest, thanks to the drive of one woman.

Andrew Merrell @andymerrell.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

A priviledge to be able to interview Jane Harvey from the Hollie Gazzard Trust for the latest edition of The Raikes Journal (the email newsletter covering business, 3rd sector, education and training news for Gloucestershire)

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Andrew Merrell @andymerrell.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Big Sleep Out to support the CCP. Raikes asks why the charity continues to motivate so many. #gloucestershire | #charity | #homeless | #community. tinyurl.com/ycx93kme

The Big Sleep Out and what it says about Gloucestershire

After businesspeople slept rough at Brickhampton Court Golf Complex for charity last week we thought we'd ask why, and does it really matter? It turns out it does. It matters a lot.

Reposted by Andrew Merrell

The Raikes Journal @raikesjournal.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

As Gloucestershire enters a significant period, who will talk up for it now? Welcome to Monday's edition! tinyurl.com/vz5tkzeb | #Gloucestershire | #BusinessNews | @gloucesterchamber.bsky.social | #glosbiz | @businesswest.bsky.social

Gloucestershire loses major ally in its battle to be heard

The Raikes Journal broke this story on Friday, but we can now run the official line from the Western Gateway on the funding cut that spells the end of this most powerful voice for Gloucestershire.

Andrew Merrell @andymerrell.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

The owner of a #Gloucester business tells Raikes how he fell in love with an historic #ForestofDean farm and is coverting it into a vineyard, cidery, restaurant and events venue - and plans to open a #Cheltenham tapas and wine bar! #gloucestershire | #wine www.raikesjournal.co.uk/p/go-ahead-f...

raikesjournal.co.uk

Go-ahead for ‘remarkable’ restaurant, wine tasting and events venue

Ambitious plans by a Gloucestershire businessman to transform a mediaeval farm beside a former Cistercian abbey into a vineyard and sophisticated visitor attraction will go ahead.

Reposted by Andrew Merrell

The Raikes Journal @raikesjournal.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

How you can help a quite brilliant Gloucestershire charity helping thousands in the county. #gloucestershire | #charity | @gloucesterchamber.bsky.social | @cheltgreenparty.bsky.social | @willyyesaya01.bsky.social www.raikesjournal.co.uk/p/tech-chari...

raikesjournal.co.uk

Tech charity sends out urgent request for support

Our rush to embrace online has left millions isolated. With your help one charity can change that, but it is facing a desperate shortage of resource - something many simply throw away.

Andrew Merrell @andymerrell.bsky.social · 01/03/2025

Friday's edition of the digital magazine for #Gloucestershire, The Raikes Journal, reveals a third generation family firm turning over £7m - with plenty to celebrate! #glosbiz | #business | #businessnews | #independentnews | @fsb-uk.bsky.social | @davidowen1.bsky.social | @uniofglos.bsky.social

raikesjournal.co.uk

Discovering a £multi-million third-generation family business

The rebranding of a modest Cheltenham timber business caught a few people’s eyes recently, but you might not have realised you were looking at a £7m turnover third generation family firm.

Reposted by Andrew Merrell

The Raikes Journal @raikesjournal.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

Brilliant! Wishing Gloucester-Hartpury all the very best against Bristol Bears in Sunday's play-off semi-final - at Queensholm! @gloucesterrugby.bsky.social #rugby @uniofglos.bsky.social #Gloucester #rugby #bristol @gloucesterculture.bsky.social @gloucesterchamber.bsky.social

Gloucester-Hartpury Rugby at Queensholm

Andrew Merrell @andymerrell.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

This will be going everywhere today. @raikesjournal.bsky.social brings you the report in full below. www.raikesjournal.co.uk/p/superdry-f... #glosbiz

raikesjournal.co.uk

Superdry founder's plans for iconic Cheltenham hotel will create a 'Mayfair-Paris' vibe

It's been the talk of the town for months, but last night Julian Dunkerton, the founder of Superdry, won permission to create a new garden area at No 131 Promenade - saving 100 jobs.

Reposted by Andrew Merrell

The Raikes Journal @raikesjournal.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

Is #Gloucestershire missing a trick by not listening to #Tewkesbury on #devolution? #glosbiz @businesswest.bsky.social @uniofglos.bsky.social @cheltgreenparty.bsky.social @gloucesterchamber.bsky.social @tewkesburylibdems.bsky.social @tewkeslabour.bsky.social @tewksgreenparty.bsky.social

raikesjournal.co.uk

Devolution: The battle to head off the break-up of Gloucestershire

Tewkesbury has put itself front and centre in the wrangle over devolution gripping Gloucestershire, with leader Richard Stanley's vision of a united county and unitary authority fast-winning support.

Andrew Merrell @andymerrell.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

It looks like the potential sale of Gloucestershire Airport is impacting commercial decisions already. tinyurl.com/mph9w24a #Gloucestershire | #aviation | #business | #investment

Gloucestershire Airport: What Skyborne’s boss thinks of the decision to sell - and more

The first of our 'Ones to Watch' series: Lee Woodward of Skyborne talks growth, 'significant plans' for 2025, the decision to sell Gloucestershire Airport and what he'd love its future to be.

Andrew Merrell @andymerrell.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

Wishing those behind ths project all the very best. The potential is enormous!

