In 2023 Gloucestershire’s exceptional cultural venues, restaurants, pubs, independent schools, sporting venues, independent shops, events and more are invited to put themselves forward for a coveted SGGLA, before SoGlos readers cast their votes to determine a list of finalists and a panel of experienced judges then decide upon the winners and highly commended businesses in each category.
The SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards culminate in a fabulous celebration evening at a unique venue, when finalists, sponsors and special guests come together for the exciting live reveal of the results – crowning the best of the best of Gloucestershire's lifestyle sector.
Welcome to SGGLA 2023...
SGGLA 2023 key dates
Monday 23 January 2023: Nominations open
Friday 31 March 2023: Nominations close (10am)
Monday 3 to Thursday 6 April 2023: Shortlisting phase
Tuesday 11 April 2023: Shortlisted businesses revealed, voting opens to members of the public
Friday 26 May 2023: Voting closes (10am)
Tuesday 30 May 2023: Finalists revealed and invited to awards evening
Thursday 29 June 2023: Awards evening at Dunkertons Organic Cider
SGGLA 2023 headline co-sponsors
Made in Gloucestershire
Made in Gloucestershire from influential business group GFirst LEP champions the county’s food and drink producers, connecting them with locals, tourists and hospitality businesses to facilitate procurement. The initiative is fully funded until August 2024, so members can sign up and enjoy the benefits free for the first two years.
madeingloucestershire.com
Visit Gloucestershire
Visit Gloucestershire is the county’s Strategic Management Organisation (SMO) established in 2020 to forge a comprehensive vision for the development of the visitor economy and leisure and tourism business sector in Gloucestershire. It comprises eight divisions and represents stakeholders including consumers, trade, attractions, accommodation providers, tour guides, retailers, restaurateurs, venues and more.
visit-gloucestershire.uk
SGGLA 2023 categories & sponsors
Open to nominations from visitor attractions, gardens and museums.
2023 Finalists
Berkeley Castle
Cotswold Sculpture Park
Everyman Theatre
Gloucester Cathedral
Painswick Rococo Garden
Sudeley Castle & Gardens
The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum - The Cheltenham Trust
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
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
Open to nominations from day out destinations, wildlife centres and children’s activity centres.
2023 Finalists
Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park
Gloucester Cathedral
Go Ape Forest of Dean
Sudeley Castle & Gardens
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre
ABOUT THE SPONSOR: Nimble
Nimble’s intuitive elearning creation tool and learning management system have already helped hundreds of organisations, including some well-loved family attractions, build beautiful online courses with ease – and keep track of staff progress at the click of a button. The elearning specialist also offer a range of customisable ready-made courses on a range of subjects from health and safety to data protection. Nimble prides itself on building great relationships with customers, supporting them every step of the way.
nimble-elearning.com
Open to nominations from prep, senior and sixth-form independent schools.
2023 Finalists
Berkhampstead School
Rendcomb College
The King's School
Westonbirt School
Wycliffe College
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
Open to nominations from music, theatre and comedy venues.
2023 Finalists
Everyman Theatre
Gloucester Guildhall
The Frog and Fiddle
The Roses Theatre
The Sub Rooms
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
Open to nominations from businesses across all types of sports.
2023 Finalists
Cheltenham Racecourse
Cheltenham Town FC
Forest of Dean Cycle Centre - Forestry England
Hartpury University and Hartpury College
Ian Coley Sporting
ABOUT THE SPONSOR: Pro Global
Founded as a run-off services provider in 1993, Pro Global has grown to become a world-leading insurance specialist, with unrivalled expertise in a range of specialised policy areas and a global presence, as well as an office in Gloucester.
Its team of experts can deliver multi-territory insurance solutions for diverse businesses of all sizes with a proactive and professional approach; advising, consulting, improving, outsourcing and auditing insurance operations to build effective solutions for its clients.
pro-global.com/join-our-team
Open to nominations from restaurants of all cuisines and styles, from informal to fine dining.
