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 2021 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.
2024 Winner
Solr Energy
2024 Highly commended
Tallow + Ash
2024 Finalists
Feel Complete
Orso Publishing
Solr Energy
Tallow + Ash
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
2024 Winner
Paradise Tattoo Studio
2024 Highly commended
Astor Bannerman
2024 Finalists
AirDrate
Astor Bannerman
Duku
Paradise Tattoo Studio
Tallow + Ash
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.
2024 Winner
Montpellier Legal
2024 Highly commended
Prosperity Care and Wellbeing
2024 Finalists
Montpellier Legal
Premiere Kitchens
Pro Global
Prosperity Care and Wellbeing
ABOUT THE PARTNER: PoloWorks
PoloWorks is a leading Lloyd’s and London Market insurance services provider and encompasses Polo Managing Agency, Polo Commercial Insurance Services and Polo Insurance Managers. Polo Managing Agency is a turnkey at Lloyd’s. Polo Commercial Insurance Services provides a suite of services. Polo Insurance Managers is an independent manager in Europe.
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.
2024 Winner
D.C. Merrett & Company
2024 Highly commended
Hobbs House Bakery
2024 Finalists
D.C. Merrett & Company
Hewer Facilities Management
Hobbs House Bakery
Markey Group
Non Solo Pasta
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.
2024 Winner
Prima Dental Manufacturing
2024 Highly commended
Wildwood Ecology
2024 Finalists
G-TEKT Europe Manufacturing (G-TEM)
Go Climate Positive
Lease Electric
Prima Dental Manufacturing
Wildwood Ecology
ABOUT THE PARTNER: Gloucestershire County Council
Gloucestershire County Council implements strategic decisions and provides services across the region to benefit the local community. With emissions now down 34.8 per cent since 2006, its vision for Gloucestershire is to have a net zero county by 2045 that provides quality of life now and for future generations.
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.
2024 Winner
Rappor Consultants
2024 Highly commended
Lanes Health
2024 Finalists
Lanes Health
Ontic Engineering & Manufacturing
Pro Global
Rappor Consultants
The Crowd Agency
WSP Solicitors
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.
2024 Winner
Penguin Uniform
2024 Highly commended
Holiday Architects
2024 Finalists
Farrar & Tanner
Greenfields
Holiday Architects
i2i Recruitment
Penguin Uniform
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.
2024 Winner
Moog Controls
2024 Highly commended
Stewart Golf
2024 Finalists
Lanes Health
Moog Controls
Stewart Golf
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.
2024 Winner
Lenny Dance from Stagecoach West
2024 Highly commended
Shelley Stevens from The Cheltenham Trust
2024 Finalists
Julie Chadwick from Nephos Group
Lenny Dance from Stagecoach West
Shelley Stevens from The Cheltenham Trust
ABOUT THE PARTNER: Seymour John
Seymour John is a specialist finance, HR and executive recruitment consultancy based in Gloucestershire. Working locally for over 20 years, its team is exceptionally well connected. Business partners to clients and mentors to its candidates, Seymour John utilises trusted networks, passive contacts and deep market insight, to secure top talent.
seymourjohn.com/southwest
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.
2024 Winner
Astor Bannerman
2024 Highly commended
G-TEKT
2024 Finalists
Astor Bannerman
Emerge Digital service desk team
G-TEKT senior management and HSE department
Squashed Robot Films creative account manager team
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 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.
2024 Winner
Alison Dreezer from National Star
2024 Highly commended
Alice Openshaw from Lumiere Restaurant
2024 Finalists
Alice Openshaw from Lumiere Restaurant
Alison Dreezer from National Star
Fiona Wilson from North Tower Consulting
Max Mathias from Duku
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.
2024 Winner
Nova Blue Technologies
2024 Highly commended
ReformIT
2024 Finalists
CDS Defence & Security
Nova Blue Technologies
ReformIT
The Cyber Scheme
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.
2024 Winner
Pied Piper Appeal
2024 Highly commended
Young Gloucestershire
2024 Finalists
Allsorts Gloucestershire
Move More
The Pied Piper Appeal
Young Gloucestershire
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.
2024 Winner
Gloucester Brewery
2024 Highly commended
Infrastar
2024 Finalists
Gloucester Brewery
Infrastar
Ontic Manufacturing & Engineering
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.
2024 Winner
Cherry Orchard Publishing
2024 Highly commended
Content Chef
2024 Finalists
Cherry Orchard Publishing
Content Chef
Lease Electric
SAND Visuals
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.
2024 Winner
The Pie House at Cinderhill Farm
2024 Highly commended
Squashed Robot Films
2024 Finalists
Bolthole Retreats
Greenfields
Hooray
Lead365
Non Solo Pasta
Squashed Robot Films
The Pie House at Cinderhill Farm
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.
2024 Winner
Cotswold Energy Group
2024 Highly commended
Hewer Facilities Management
2024 Finalists
Cotswold Energy Group
George Bence Group
Hewer Facilities Management
Premiere Kitchens
Prosperity Care and Wellbeing
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.
2024 Winner
Markey Group
2024 Highly commended
Moog Controls
2024 Finalists
G-TEKT Europe Manufacturing (G-TEM)
Markey Group
Moog Controls
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 is chosen by the headline partners, from the list of winners across all categories.
2024 Winner
Nova Blue Technologies
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
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 the Gloucestershire Business Awards?
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 usually open in March each year. 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.
What is the shortlisting and judging process?
A dedicated SoGlos awards team will review all entries for quality, substance and suitability to create the shortlist. They will carefully consider entrants' full applications, websites and social media (where available), with the shortlist then published on SoGlos and sent to the judging panel to initiate the scoring process.
The judging panel is made up of senior industry representatives from the awards headline co-partners and category partners. Judges will review shortlisted entries in full and also have the chance to meet entrants face-to-face at the popular 'Meet the judges' event, before submitting scores for all categories. Judges then come together for the 'Judges panel meeting' to find out the combined results of scoring and confirm the list of finalists, highly commended finalists and overall winners in each category.
The list of finalists is then published on SoGlos, with winners and highly commended finalists revealed for the first time at the anticipated awards night.
Please note, SoGlos partners will not be given preferential treatment.
What assurance can you give that information provided on the entry form will remain confidential?
Information provided by entrants will not be shared with any party other than those officially involved in the awards process. All judges are required to accept a confidentially agreement.
Why is it necessary to provide financial information as part of the entry form?
Financial information must be supplied for most categories (unless specified) so that the SoGlos awards team and judges can evaluate the economic strengths of entries — which is an important part of considering overall business success.
There isn’t a category suitable for my business, would you consider adding one?
Please email info@sopublishing.com with any requests or feedback for 2024.
Can I enter more than one category?
Yes, you can enter up to three categories which are relevant to your business. Details of how to do so will be provided at the point of entry.
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, and there will also be a highly commended business per category, which will receive a certificate and official badge to use on their website too. All finalists will also receive an official certificate.
Why didn’t I make the shortlist?
The number and quality of entrants increases every year, so we'll be looking for businesses which really 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?
Headline co-partners will receive 10 tickets and category partners five tickets. Ticket allocations per finalist are normally two, but will be confirmed closer to the time by email once the list of finalists is revealed.
Can I get extra tickets for the Gloucestershire Business Awards awards evening?
To make Gloucestershire Business Awards as inclusive as possible for all finalists and partners – and to work within the size limitations of the special venues we work 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 seating/tables for the headline co-partners.