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Andrew Merrell @andymerrell.bsky.social · 21/01/2025

The latest edition of The Raikes Journal: an incredible act by the county's biggest employer to tackle homelessness | county rugby stars lead international sides | Ecclesiastical's determination give millions to good causes | a £50m Gloucester development | diary dates and more! tinyurl.com/2bs3jfpx

£30m from Gloucestershire County Council's pension pot will help tackle housing crisis

Want to see an ethical investment actually changing the lives of hundreds of people? Look no further than Gloucestershire’s biggest employer's pension fund. It’s about to do something remarkable.

Reposted by Andrew Merrell

The Raikes Journal @raikesjournal.bsky.social · 18/01/2025

A link to Friday's edition of Raikes. A lot of people have been pondering this one. We thought we'd ask the question... tinyurl.com/257accyd #cyber | #gloucestershire | #business | @goldenvalley.bsky.social | #construction | #development

What devolution means for the £1 blln Golden Valley Development

Hailed as a 'once in a lifetime building project', the Golden Valley Development has the power to crown Gloucestershire as the UK's cyber capital. Or is devolution about to get in the way of all that?

Andrew Merrell @andymerrell.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

Devolution in #Gloucestershire. After last week's political 'debate' what business in the county thinks of it all so far... tinyurl.com/45k4pa8u @gloucesterchamber.bsky.social | #business | #devolution | #politics | @raikesjournal.bsky.social

Devolution: 'Do better’, business community tells politicians

In the wake of last week's very public row over how devolution should be handled in the Gloucestershire, its business community tells the county’s political movers and shakers to ‘get on with it’.

Reposted by Andrew Merrell

The Raikes Journal @raikesjournal.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

Thanks to everyone who helped with this one - from the history festival, Fasthosts, Gloucester BID, King's Walk and Eastgate Shopping centre. tinyurl.com/mrrhs5t9 @uniofglos.bsky.social @gloucesterchamber.bsky.social @gloucesterculture.bsky.social #gloucestershire #gloucester #gloucestershire

Real or not? The economic and cultural renaissance of Gloucester

Once upon a time tourism and Gloucester were not obvious bedfellows, but how times change. Businesses and others now tell us the £246m visitor spend in the city is part of a far bigger narrative.

Reposted by Andrew Merrell

University of Gloucestershire @uniofglos.bsky.social · 16/12/2024

Dreaming of a career in Sports Journalism? 🎥⚽️ Learn from the pros, get hands-on with industry giants, and make your mark in sports media. Don’t wait for the final whistle – secure your place for September 2025 today! Apply now 👉 bit.ly/49HKPnq

Reposted by Andrew Merrell

The Raikes Journal @raikesjournal.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

Revealing a family of firms at the heart of driving Gloucestershire's economy - raising the bar for what good business means. tinyurl.com/4xavaumx #gloucestershire | @uniofglos.bsky.social | #Cheltenham | #Cotswolds | #Stroud | #Tewkesbury | #Forestofdean | #business | #leadership | #glosbiz

Gloucestershire business news | Quolux | Stewart Golf | APT | Rapport | Premiere Kitchens | The Nelson Trust | Prima Dental | Workplace Interiors

Andrew Merrell @andymerrell.bsky.social · 14/12/2024

Bit busy in King's Square, Gloucester, this morning!

Andrew Merrell @andymerrell.bsky.social · 07/12/2024

Likelihood is, if you know a school or leisure centre that needs investment, a road that needs resurfacing, you may've been labouring under the idea the county didn’t have the money. Are you right? www.raikesjournal.co.uk/p/gloucester... #Gloucestershire #business #investment

section 106, cil, councils, gloucestershire, spending, infrastructure

Reposted by Andrew Merrell

The Raikes Journal @raikesjournal.bsky.social · 03/12/2024

Our thoughts go out to this #Gloucestershire firm's staff. There's good news on the edition as well - a tech firm heading for big things, news of an exciting new charity business club and a big day for Forest Green Rovers! tinyurl.com/bf6fwtr5 #BusinessNews #glosbiz

Hundreds of jobs to go at Gloucestershire’s biggest business

This was breaking as we prepared today's edition, so we took a look. Gloucestershire’s biggest business by turnover has confirmed to Raikes that reports it will axe 500 jobs are ‘broadly correct’.

Andrew Merrell @andymerrell.bsky.social · 03/12/2024

Our thoughts go out to this #Gloucestershire firm's staff. There's good news on the edition as well - a tech firm heading for big things, news of an exciting new charity business club and a big day for Forest Green Rovers! tinyurl.com/bf6fwtr5 #BusinessNews #glosbiz

Hundreds of jobs to go at Gloucestershire’s biggest business

This was breaking as we prepared today's edition, so we took a look. Gloucestershire’s biggest business by turnover has confirmed to Raikes that reports it will axe 500 jobs are ‘broadly correct’.

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Andrew Merrell @andymerrell.bsky.social · 03/12/2024

Our thoughts go out to this #Gloucestershire firm's staff. There is good news on the edition as well - a tech firm heading for big things, news of an exciting new charity business club and a big day for Forest Green Rovers! #glosbiz @uniofglos.bsky.social @cirencester.bsky.social #cotswolds #jobs

Job losses at St James's Place. Raikes Journal. Business news.

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Andrew Merrell @andymerrell.bsky.social · 25/11/2024

What a night! It seems fitting that my first post here should be something I believe in. tinyurl.com/yjdj2esu #Gloucestershire @uniofglos.bsky.social #glosbiz #awards #success #regeneration

Believe in Gloucester Awards 2024