Every year the very best of Gloucestershire’s fledgling start-ups through to the top 100 businesses in the county put themselves forward for a prestigious Gloucestershire Business Award, before our experienced panel of judges – made up of 20+ representatives from headline and category partners - review and score entries to decide on the shortlist across the categories. A later judges’ panel meeting then sees an even tighter list of finalists decided upon, and invited to the anticipated awards evening.
The Gloucestershire Business Awards culminate with a relaxed celebration evening at a different unique venue each year, when finalists, sponsors and special guests come together for the exciting live reveal of winners - crowning the best of the best Gloucestershire businesses, teams and individuals.
Welcome to the Gloucestershire Business Awards 2024...
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2024 key dates
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2024 headline partners
Hazlewoods
Hazlewoods is a UK Top 35 accountants and business advisers, offering a highly personal service, strong values and sector expertise that’s hard to find elsewhere. Its expert team provides specialist accountancy, tax, audit and advice to a variety of businesses, across Gloucestershire and beyond.
hazlewoods.co.uk
Willans LLP solicitors
Proud of its strong Gloucestershire roots, Willans has been trusted by clients locally, nationally and overseas for more than 75 years. Its Legal 500 and Chambers UK-rated team provides practical legal advice that’s easy to understand, whatever the need — and the company keeps the local community at the core of everything it does.
willans.co.uk
Gloucestershire Business Awards categories & partners
This category is open to businesses established since April 2022 which have set out to exploit a market opportunity, pioneer a new product or service, or simply turn a passion into a viable business.The business will already be enjoying the rewards of its hard work.
ABOUT THE PARTNER: Clockwise Cheltenham
Known as Cheltenham’s ‘coolest’ office, Clockwise at Festival House offers flexible workspaces for businesses of all sizes, from entrepreneurs and start-ups to established teams — with dog-friendly offices, an on-site cafe bar and a roof terrace with impressive views over the Regency town and surrounding Cotswold countryside.
work-clockwise.com/locations/cheltenham
This category is open to bold businesses which have successfully researched, planned and delivered an innovative process, product or service to creatively disrupt their sector. The innovation will have been implemented within the last 12 months, since April 2023
ABOUT THE PARTNER: Hartpury
Offering A levels, T levels, diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate courses, Hartpury University and Hartpury College has a 360-hectare campus in Gloucestershire, designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge and experience to move into a dream career. It is one of the UK's leading providers of animal, agriculture, sports, equine and veterinary nursing courses.
hartpury.ac.uk
This category is open to businesses which have achieved and maintained outstanding and consistent growth in turnover, profit, market share and/or employment opportunities in the past three years – while also ensuring sustainable financial performance.
ABOUT THE PARTNER: PoloWorks
PoloWorks is a leading Lloyd’s and London Market insurance provider with three divisions: Polo Managing Agency offers turnkey services for a syndicate’s lifecycle, Polo Commercial Insurance Services provides underwriting support, accounting, and claims management, and Polo Insurance Managers is an independent insurance manager active in Europe, providing superior client service.
polo.works
This category is open to businesses which are family owned and run by members of the family. Through ongoing growth and development, family values demonstrably important.
ABOUT THE PARTNER: QuoLux
QuoLux is a family-run, certified B Corp that supports business leaders at all levels to develop their leadership and management skills through in-person programs and online training courses. It provides business owners, directors and managers with the tools to hone their skills, building their confidence as leaders and inspiring self-belief.
quolux.com
This category is open to businesses which can demonstrate a commitment to proactively managing and improving sustainability. This could be through a specific project or investment to improve current green working practices, or through the launch of a sustainable product, service or initiative.
ABOUT THE PARTNER: Gloucestershire County Council
In May 2019 Gloucestershire County Council declared a climate emergency, since then it has worked hard as an organisation and with partners to bring down its own emissions and the counties to achieve net zero collectively by 2045.
gloucestershire.gov.uk
This category is open to businesses which recognise the importance of the workplace environment to fuel passion, foster positivity and ensure the wellbeing of their team – all contributing to strong staff retention and excellent customer service.
ABOUT THE PARTNER: The Growth Hub
The Growth Hub exists to help businesses of all sizes across Gloucestershire maximise their potential. Whether it's tailored advice, network opportunities, or breaking into new markets; its experts can help. This year it celebrates the 10th anniversary of its founding hub in Gloucester and the 14,000 businesses its network has supported.
thegrowthhub.biz
This category is open to businesses for which ‘putting the customer first’ is at the heart of everything they do, demonstrated through monitoring customer satisfaction and empowering staff to deliver and exceed exceptional standards of service.