2023 Finalists
Bombay & Co
Coal Kitchen
KIBOU Japanese Kitchen & Bar
Prithvi
Pyesta
The Beefy Boys
The Ivy Cheltenham
The Long Table Stroud CIC
ABOUT THE SPONSOR: Prosperity Care and Wellbeing
Prosperity Care and Wellbeing is a Domiciliary Care and Supported Living provider with over 20 years of professional experience. They are focussed on improving the health and wellbeing of people in Gloucestershire by providing holistic therapies, wellbeing events and activities to promote positive physical and mental health. The company is dedicated to supporting people from all walks of life, to reach their true potential.
prosperitycare.co.uk
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.
2023 Finalists
Gloucester Brewery
Hetty's Kitchen
Sisu Pancakes
The Artisan Baker
Wholly Gelato
Woodchester Valley Vineyard
ABOUT THE SPONSOR: Hazlewoods
Hazlewoods is a UK Top 30 accountants and business advisers, with an established sector expertise that is hard to find elsewhere. We pride ourselves on a highly personal service, strong values and new ideas. Our expert Food and Drink team provides specialist accountancy, tax, audit and business advice to food and drink businesses of all shapes and sizes across Gloucestershire, nationally and internationally.
hazlewoods.co.uk
Open to nominations from countryside inns to town centre pubs and bars.
2023 Finalists
Flight Club Darts
Gin & Juice Cheltenham
Gloucester Brewery
Planet Caravan
Stroud Brewery
The Bottle of Sauce
The Old Fox at Coaley
The Plough Prestbury
ABOUT THE SPONSOR: The Growth Hub
The Growth Hub is a Gloucestershire-wide network where businesses can get free support. From solo entrepreneurs to start-ups to multi-million-pound firms, The Growth Hub offers direct consultancy and advice at its local centres, as well as a programme of online events and workshops delivered by experts, to help businesses grow and thrive.
thegrowthhub.biz
Open to nominations from cafés and coffee shops.
2023 Finalists
Botanica
Hetty's Kitchen
Sisu Pancakes
The Artisan Baker
The Canteen
The Curious Cafe & Bistro
ABOUT THE SPONSOR: ActionCOACH Cheltenham
ActionCOACH Cheltenham is a market leader in business coaching, supporting organisations across Gloucestershire with proven growth strategies. For SMEs to multi-million-pound organisations, it has a range of award-winning coaching programmes, events, workshops and expert advice to help business leaders in Gloucestershire to achieve their business and lifestyle goals.
cheltenham.actioncoach.co.uk
Open to nominations from restaurant and pub chefs.
2023 Finalists
Alisha Phillpotts - The Nook on Five
Anuj Thakur - Tewkesbury Park Hotel
Damien Wager - Edible Art Patisserie
Liam Doherty - The Suffolk Arms
Rajesh Arumugam - Prithvi
Sam Price - Sam's Montpellier
ABOUT THE SPONSOR: The Royal Agricultural University
The Royal Agricultural University is at the forefront of agricultural education with a winning combination of knowledge, industry connections and innovative, forward-thinking.
Its focus on entrepreneurship, local investment and business support for students has created an award-winning wine firm as well as international agri-tech solutions to climate change and food security.
rau.ac.uk
Open to nominations from small to large hotels.
2023 Finalists
De Vere Cotswold Water Park
Ellenborough Park
The Greenway Hotel & Spa
The Queens Hotel
The Speech House Hotel
Wild Thyme & Honey
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
Open to nominations from shopping centres, leisure destinations and town collectives.
2023 Finalists
Gloucester Quays
Regent Arcade
Stroud Farmers' Market
The Brewery Quarter
The Fairview Gardener
ABOUT THE SPONSOR: 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 onsite café bar and a roof terrace with impressive views over the Regency town and surrounding Cotswold countryside.
work-clockwise.com
Open to nominations from physical and online retail businesses across all sectors, including food, drink, homewares, fashion, children, gifts and art.
