The new SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards were launched as part of SoGlos’s 10-year anniversary celebrations, and quickly cemented their position as the definitive awards of their kind - recognising and celebrating the very best lifestyle businesses and individuals in and around our amazing county.
In 2018, more than 300 leading local businesses nominated themselves across the 20 categories, with a chosen shortlist of the best 200 going to public vote throughout April 2018. The level of interest, support and excitement was phenomenal – you can’t have missed the ‘vote for us’ posts on social media, badges on websites and posters across the county – with 20,966 votes flooding in by the closing date.
On Wednesday 16 May 2018 an exciting awards evening took place at the iconic Blackfriars Priory in Gloucester; the culmination of an integral new part of SoGlos as Gloucestershire’s leading lifestyle media, and an important new addition to the county’s business calendar.
For details of the 2018 winners and highly commended businesses, see SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2018 winners announced.
To see the SGGLA 2018 photo gallery, visit facebook.com/soglos.
Our first-year success wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our category sponsors. In 2019 there will also be unique opportunities for a headline sponsor and event partners to benefit from the SGGLA success.
To be part of next year’s success, please contact:
James Fyrne Group Publisher
james@sopublishing.com (01242) 210330
Sophie Lucas Advertising Hub Team Leader
sophie@sopublishing.com (01242) 210330
Terri Chapman Senior Advertising Consultant
terri@sopublishing.com (01242) 210330
See below for details of all 20 SGGLA 2019 categories, guidance on the types of businesses which will be eligible to enter once nominations open, as well as info on the individual category sponsors.
The Cultural Venue of the Year category will be open to nominations from visitor attractions, art galleries, gardens and museums.
About the sponsor: 16i is an established Cheltenham-based digital agency, providing its clients with innovative software development solutions, bespoke ecommerce platforms, digital marketing web builds and mobile app development. The firm works on projects of all sizes with clients both locally and internationally, including brands such as Everyman Theatre, Jonjo O’Neill and NUK. 16i is passionate about finding the best digital solution to fit its clients business needs.
16i.co.uk | (01242) 654000
The Family Day Out Venue category will be open to nominations from day out destinations, wildlife centres and children’s activity centres.
About the sponsor: Simpsons Fish and Chips is a true family business, run by husband and wife team Bonny and James with a family fish and chip legacy dating back to 1976. Its flagship Cheltenham outpost won the accolade of ‘UK’s Number 1 Fish & Chip Takeaway 2016’, while 2017 saw the opening of a brand new Stroud shop. Simpsons sources the best quality fish and spuds and cooks them with care, offers a traditional menu with fun seasonal twists, and can even cater for a range of events thanks to ‘Simpsons on Wheels’. Long live fish and chips!
simpsonsfishandchips.com | (01242) 521964
The Independent School category will be open to nominations from prep, senior and sixth-form independent schools.
About the sponsor: FRC Financial Planning offers bespoke solutions for people looking to manage their investments, plan for retirement, manage inheritance or those in need of mortgage or remortgaging services. Promising effective advice regardless of changes in the financial landscape, the firm offers a face-to-face service for its clients. Based in Cheltenham’s Imperial Square, the firm is operated by Fran Coulter and is an Associate Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management.
frcfinancialplanning.co.uk | 07855 634665
The Live Entertainment Venue category will be open to nominations from music, theatre, comedy and sporting venues.
About the sponsor: CitrusHR’s consulting team offers a complete range of HR support for small and medium sized businesses. Experts in their field, the firm only employs the very best HR consultants, knowledgeable in all aspects of employment law, with a wealth of practical experience across all business sectors. Offering advice on issues surrounding family leave, sickness, mergers, acquisitions, and redundancy; CitrusHR’s consulting team can also provide technical support on employment contracts, recruitment and retention of teams. Providing a true understanding of small business challenges, the team works across Gloucestershire, helping business owners take a fresh approach to managing people.
citrushr.com | 0844 854 6704
The Sporting Venue category will be open to nominations from businesses across all types of sports.