ABOUT THE PARTNER: MKM Building Supplies
With branches across the country, MKM Building Supplies is a leading UK independent builders’ merchant. Its branches in Gloucestershire offer a wide range of building materials for a variety of different projects, for both commercial and private clients, as well as kitchen and bathroom appliances; doors; windows and joinery; and landscaping products.
mkm.com
This category is open to businesses successfully importing and/or exporting their products or services on an international scale consistently over the past three years, adapting their strategy and operations to overcome challenges while continuing to grow their global offering.
ABOUT THE PARTNER: Ecctis
Serving a global network spanning five continents, Ecctis provides official services in international qualifications and skills. From its base in Cheltenham, it also provides comparisons of international qualifications against UK frameworks which helps organisations with recruitment or individuals seeking work or study, on behalf of the UK Government.
ecctis.com
This category is open to dedicated individuals who have gone above and beyond their job description to achieve outstanding success as an employee, and as part of their wider team, setting new standards of excellence.
ABOUT THE PARTNER: GB Solutions
Connecting exceptional talent with leading organisations, Cheltenham-based GB Solutions is a recruitment specialist with over 24 years of experience. Covering a diverse range of employment opportunities, including tech, marketing, sales and finance, the team offers personalised support to ensure jobseekers can achieve success in their chosen field.
gbsolutions.co.uk
This category is open to businesses which can demonstrate how exceptional teamwork has led to their success, ongoing growth, the completion of ambitious projects and/or achieving high levels of customer care and service.
ABOUT THE PARTNER: Fat Potato
Fat Potato brings together decades of IT experience to create solutions for clients across Gloucestershire and beyond. Using the most up-to-date technology, the firm specialises in Cloud technology and migration from legacy platforms to bespoke, cutting-edge systems to support businesses of all shapes and sizes.
fat-potato.co.uk
This category is open to ambitious, dedicated apprentices which have made a positive contribution to their organisation, going above and beyond their expected duties while remaining committed to their professional development. One nomination per company. Nominations to be made by employers only.
ABOUT THE PARTNER: South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
SGS College has strong links with the business community and helps train hundreds of students each year, from Level 2 all the way to higher education, in everything from accounting and finance to business administration, carpentry, joinery, education and childcare, gas engineers and installation electricians, construction and more.
sgscol.ac.uk
This category is open to cyber businesses which are leading the field in this fast-growing sector, demonstrated through a specific project, service or investment to capitalise on market opportunities.
ABOUT THE PARTNER: Cleevely Electric Vehicles
Cleevely Electric Vehicles helps Gloucestershire families and businesses to switch from petrol and diesel engines to low emission EVs — specialising in selling and servicing electric vehicles to support the environment. Established in 2018, this passionate family-run firm operates in Cheltenham alongside its sister business, Cleevely Motors.
cleevelyev.co.uk
This category is open to charities based in the county which have significantly supported Gloucestershire in some way, while demonstrating strong business acumen in a particularly competitive sector.
ABOUT THE PARTNER: Nimble Elearning
Nimble’s intuitive elearning tools have helped hundreds of organisations build beautiful online training courses, which help them keep track of staff progress with ease at the click of a button, and expert support every step of the way. It also offers a range of customisable, ready-made courses — and a generous discount for charity customers.
nimble-elearning.com
This category is open to businesses which proactively support the community through projects or events with not-for-profit objectives, including those relating to the arts, environment, education and specifically charities.
ABOUT THE PARTNER: Green Gourmet
For more than 30 years, Green Gourmet has been a dynamic food business, delivering innovative solutions for customers within the education and travel industries. A certified Great Place to Work since 2021 and awarded B Corp status in 2024; people, planet and profit are at the heart of this organisation.
greengourmet.co.uk
This category is open to businesses from any sector which can demonstrate all-round financial success through turnover, profit or growth and have 10 employees or less.
ABOUT THE PARTNER: Newent Community School
Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre was founded in 1925. The school is driven by its values of honesty, excellence, accountability, respect and teamwork. It has excellent links with local businesses, providing opportunities for students such as work experience and careers talks, and supports many local charity efforts and community projects.
newent.gloucs.sch.uk
This category is open to businesses from any sector which can demonstrate all-round financial success through turnover, profit or growth and have 11 to 49 employees.