2023 Finalists
&SONS Trading Company
Be More Bob
FoodLoose
Hedgy Socks
Jackeroo Boutique
Made in Stroud
The Aroid Attic
The Cotswold Veg Box Co
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
Open to nominations from vets, pet retailers, pet care businesses, pet sitters, dog walkers, dog trainers and kennels.
2023 Finalists
Barking Buds
Be More Bob
Cheltenham Canines
Gloucestershire Animal Welfare Association & Cheltenham Animal Shelter
Shaggy Chic Dog Grooming
ABOUT THE SPONSOR: Cotswold RAW
Cotswold RAW is an independent, family-run business that produces nutritionally-complete raw food dinners for dogs, delivered straight to your door. Its BARF-approved formula features raw meat, bones, herbs and seasonal vegetables to replicate a dog’s natural diet, and it also offers natural treats and herbal supplements to keep dogs happy and healthy – as well as raw food for cats.
cotswoldraw.com
Open to nominations from kitchen & bathroom companies, garden centres, home renovation companies, estate agents, homewares and interiors businesses, as well as windows, doors and conservatory companies.
2023 Finalists
Cotswold Cottage Gems
Floella Interiors
Hot Tubs Rock
L'una Design
Little Interior Co.
Obsidian Interiors
ABOUT THE SPONSOR: Severnside Security
Severnside Security provides fire and security solutions demonstrating expertise in design, implementation and support of integrated systems and intuitive technologies. The company is well known across Gloucestershire and beyond for its approach to delivering sophisticated projects, working with large commercial clients and ultra-high net worth individuals – with teams located throughout the South West, Midlands and London.
severnsidesecurityltd.co.uk
Open to nominations from longstanding annual events and festivals, as well as new events.
2023 Finalists
Cheltenham Literature Festival - Cheltenham Festivals
Cheltenham Paint Festival
Forest Live at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
Gloucesters Quays Food Festival
Frampton Country Fair
Stroud Book Festival CIC
ABOUT THE SPONSOR: Smart Home Sounds
Smart Home Sounds is an online retailer for popular audio visual brands and one of the leading Sonos retailers in the UK. Dedicated to delivering a unique shopping experience both online and in-store in their Gloucester showroom, they offer expert advice and helpful content to help consumers find the perfect products for their home - from wireless speakers and televisions to ceiling speakers, gaming and more.
smarthomesounds.co.uk
Open to nominations from any charity based in the county which has a significant focus on supporting Gloucestershire in some way.
2023 Finalists
Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity
Gloucestershire Animal Welfare Association and Cheltenham Animal Shelter
Gloucestershire Young Carers
Maggie's Cheltenham
Pied Piper
Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice
ABOUT THE SPONSOR: Active Gloucestershire
Part of a national network of Active Partnerships operating across England, Active Gloucestershire aims to drive positive change. Inspiring people to increase physical activity, Active Gloucestershire helps connect individuals and organisations to build strong collaborative partnerships with a range of resources, training and support including the We Can Move social movement.
activegloucestershire.org
This individual award will be given to a person from Gloucestershire’s lifestyle sector who has made an outstanding contribution to their organisation, team or community over the past two years. Nominations for 'Outstanding Contribution Award' are welcomed from business representatives or members of the public. The winner of this special award will be chosen by the category sponsor.
2023 Finalists
Andy Davies - Cheltenham Paint Festival
Bob Griffin - Tomcat SNI Ltd
Chun Kong - Maggie's Cheltenham
Julie Kent - Pied Piper
Tweedy - Giffords Circus
ABOUT THE SPONSOR: Cheltenham College
Part of both the local landscape and community, Cheltenham College educates boys and girls from three to 18. Not only one of the country’s oldest Victorian boarding schools, it is also the UK’s Independent Boarding School of the Year 2022/2023. With every boarding house committed to supporting a local charity, Cheltenham College also shares its facilities and resources with local schools as part of partnership initiatives established by its head, Nicola Huggett.
cheltenhamcollege.org
The winner of this special award will be chosen by the headline sponsor, from the list of winners across all categories.