About the sponsor: KGR Wealth Management offers financial planning solutions to sporting professionals, those within the entertainment industry and entrepreneurs. Providing a ‘holistic’ approach, the firm provides its clients with expert advice and insight, helping them best understand how today’s decisions can affect their future. Directed by ex-professional rugby player Karl Rudzki, the firm offers investment planning, estate protection, corporate services and retirement planning amongst its services.
kgrwealth.co.uk | 07540 636983
The Live Music Venue category will be open to nominations from dedicated music venues, as well as pubs and sporting venues which host live music.
To enquire about sponsoring this category, please use the contact details above.
The Restaurant category will be open to nominations from restaurants of all cuisines and styles, from informal to fine dining.
About the sponsor: Thomson & Bancks Solicitors provides an uncompromised legal service for the residents and businesses of Gloucestershire and the wider region with bases in Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, and Pershore. The firm traces its heritage back to the 1830s and today offers a range of tailored legal services delivered by a team of trusted, local professionals providing a one-stop destination for those requiring high quality legal advice and representation on matters as diverse as: business affairs; dispute resolution; property; injury and medical negligence compensation; family law; powers of attorney; wills and administration of estates.
tbsolicitors.co.uk | (01242) 235250
The Takeaway category will be open to nominations from businesses which only offer a takeaway service, in addition to restaurants with a strong takeaway offering.
To enquire about sponsoring this category, please use the contact details above.
The Café category will be open to nominations from standalone cafés and those situated within other businesses.
About the sponsor: NFU Mutual’s Moreton in Marsh & Cheltenham branch offers expert insurance to the farming community, whilst maintaining its place as an integral part of the British countryside. Situated in the heart of the Cotswolds, NFU Mutual – Moreton in Marsh & Cheltenham promises to exceed the expectations of its clients, champion rural communities and provide a local, personal service. With over a century’s experience protecting the countryside, NFU Mutual says it is proud to operate differently to other insurance providers, being run both by and for its members.
nfumutual.co.uk/branches/moreton-in-marsh | (01608) 651781
The Food/Drink Producer category will be open to nominations from businesses producing all types of food and drink, including condiments, dairy produce, baked goods, health foods, oils, beers, wines and spirits.
About the sponsor: The Pyromaniac Chef is the alter-ego of Gloucestershire based foodie – Kathryn Minchew. Promoting her brand of ‘fine dining over fire’, the Pyromaniac Chef focuses on using local producers and cooking green, even sourcing the charcoal she cooks on, exclusively from a company based in the Forest of Dean. Alongside cooking up delicious dishes during her appearances at Gloucester Studio , the Pyromaniac Chef offers cookery courses, has a series of books about cooking with fire and even works with school groups to highlight the importance of climate change.
pyromaniacchef.com | (01452) 899889
The Pub category will be open to nominations from everything from town centre to country pubs.
To enquire about sponsoring this category, please use the contact details above.
The Bar category will be open to nominations from everything from wine bars to DJ bars.
To enquire about sponsoring this category, please use the contact details above.
The Hotel category will be open to nominations from small to large hotels.
About the sponsor: Porsche Centre Tewkesbury is home to a team of experts who can guide you through the process of buying your dream car; from the initial test drive, through to financing and even maintenance. Stocking more than 200 approved used vehicles in stock, including the Cayman and 911 GT3, potential owners will not be disappointed with the fabulous range available to test. With a state-of-the-art body shop, highly trained mechanic team and certified parts department all on site, customers can rely on Porsche Centre Tewkesbury to be their lead contact on their journey through Porsche ownership.
porschetewkesbury.co.uk | (01684) 880112
The Beauty Business category will be open to nominations from hair salons, spas, beauty salons and independent beauty practitioners.
To enquire about sponsoring this category, please use the contact details above.
The Health/Fitness Business category will be open to nominations from gyms, yoga and Pilates studios, fitness studios, personal trainers and health food producers.
About the sponsor: The Royal Oak, situated in the heart of Tetbury, is a charming, traditional 18th century inn; sympathetically restored to offer a relaxed and friendly drinking and dining experience in the Cotswolds. With six lovely en-suite rooms and three dog-friendly rooms, The Royal Oak is a fun and relaxed getaway; perfect for browsing the chic boutiques of Tetbury, exploring the beautiful Cotswolds or enjoying an active life with great opportunities for golf, hiking and cycling. Specialising in organic food, this classic country inn boasts an ever-changing menu, showcasing organic, free range meat from local farms and dedicated vegetarian events, alongside a standalone vegan offering; making The Royal Oak’s menu as inclusive as it is delicious.
theroyaloaktetbury.co.uk | (01666) 500021
The Independent Shop category will be open to nominations from businesses across all sectors, including food, drink, homewares, fashion, children, gifts and art.