ABOUT THE PARTNER: HR Star
Located in Cheltenham and catering to entrepreneurial businesses throughout Gloucestershire, HR Star is renowned for its innovative HR approach. HR Star assists companies in developing unique 'people strategies' that align employee and employer needs, cultivating engaged, high-performing teams. Its method fosters a thriving work environment, ensuring the wellbeing of clients' staff.
hr-star.co.uk
This category is open to businesses from any sector which can demonstrate all-round financial success through turnover, profit or growth and have 50 to 249 employees.
ABOUT THE PARTNER: 16i
Digital agency 16i is a market leader in website design and software development, with much of its work being bespoke software applications. Adept at technically challenging projects, its clients include international law firms, the University of Gloucestershire, Everyman Theatre and SoGlos. 16i also offers meeting rooms with the latest technology and secure, high-speed internet.
16i.co.uk
This category is open to businesses from any sector which can demonstrate all-round financial success through turnover, profit or growth and have 250+ employees.
ABOUT THE PARTNER: Vitruvius
Vitruvius is a professionally-accredited construction consultancy, providing specialist project, commercial and construction management services within a variety of sectors across all stages of the construction journey. The Vitruvius team manages projects from inception to handover, working collaboratively with its clients and tailoring each project team to meet the client’s end vision.
vitruviusms.co.uk
The winner of this special award will be chosen by the headline partners, from the list of winners across all categories.
ABOUT THE PARTNERS: Hazlewoods and Willans LLP solicitors
See above to find out more about the Gloucestershire Business Awards 2024 headline partners, Hazlewoods and Willans LLP solicitors
hazlewoods.co.uk
willans.co.uk
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2024 event partners
We are delighted to be working with a dream team of amazing partners to once again make the SoGlos Gloucestershire Business Awards evening the celebration of the year.
Steve Knibbs
We are delighted to welcome back Steve Knibbs, the well-known BBC regional news reporter and presenter, as compère of the Gloucestershire Business Awards. Steve, who has been a face of BBC Points West for more than 15 years, joined the team in 2021, and will have the honour of unveiling the latest winners on Thursday 17 October 2024 at the official venue, Hartpury University.
Hartpury University and Hartpury College
Hartpury University and Hartpury College are among the UK’s leading specialist education providers in agriculture, animal, equine, business, sport and veterinary nursing. Their 360-hectare green campus in Gloucestershire is home to more than 4,500 university and college-level students studying undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, T-Levels, A-levels and diplomas, as well as undertaking innovative industry-led research.
hartpury.ac.uk
PR Production Services
From a festival field to a found venue or traditional performance space, Gloucestershire-based PR Production Services specialises in bringing its clients’ vision to life through affordable and high-quality sound, staging, lighting and AV solutions. Its team of experienced and friendly technicians can assist with the design and installation of equipment, as well as operation, helping your special event run as smoothly as possible
pr-productionservices.co.uk
Hungry Monkey
Combining eco-friendly catering and street food with an added primal touch, Hungry Monkey serves up big flavours across the south west and midlands using top quality ingredients sourced from local farmers. To create a unique flavour and experience, none of their food is cooked with gas or electricity, instead, Chris and Hayley use burning coals and embers.
hungrymonkeycatering.co.uk
Gloucester Brewery
From its home at Gloucester's historic docks, Gloucester Brewery creates sustainable, creative, Earth-conscious craft beers which have won multiple awards. As well as being a premium events venue hosting live music, sport and even drag shows, its Warehouse 4 taproom is also a community hub, hosting regular charity fundraisers and events.
gloucesterbrewery.co.uk
Clavell and Hind
With a name inspired by the famous highwaymen of English folk legend, the award-winning Clavell and Hind brews traditional-style beers with modern flavours. Its purpose-built brewery and taproom in Hardwicke, on the outskirts of Cheltenham, is open Thursday to Sunday and offers brewery tours — as well as private hire for events.
clavellandhind.co.uk
Bugatti Owners Club
Bringing together Bugatti owners and enthusiasts since 1929, the Bugatti Owners Club is a Motor Sport UK recognised club and has over 1,700 members. It runs regular meetings and rallies, as well as operating the famous Prescott Hill Climb — one of the most prestigious motor racing events in the country.
prescotthillclimb.co.uk
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2023 highlights
The third Gloucestershire Business Awards, once again co-sponsored by market leading county firms Hazlewoods and Willans LLP solicitors, saw sponsors, finalists and special guests spend an exciting evening at a working community fire station. The unique celebration saw hundreds gather to celebrate Gloucestershire's incredible business community, from start-ups to international firms, across 22 hotly-contested categories — hosted by esteemed journalist, Faye Hatcher.
