SoGlos Gloucestershire Business Awards 2023

Gloucestershire’s leading business awards - powered by SoGlos - are back for a thrilling third year, once again shaking up the traditional awards format with a fresh approach to celebrating the county’s leading businesses.

SGGBA

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 SGGBA, before our experienced panel of judges – made up of 20+ representatives from headline and category sponsors - review and score nominations 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 SoGlos 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 SGGBA 2023...

SGGBA 2023 key dates

Wednesday 1 March 2023: Nominations open

Friday 19 May 2023: Nominations close

Friday 26 May 2023: Entries sent to judges for review

Wednesday 21 June 2023: Shortlisted businesses revealed

Tuesday 18 July 2023: Sponsors & shortlisted businesses drinks reception at Still Moving, Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham

Wednesday 13 September 2023: Judges panel meeting at Malmaison, Cheltenham - finalists and winners decided

Friday 15 September 2023: Finalists revealed

Thursday 19 October 2023: Awards evening at Gloucester South Community Fire Station, Tuffley, Gloucester - winners announced

SGGBA 2023 headline co-sponsors

Hazlewoods

Hazlewoods is a UK Top 30 independent accountants and business advisers, with an established sector expertise that is hard to find elsewhere. It prides itself on its highly personal service, strong values and new ideas. Its experts provide specialist accountancy, tax, audit and business advice to individuals and businesses of all shapes and sizes. The firm has more than 480 staff who enjoy working with a wide range of clients locally, nationally and internationally.
hazlewoods.co.uk

Willans LLP solicitors

Willans is a trusted provider of expert, practical and personal legal advice, having advised businesses, people, charities and not-for-profit organisations for more than 75 years. Its ongoing success is a consequence of its ‘knowledgeable, meticulous and extremely personable’ lawyers, who give local, national and overseas clients straightforward, practical advice in a way that is clear and easily understood, no matter the legal need. Proud of its Gloucestershire roots, its nationally recommended Legal 500 and Chambers UK-rated teams pack a punch, all whilst keeping the local community at the forefront of everything it does.
willans.co.uk

SGGBA 2023 categories & sponsors

New Business of the Year 

This category is open to businesses established since April 2020 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.

2023 WINNER

AccXel

2023 Finalists

Cotswold Eco Tubs
Elderflower & Fern
Grandbar Snacks
Marvel FMCG

ABOUT THE SPONSOR: Montrose Group
Cotswold-headquartered building firm, Montrose Group, is a construction company with a passion for innovative design, exceptional craftsmanship and immaculate execution. Aspiring to set the benchmark for outstanding residential and commercial property within the UK, its unrivalled multi-disciplinary team combines creative, corporate and technical expertise to meet the needs of its private and commercial clientele – delivering its signature ‘contemporary elegance and timeless design.’
montrose-group.co.uk

Most Innovative Business of the Year 

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 2022.

2023 WINNER

Green Car Depollution

2023 Finalists

AccXel
Astor Bannerman
DUKU

ABOUT THE SPONSOR: Hartpury
Hartpury University and Hartpury College are among the UK’s leading specialist education providers in agriculture, animal, equine, sport and veterinary nursing. Their 360-hectare green campus in Gloucestershire is home to more than 4,500 university and college-level students studying degrees, A-levels and diplomas, as well as undertaking innovative industry led research.
hartpury.ac.uk

Growth Business of the Year 

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.

2023 WINNER

Cotswold Energy Group

2023 Finalists

Bolthole Retreats
Gloucester Brewery
Immersa and AlphaESS UK Group
Premiere Kitchens
Squashed Robot Films

ABOUT THE SPONSOR: GFirst LEP
GFirst LEP is the independent business voice for Gloucestershire. It drives sustainable economic growth, investing millions in infrastructure; generates inward investment; champions Gloucestershire internationally and provides business support through The Growth Hub. GFirst LEP champions local food and drink producers through its new Made in Gloucestershire initiative.
gfirstlep.com

Family Business of the Year 

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.

2023 WINNER

G.R. Lane Health Products

2023 Finalists

Bennetts Coaches
Gloucester Carpet Outlet
Green Car Depollution
MG Markey Group

ABOUT THE SPONSOR: QuoLux
QuoLux supports business owners, directors and managers at all levels to develop their leadership and management skills to be the best that they can be.
It provides business leaders a confidential space to work alongside like-minded peers to learn, share and support one another through in-person programs or online training courses.
They practise and perfect their leadership skills, increase their self-confidence and learn to #InspireBelief.
quolux.com

Green Business of the Year 

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.

