Historically dominated by defence and aerospace contractors, Gloucestershire has a significant manufacturing presence, with particular strength in advanced engineering. The county is also a major centre for banking, insurance and business services and home to a number of government departments including GCHQ, the UK government intelligence centre. 
 
Area Director for Gloucestershire is Ian Knight. The team is based at the RDA's Bristol Office and also at: Gloucester, 2 Albion Cottages, The Docks, Gloucester, GL1 2ER.