SGGBA 2023 awards night photos
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2022 highlights
The second annual Gloucestershire Business Awards cemented its position as Gloucestershire’s leading business awards, co-sponsored by market leading county firms Hazlewoods and Willans LLP solicitors, culminating in a fast-paced awards evening at the University of Gloucestershire’s Business School. A prestigious guestlist of 300 business leaders gathered – including sponsors, finalists and special guests – to enjoy a relaxed evening of networking and the live reveal of winners from across the extended list of categories. A staggering 382 nominations were received from 178 businesses, shortlisted down to 206 entries for judging, with 81 finalists recognised and invited to the Gloucestershire Business Awards finale.
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2022 winners revealed
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2022 awards night photos
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2021 highlights
The brand new SoGlos Gloucestershire Business Awards took the county by storm in 2021, co-sponsored by GFirst LEP and The Growth Hub, culminating with an exciting awards event at Gloucestershire Airport where almost 300 guests gathered to recognise the very best businesses from across the county. The evening marked the end of a process which saw 421 nominations from 192 different businesses whittled down to 17 winners. And, following almost a year of careful planning and work by the SoGlos team, the hugely successful event cemented Gloucestershire Business Awards' position as Gloucestershire’s definitive business awards from its very first year.
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2021 winners revealed
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2021 awards night photos
Gloucestershire Business Awards frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to enter?
Sensational businesses of all shapes and sizes, new or long established, which have a Gloucestershire headquarters and/or whose main activity takes place in the county. The business will also need to fit with one of the categories and specific criteria detailed above.
How do I enter my business?
Gloucestershire Business Awards entries will open in March 2024. Monitor this page for exact dates. Entries must be made by an official representative of the business who will be the point of contact through the process.
Can I enter my favourite business for an award?
No, but you can recommend your favourite business enters for themselves. Send them a link to this page.
Who will decide the shortlist before it goes to the judging panel, and what’s the criteria?
The SoGlos team will decide on the shortlist from all entries received. They’ll be looking at each entrant’s full application in detail, as well as their website and social media, to create the shortlist which is then published on SoGlos and put through to the judging stage. We will be ensuring only the very best quality entries make it through, with another tight shortlist expected for 2024. Please note, SoGlos partners won’t be given preferential treatment.
There isn’t a category suitable for my business, would you consider adding one?
Please email info@sopublishing.com with any requests or feedback.
Can I enter more than one category?
Yes, you can enter any category which fits your business, but we would recommend choosing one or two which are most relevant. You'll need to create a separate application for each.
What will the winner of each award receive?
Glory and fame! Plus, a coveted trophy to display at their business, as well as a winner’s certificate, official winner badge to use on their website, and editorial coverage on SoGlos, its email newsletter and social media channels.
Will there just be one winner per category?
Yes.
Why didn’t I make the shortlist?
The number and quality of entrants is expected to be particularly high again in the fourth year of the awards, so our judges will be looking for businesses which stand out through their entry form and have a strong chance of winning their category.
I’m just on the Gloucestershire border, can I still enter?
Yes!
What’s the format of the Gloucestershire Business Awards evening?
Expect a relaxed party atmosphere with the chance to meet other businesses and network, enjoy supper and drinks on arrival, before the live reveal kicks off at 8pm. This informal structure is at the core of both our business awards and lifestyle awards.
How do I get tickets for the Gloucestershire Business Awards evening?
The headline partner will receive 10 tickets, category partners five tickets, and shortlisted businesses will each receive two tickets.
Can I get extra tickets for the Gloucestershire Business Awards awards evening?
To make Gloucestershire Business Awards as inclusive as possible for all the shortlisted businesses and partners – and to work within the size limitations of the special venues we’re working with each year – numbers are very limited and we are unlikely to be able to offer additional tickets. We will, however, have a waiting list once tickets to the awards are opened for RSVPs.
Can I reserve a table at the Gloucestershire Business Awards evening?
Due to the nature of the special venues which play host to Gloucestershire Business Awards each year, spacing for seating is limited so we are only able to reserve tables for the headline co-partners.