2023 WINNER

Stroud Brewery

2023 Finalists

Cotswold Energy Group
Fleet Electric Leasing
G-TEKT Europe Manufacturing (G-TEM)
Howard Tenens Logistics

ABOUT THE SPONSOR: Ecotricity
Ecotricity is Britain’s greenest energy company, based in Stroud, Gloucestershire. Recognised by Which? as one of only three truly green energy suppliers, it invests its profits into new sources of renewable energy, turning customer ‘bills into mills’. Ecotricity offers competitive business pricing, strategic consultancy for sustainability action plans, on-site generation and battery storage solutions.
ecotricity.co.uk

Best Place to Work of the Year 

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.

2023 WINNER

Larchtower Engineering

2023 Finalists

Ecclesiastical Insurance Office
Freemans Event Partners
Holiday Architects
Original Consultants

ABOUT THE SPONSOR: Six Property Consulting
Six Property Consulting Ltd was formed out of a desire to provide a client and community focused service of exceptional quality in the specialist areas of building surveying, project consultancy, quantity surveying and drone surveys. The Cheltenham-headquartered firm has strong ethical, community, environmental and professional values and prides itself on delivering a service that adds real value to your business.
sixpc.co.uk

Customer Excellence Award 

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.

2023 WINNER

Laithwaites Wine

2023 Finalists

Be More Bob
Bolthole Retreats
Tayntons Solicitors

ABOUT THE SPONSOR: MKM Building Supplies
Independently owned and managed, Gloucester’s MKM Building Supplies is one of the UK’s leading builder’s merchants, priding itself on its industry experience, expertise and excellent service. Along with a talented team and quality supplies to suit each customer’s needs, the branch trades with both businesses and the public, as well as benefitting from a clean, modern, airy environment – offering ‘a hot coffee, a warm welcome and a friendly face’
mkm.com

International Business of the Year 

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.

2023 WINNER

Prima Dental

2023 Finalists

Avon Metals
Cloudtamers
Cotswold Eco Tubs
PACE Manufacturing

ABOUT THE SPONSOR: Invest in Gloucestershire
Invest in Gloucestershire is the county's leading inward investment programme. It was created with a simple, ambitious goal in mind – to showcase the best Gloucestershire has to offer and encourage growth through inward investment from UK and international businesses. It is a GFirst LEP driven initiative, run in collaboration with Gloucestershire’s county council and its six local authorities.
investingloucestershire.com

Entrepreneur of the Year 

This category is open to inspirational individuals who have combined passion and vision with innovation and business acumen to achieve commercial success in the last 12 months – from first timers to seasoned risk-takers.

2023 WINNER

Chris Brown - Rippl

2023 Finalists

Graham Taylor - Hudson Rose
Heather Muir - Spruce Cirencester Professional Dog Grooming
Louise Williams - Solace Gym
Mary Merheim - Grandbar Snacks

ABOUT THE SPONSOR: University of Gloucestershire
The University of Gloucestershire has a longstanding commitment to supporting businesses. With seven academic schools across campuses in Cheltenham and Gloucester, there is expertise to support organisations at every stage of their development.

The university is helping organisations to grow their talent - through apprenticeships and accredited professional programmes. Additionally, it provides employers with access to exceptional students and graduates. Its collaborative and applied approach ensures that work-based development is relevant, contemporary and inspiring.
glos.ac.uk

Employee of the Year 

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.

2023 WINNER

Leanne Williams - Stagecoach West

2023 Finalists

David Hodges - Cotteswold Dairy
Phil Beastall - Squashed Robot Films
Rachel Stephenson - Larchtower Engineering

ABOUT THE SPONSOR: GB Solutions
Gloucestershire-based GB Solutions is a recruitment agency specialising in HR, Legal, Finance, Marketing, Tech, Sales, Service, and Commerce – putting people at the heart of its business.

Its team of expert consultants partner with companies county wide and beyond, sourcing talent on a permanent, temporary and contract basis, helping those who are new to the area, seeking promotion or looking to exit a role, to find their perfect fit.
gbsolutions.co.uk

Team of the Year 

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.

