May 2025 saw new voices enter conversations affecting local business following Gloucestershire's local elections, while some of the county's leading firms also announced a change of leadership with a view to driving growth.
Featuring a Gloucester-based global events company, the charity that manages Cheltenham's most iconic buildings and an ever-growing independent law firm, SoGlos rounds up the most noteworthy appointments from the past month.
WSP Solicitors strengthens with two new lawyers
Two new lawyers have been appointed by Gloucestershire law firm WSP Solicitors this spring 2025, as demand for its services 'continues to grow'.
Nafeesa Hussain and Destiny Keville join the firm's corporate and family law departments respectively, continuing to build its offering for clients across the county.
Managing director Judi Bonham said the appointments reflect WSP's 'continued commitment to strengthening our service offerings across key practice areas.'
New CEO for children's charity Allsorts Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire charity Allsorts has appointed Clare Cannock as its new CEO this May 2025.
The award-winning charity supports children and young people with disabilities, providing inclusive activities and welcoming spaces where they can thrive, as well as vital resources to build confidence and resilience.
Clare brings with her a wealth of experience in the youth charity sector, having held senior roles in national grant-making organisations, as well as a genuine passion for inclusion.
The Cheltenham Trust appoints new CEO to take it in 'a new direction'
The Cheltenham Trust has appointed its new CEO, with Jessica Brewster joining from The Roses Theatre in Tewkebury to create 'a new direction' for the organisation.
Jess has an exemplary track record, bringing a wealth of experience in leadership and organisational, programmatic and operational strategy, having helped The Roses rebuild its business model, expand its income streams and launch new departments during her six-year tenure.
The trust, which works in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council to manage four of Cheltenham's most iconic venues, says its teams 'will work collaboratively to continue to build a thriving and inclusive Cheltenham where culture, heritage, sport and leisure drive social value and wellbeing' under Jess's leadership.
New managing director and deputy take the reins at WSP Solicitors
Following the announcement of its two new lawyers, WSP Solicitors also revealed the appointment of Camella Cephas as its new managing director with head of commercial property, Amy Leivers, stepping up to support her as deputy managing director.
Starting her new position from July 2025, Camella takes over the reins from Judi Bonham, who has been in the role since 2015 and at the firm since 1998.
Judi will remain with WSP Solicitors as a board director and children law solicitor, focusing on learning and development, as well as serving her clients.
Gloucestershire County Council elects its first ever female leader
History was made in Gloucestershire this May 2025, with the first ever female councillor elected leader of Gloucestershire County Council.
Lisa Spivey, who has served as a county councillor since 2021 and on Cotswold District Council since 2019, becomes the first female to lead the authority in its 136-year history.
Following her election, she commented: 'I bring a hands-on, energetic leadership style and I am committed to making a real difference for the residents of Gloucestershire. '
New mayor and sheriff of Gloucester appointed by city council
Gloucester City Council has unveiled a new mayor and sheriff, with Liberal Democrat councillor Ashley Bowkett becoming the 545th mayor of Gloucester and councillor Linda Castle taking up the role of sheriff and deputy mayor.
Representing the council and city of Gloucester at civic, community and ceremonial events, the mayor is considered the first citizen of the city and also acts as chair of the council.
Mayor Ashley Bowkett – an AI prompt engineer who previously worked in TV production – has lived in Gloucester since 2011 and was first elected to the city council in 2019; while Sheriff Linda Castle, who previously worked at Nuclear Electric and within the NHS before retiring, was first elected in 2021.
Freemans Event Partners strengthens senior team with 'top talent'
Global events company Freemans Event Partners continues its expansion in 2025, appointing two new senior team members to drive its commercial and revenue growth strategies.
The business, which provides food and beverage solutions for world-renowned events including Formula One and the FA Cup, has appointed Dom Hobbs as business development director and Dan Moody as head of revenue growth, this May 2025.
Dom brings more than a decade of commercial experience in the major events sector — including at Tottenham Hotspur Football Club — to his new role driving new business opportunities at Freemans; while Dan, who joins the business from Jaguar Land Rover, is tasked to lead group-wide efforts to 'drive and protect' revenue in his new role.
