One of this year's key partners of the SoGlos Top 100 Businesses in Gloucestershire 2025, leading tax and accountancy firm, Bishop Fleming, has in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of many of Gloucestershire's most successful companies, with lots of county-based businesses on its books for tax, audit and accountancy services.
SoGlos chats to Phil Redgate, director of the Cheltenham office, as he shares his insights on what makes Gloucestershire stand out as a county and which sectors he's seen the biggest growth in.
Bishop Fleming was one of the key sponsors of the Top 100 this year. What did it mean to you to be involved?
Being involved as a sponsor of the Top 100 Businesses in Gloucestershire 2025 was a real privilege for Bishop Fleming.
Celebrating the strength, innovation and resilience of local
businesses aligns perfectly with our values. We’re passionate about supporting
ambitious organisations to thrive; and this gave us the chance to recognise the
incredible achievements across the county.
Did the results of this year’s list surprise you and has being involved offered any new opportunities?
What really stood out from
the list was the breadth of sectors represented, with blue-chip global
businesses headquartered in the county, alongside long-standing
multi-generational family businesses that continue to thrive.
Being involved has given us opportunities to connect with like-minded organisations, strengthen relationships with clients and start conversations with businesses we might not otherwise have met.
It is this connection that continues to help
Gloucestershire businesses challenge each other to innovate and remain
competitive in the national and global marketplace.
You’ve been in Gloucestershire for three years now. What makes the county stand out as the ideal base for businesses, be it a new start-up or an established company?
Gloucestershire stands out because it combines a strong entrepreneurial spirit with a supportive business ecosystem.
The county has excellent transport links, access to a skilled workforce and a diverse economy ranging from advanced engineering and tech, through to food and drink producers, creative industries and professional services.
That mix makes it an ideal base for both ambitious start-ups and established businesses looking to grow.
We are proud to form part of the
professional services ecosystem serving such a dynamic economy.
Which particular sectors do you see thriving in Gloucestershire and how is your firm positioned to support them?
Gloucestershire has such a diverse economy. Cyber and digital continue to stand out thanks to the county’s national reputation in security and innovation, while food and drink and agriculture continue to be cornerstones. We also see strong growth in professional services and the creative industries.
Bishop Fleming is proud to work across all these areas, offering tailored support to businesses throughout the business lifecycle.
In the start-up phase, we provide advice on strategy and structuring; management information and cloud accounting; and compliance and fundraising.
As the business begins to expand, we are able to provide the following services to support growth: employer solutions, fundraising, research and development, tax incentives, international expansion and mergers and acquisitions.
Then, as the business matures, our audit, tax structuring and exit
planning services come to the fore, until it’s time to exit, when our teams will then guide businesses through a successful transition, considering inheritance tax;
trusts, estates and probate; and family investment companies.
How do you think the development of Cyber Central and the Golden Valley project is shaping the future business landscape in Cheltenham and beyond?
What makes Cyber Central and the Golden Valley project so exciting is that it’s more than just a hub for cyber – it’s about creating a connected community where start-ups, scale-ups and global players can work side by side.
It will attract top talent, drive innovation and bring significant benefits to the local economy, with opportunities rippling out far beyond Cheltenham.