2023 WINNER

Bamboo Technology Group

2023 Finalists

Aquascape Swimming Pools
GET-Gloucestershire Engineering Training
Rappor Consultants
Severnside Security

ABOUT THE SPONSOR: ReformIT
ReformIT is a Cheltenham based managed IT service provider for businesses, covering all of the UK. As Microsoft Modern Workplace specialists, it puts security at the centre of everything its does. ReformIT is part of the Apple Consultants Network and has specialist engineers in all disciplines.
reformit.co.uk

Heritage Business of the Year 

This category is open to established businesses which have been part of Gloucestershire’s economy for 25 or more years, adapting to their industry’s challenges while driving growth, employment and investment in the county. The business may be a household name or an unsung hero which deserves to be recognised.

2023 WINNER

MG Markey Group

2023 Finalists

Cotteswold Dairy
G.R. Lane Health Products
Tayntons Solicitors

ABOUT THE SPONSOR: Hewer FM
Established over 57 years ago family business Hewer Facilities Management is one of the region’s leading building services providers and a Quality Assured ISO 9001 company.

Employing more than 141 staff it delivers services ranging from private domestic home heating, electrical installations and maintenance plans to expertise in plumbing, heating and renewable energy, design, installation, repair and servicing for offices, schools, factories and hospitals.
hewerfm.co.uk

Business Leader Award 

This category will recognise established leaders who have inspired their teams, leading by example and embracing the concept ‘with change comes opportunity’ to drive continued success.

2023 WINNER

Lucy Beresford & Richard Buckland - SLG Brands

2023 Finalists

Chris O'Riordan - Firestarter Business Solutions
Colin Smith - Wheatway
Laurie Bell - The Cheltenham Trust
Mark Colebrook - Astor Bannerman

ABOUT THE SPONSOR: Gloucestershire County Council
GCC is working hard to position the county as a hub of skills, entrepreneurship and business, at the forefront of innovation.

Its four-year strategy for building back better in Gloucestershire involves levelling up communities, investing in the next generation, and attracting greener investments and jobs

Committed to attracting investment and talent to the area at every opportunity, GCC is proud of Gloucestershire today, but ambitious about where the county can go next.
gloucestershire.gov.uk

Young Business Leader Award 

This category will celebrate young business leaders aged under 40 (as of 19 October 2023) who have already proven their business acumen, drive and ability to steer an organisation to success. These individuals are set to continue to mature as inspirational business leaders.

2023 WINNER

Hugh Joslyn - Gloucester Brewery

2023 Finalists

Gemma Elizabeth Conway - Cotswold Cottage Gems
Heath Gunter - Cheltenham BID
Lauren Cleary - Cotswold Eco Tubs
William Collins - Sanderson Financial

ABOUT THE SPONSOR: Ontic
Ontic is a leading global aerospace OEM (original equipment manufacturer), providing complex engineered parts and repair services for established aircraft in the defence and commercial markets. With over 45 years of experience, Ontic has operations in Gloucestershire, across the UK, Europe, North America and Asia providing strategic worldwide support to customers when and where it is needed.
ontic.com

Apprentice of the Year 

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.

2023 WINNER

Harry Davis - Cobalt Health

2023 Finalists

Jozef Nixon - North Tower Consulting
Maea Browning - Pro Global
Oliwier Kieltyka - Stagecoach West
Ruby Roberts - Penguin Uniform

ABOUT THE SPONSOR: Gloucestershire College
Gloucestershire College is an innovative provider of professional and technical training, offering courses and apprenticeships for school leavers, adults and businesses across its campuses in Cheltenham, Gloucester and the Forest of Dean. Awarded Gloucestershire’s Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year 2020, Gloucestershire College proudly works with more than 1,000 employers to deliver bespoke training programmes, ensuring businesses have the right skills and staff for growth.
gloscol.ac.uk

Cyber Business of the Year 

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.

2023 WINNER

Salus Cyber

2023 Finalists

Core to Cloud
Cyber Security Associates
Emerge Digital
InfoSec People

ABOUT THE SPONSOR: Cleevely Electric Vehicles
Cheltenham-based Cleevely Electric Vehicles was established by Matt and Claire Cleevely in January 2018. The independent family firm emerged after the couple bought their first electric vehicle from a dealership with such poor customer service, they were convinced they could do a better job. They’ve been proving it ever since with glowing reviews from countless electric vehicle enthusiasts who’ve bought cars and had them serviced too. Now joined by David Smith, the committed team shares a passion for electric vehicles, the environment and making a difference.
cleevelyev.co.uk

Charity of the Year 

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.