To enquire about sponsoring this category, please use the contact details above.
The Homes & Interiors Business category will be open to nominations from homewares specialists, interior designers and decorators, kitchen and bathroom companies and flooring companies, as well as windows, doors and conservatory companies.
To enquire about sponsoring this category, please use the contact details above.
The Shopping Destination category will be open to nominations from shopping centres and town collectives.
About the sponsor: RHS Malvern Spring Festival has been held at the Three Counties Showground since it began in 1985. Each year it opens the door into the summer season, with its unique setting – framed by the picturesque Malvern Hills – providing the perfect backdrop to a plethora of plants and gardens. Next taking place from 9 to 12 May 2019, visitors will be able to enjoy a walk around the show gardens, gather inspiration from exhibitors in the Floral Marquee and get hints and tips from a range of talks and demonstrations at this fantastic show.
rhsmalvern.co.uk
The Event category will be open to nominations from annual events and festivals, as well as new events.
About the sponsor: The Isbourne is a hub of wellbeing and spiritual development, running a busy schedule of inspirational courses, workshops and talks through the year from its Cheltenham town centre location. The centre has weekly classes in yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, Pilates, dance and more. There are also meeting rooms and therapy rooms for hire, and a café for visitors too.
isbourne.org | (01242) 254321
The Wedding Venue category will be open to nominations from all kinds of venues, from hotels, stately homes and barns to castles, historic venues, gardens and more.
To enquire about sponsoring this category, please use the contact details above.
The Wedding Supplier category will be open to nominations from bridalwear and jewellery businesses, wedding photographers and videographers, florists, cakes and catering companies, wedding transport, wedding entertainment, hair and beauty and honeymoon suppliers.
To enquire about sponsoring this category, please use the contact details above.
The Hero category will be open to nominations from individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to Gloucestershire through their work in the charity, sport or business arena.
About the sponsor: A family run company with a logo you can’t help but recognise, The Cullimore Group specialises in aggregates, waste removal, transport and distribution, and even runs an MOT test facility for heavy goods vehicles at its site in Netherhills. Supplying customers across Gloucestershire and the west since the 1930s, this successful firm prides itself on its team of enthusiastic and loyal staff; promising clients remarkable local knowledge and professional expertise in its field.
cullimoregroup.co.uk | (01452) 740326.
Sensational businesses of all shapes and sizes, new or long established, which are based in Gloucestershire or the surrounding area and fit with one of the categories are invited to enter.
Keep checking back on this page for details of the 2019 awards timeline and entry process.
Nominations must be made by an official representative of the business who will be the point of contact through the process.
No, but you can recomend your favourite business enters for themselves. They can do so via this page once nominations open for 2019.
The panel of judges will be made up of members of the SoPublishing team. They’ll be looking at each nominee’s application, as well as their website and social media, and also drawing upon first-hand experiences to create the shortlist which then goes to public vote.
We will be ensuring only the very best quality nominees make it through to the public vote. Please note, SoGlos advertisers won’t be given preferential treatment.
The voting process will open for around six weeks in 2019, when members of the public will have their chance to make one top choice from any or all of the categories. Voting will exclusively take place via soglos.com/awards, and can be done via desktop computers, laptops, tablets or mobile phones.
The 2019 categories have now been finalised. Please email info@sopublishing.com with any requests or feedback for 2020.
The number and quality of entrants is expected to be high again in 2019, so our judges will be looking for businesses which have a strong chance of winning their category.
Yes, please feel free to enter any category which fits your business.
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 support on SoGlos, its email newsletter and social media channels.
Yes, but there will also be a highly commended business per category, which will receive a certificate and official badge to use on their website too.
Yes!
Yes, and not only that, following 2018’s success the Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards have quickly cemented their position as the Gloucestershire awards.
