Alex Cottrell

Trustee

Alex Cottrell is Head of External Relationships at University of Gloucestershire, where she leads on building partnerships that support both the University’s commercial ambitions and its wider civic role. Her work involves collaborating with local and national government, funders, and organisations across sectors to progress place-based priorities and strengthen communities and the regional economy.

Alex previously led the University’s Growth Hub, overseeing delivery across Gloucestershire and working closely with partners to support businesses and local organisations. She remains actively involved in the Growth Hub network and continues to lead projects that support economic growth across the county. This has given her strong experience in programme governance, partnership delivery, and working with diverse communities.

Before joining the University, Alex spent over 20 years in the commercial sector in B2B brand strategy, working with both global organisations and early-stage businesses on growth, insight, and communications.

Alex has lived in Gloucestershire for 25 years and now lives in Winchcombe, with strong family roots in agriculture. She is passionate about supporting rural communities and is proud to contribute as a Trustee of GRCC.