2023 WINNER

Pied Piper Appeal

2023 Finalists

Caring for Communities and People
Cobalt Health
Hollie Gazzard Trust
National Star

ABOUT THE SPONSOR: Nimble
Nimble’s intuitive elearning creation tool and learning management system have already helped hundreds of organisations build beautiful online courses with ease – and keep track of staff progress at the click of a button. The elearning specialist also offers a range of customisable ready-made courses. Nimble offers a generous discount for charity customers, and prides itself on providing the very best support every step of the way.
nimble-elearning.com

Micro Business of the Year 

This category is open to businesses from any sector which can demonstrate all-round success and have met two out of three of the following 'Micro Business' criteria for two consecutive years. Turnover: £632k or less. Gross assets: £316k or less. Average number of employees: 10 or less (as per records held by Companies House).

2023 WINNER

Go Climate Positive

2023 Finalists

Cotswold Wine School
Fairbank Design
MIMMO Studios
P3M Works
Quayside Wealth Management

ABOUT THE SPONSOR: 16i
Digital agency 16i is a market leader in website design and development as well as software development. A significant proportion of its work is bespoke software applications, with its target market being the more technically challenging projects. Clients range from international law firms and professional services businesses UK-wide to the University of Gloucestershire, Everyman Theatre and SoGlos. 16i also provides versatile meeting rooms to suit a variety of business and training needs, all with the latest interactive touch screens, video conference setups and secure high-speed internet.
16i.co.uk

Small Business of the Year 

This category is open to businesses from any sector which can demonstrate all-round success and have met two out of three of the following 'Small Business' criteria for two consecutive years. Turnover: £10.2m or less. Gross assets: £5.1m or less. Average number of employees: 11-49 (as per records held by Companies House).

2023 WINNER

Bolthole Retreats

2023 Finalists

Cloudtamers
Gloucester Brewery
Greenfields Garden Services
Holiday Architects
Severnside Security

ABOUT THE SPONSOR: HR Star
Working with entrepreneurial businesses across Gloucestershire, Cheltenham-based HR Star promises to do HR differently. It helps businesses create a unique ‘people strategy’ so they know what they need from their staff and what their staff need from their employer, so they can look after their people and create highly engaged, successful teams.
hr-star.co.uk

Medium Business of the Year 

This category is open to businesses from any sector which can demonstrate all-round success and have met two out of three of the following 'Medium Business' criteria for two consecutive years. Turnover: £36m or less. Gross assets: £18m or less. Average number of employees: 50-249 (as per records held by Companies House).

2023 WINNER

Astor Bannerman

2023 Finalists

Avon Metals
Cotswold Energy Group
Freemans Event Partners
Stroud Brewery

ABOUT THE SPONSOR: Workplace Interiors Co
Based in Cheltenham, Workplace Interiors Co is a dynamic group of brands specialising in the commercial interiors industry. With shared resources and industry knowledge, each co-brand collaborates to improve customer experience through quality craftmanship, digital innovations, product development and sustainable practices for end-to-end workplace solutions, creating modern working environments for customers.
workplaceco.co.uk

Large Business of the Year 

This category is open to businesses from any sector which can demonstrate all-round success and have met two out of three of the following 'Large Business' criteria for two consecutive years. Turnover: Over £36m. Gross assets: Over £18m. Average number of employees: 250+ (as per records held by Companies House).

2023 WINNER

Ecclesiastical Insurance Office

2023 Finalists

Cotteswold Dairy
G-TEKT Europe Manufacturing (G-TEM)
Howard Tenens Logistics
Prima Dental

ABOUT THE SPONSOR: 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 end vision.
vitruviusms.co.uk

Business of the Year 

The winner of this special award will be chosen by the headline co-sponsors, from the list of winners across all categories.

2023 WINNER

PRIMA DENTAL

ABOUT THE SPONSOR: Hazlewoods and Willans LLP solicitors
See above to find out more about the SGGBA 2023 headline co-sponsors, Hazlewoods and Willans LLP solicitors
hazlewoods.co.uk
willans.co.uk



SGGBA 2023 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.

Faye Hatcher

Faye Hatcher

Faye Hatcher is a well-known voice of the county having worked as a broadcast journalist for BBC Radio Gloucestershire and BBC Radio 4 for more than 20 years, leaving the prestigious British Broadcasting Corporation in 2023 to forge an exciting career as a professional talker, celebrant, volunteer youth mentor, media trainer and artist. Faye will have the honour of unveiling our 2023 winners.

Gloucester South Community Fire and Rescue Station

The venue for the SoGlos Gloucestershire Business Awards 2023 is the incredible Gloucester South Community Fire and Rescue Station in Shepherd Rd, Tuffley, part of a 22-station county-wide network employing 600 staff providing 24 hours a day year-round cover to help keep Gloucestershire’s 600,000 residents safe. Overall operations are run from the nearby Tri-Service Centre in Quedgeley.
gloucestershire.gov.uk/glosfire

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

Sibling Distillery

Sibling Distillery is an award-winning family-run Cheltenham gin distillery run by brothers and sisters Felix, Clarice, Cicely and Digby Elliott-Berry. Founded in 2014, its stylish botanically blended craft gins are sold at independent retailers, bars and fine dining restaurants across the UK. Based at Coxhorne Farm in Charlton Kings, the siblings run tours and tastings too.
siblingdistillery.com

Wholly Gelato

Creating artisan ice cream using milk from the cows reared on its family farm in Elmore, Wholly Gelato is an award-winning producer of Italian-style gelato. With a whole range of classic and quirky flavours to choose from, visitors can meet the cows while they enjoy an ice cream, sip gelato shakes or stock up on tubs or bottles of fresh whole milk to take home.
whollygelato.co.uk

Still Moving

StillMoving works with a diverse spectrum of clients, from local breweries to prestige car marques, to create exceptional quality still and moving content for everything from commercials and branded media to music videos and documentaries. With unrivalled passion, skills, expertise, and its incredible studio in Cheltenham, it excels on even the most challenging projects.
stillmovingmedia.com

Fabioni's

Fabionis specialises in authentic wood-fired pizza made using top quality, locally sourced ingredients. Its menu boasts a variety of flavours as well as vegan, gluten free and lactose free options, plus desserts. Its mobile pizzeria ‘Clyde’ means it can cater for events with minimal set-up time and offers two service options, with individually priced pay-as-you-go pizzas or a pre-paid pizza buffet.
fabionis.co.uk

The Drunken Mare

From a bespoke mobile horse box bar to a rustic wooden bar and even a bubbles wall, Cotswolds based events caterer The Drunken Mare provides a unique and memorable way to serve drinks for any occasion, with an extensive list of cocktails spanning its classic Drunken Mare-tini to its vanilla vodka Donkey Kick.
thedrunkenmare.co.uk

Malmaison Cheltenham

The Malmaison is a stylish hotel and restaurant located in the tree-lined Montpellier area of Cheltenham, set within easy reach of the town centre. The hotel provides a luxurious and relaxing boutique experience not only in terms of accommodation, but hospitality and dining too. Plus, the Malmaison offers a selection of wedding packages, private events and more.
malmaison.com

SGGBA 2022 highlights

The second annual SGGBA 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 SGGBA finale.

SGGBA 2022 winners revealed

SGGBA 2022 awards night photos

SGGBA 2022 Welcome from headline co-sponsors Hazlewoods and Willans LLP solicitors video

SGGBA 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 SGGBA's position as Gloucestershire’s definitive business awards from its very first year.

SGGBA 2021 winners revealed

SGGBA 2021 awards night photos

SGGBA 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 nominate my business?

SGGBA nominations will open in March 2023. Monitor this page for exact dates. Nominations must be made by an official representative of the business who will be the point of contact through the process.

Can I nominate 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 panel of judges will be made up of representatives from SGGBA's headline and category sponsors. 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 through to the judging panel. We will be ensuring only the very best quality nominees are selected, with a tight shortlist expected again in the third year of the awards. Please note, SoGlos advertisers 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 for 2023.

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 third year of the awards, so our judges will be looking for businesses which stand out through their nomination 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 SGGBA 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 SGGBA awards evening?

The headline sponsor will receive 10 tickets, category sponsors five tickets, and shortlisted businesses will each receive two tickets.

Can I get extra tickets for the SGGBA awards evening?

To make SGGBA as inclusive as possible for all the shortlisted businesses, sponsors 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 SGGLA awards evening?

Due to the nature of the special venues which play host to SGGBA each year, spacing for seating is limited so we are only able to reserve tables for the headline sponsor.