See above in Headline co-sponsors section to find out more about the SGGLA 2023 headline co-sponsors, Made in Gloucestershire and Visit Gloucestershire
madeingloucestershire.com
visit-gloucestershire.uk
SGGLA 2023 partners
We are delighted to be working with a dream team of amazing partners to make the SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle 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 sixth annual SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards. Steve, who has been a face of BBC Points West for more than 15 years, joined the SGGLA team in 2021, and will have the honour of unveiling the latest winners on Thursday 29 June 2022 at the official venue, Dunkertons Organic Cider.
Dunkertons Organic Cider
Dunkertons is an organic cider and perry producer with a state-of-the art cidery and tap room on the outskirts of Cheltenham, which hosts regular events, live music and exclusive street food vendors, alongside cidery tours and masterclasses.
Originally founded in Herefordshire in 1980, Dunkertons has been producing organic cider and perry for over 40 years – pressing, fermenting and bottling its award-winning ciders at its home in Charlton Kings, complete with on-site shop and deli.
dunkertonscider.co.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
Bella Mia
Bella Mia serves hand-stretched, wood-fired sourdough pizzas using only authentic Italian ingredients. Its selection of delicious toppings includes a classic Margherita with fior di latte, San Marzano tomatoes and fresh basil; field mushrooms, garlic oil, fior di latte and San Marzano tomatoes; and salami with Italian sliced pepperoni, fior di latte, chilli oil and San Marzano tomatoes — with vegan options available, too.
bellamiapizza.co.uk
The Woozy Pig
The Woozy Pig is a household name in and around Cheltenham and has taken its street food to festivals and events up and down the county. Its menu includes epic smashed burgers made using aged meat from ex-dairy cows, loaded hot dogs and smoked pulled meats, to dirty fries, tater tots and even brunch. It is proud to use produce sourced from local, independent butchers, bakers and suppliers in and around the Cotswolds.
woozypig.co.uk
SGGLA 2022 highlights
The fifth instalment of the annual SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards was arguably the best yet, with finalists, sponsors and special guests coming together to enjoy the electric atmosphere as winners were revealed, all again chosen by SoGlos readers, in the unique setting of DEYA Brewing Company in Cheltenham.
SGGLA 2022 awards night photos
SGGLA 2021 highlights
The SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards returned to its real life form with a bang in 2021, as finalists, sponsors and special guests gathered at the breath taking Cheltenham Ladies' College to find out who would be crowned SoGlos readers’ favourites. Following a very challenging 20 months for the lifestyle sector, SGGLA 2021 was all the more important as an opportunity to reflect on the hard work, determination and adaptability it took to survive the pandemic. It was also a chance to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the outstanding individuals, teams and organisations who made it through to the final stage of the awards – and to raise a glass to us all continuing to make Gloucestershire a wonderful place to live, work and visit.
SGGLA 2021 awards night photos
SGGLA 2020 highlights
While the coronavirus pandemic meant many awards across the UK were cancelled in 2020, the third annual SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards forged ahead with an innovative virtual awards ceremony in October 2020, held via Facebook Live. The anticipated online event was the culmination of nomination and voting phases held earlier in the year, and saw more than 2,400 people tune in to see which businesses has scooped a coveted award.
Thanks once again to our sponsors, finalists and to SoGlos readers for helping making SGGLA 2020 such a storming virtual success, in a year when is was more important than ever to support Gloucestershire’s amazing lifestyle sector.
SGGLA 2019 highlights
SGGLA went from strength to strength in 2019, cementing its position as Gloucestershire’s definitive lifestyle awards. Hugely popular nomination and voting phases were followed by the anticipated awards evening at the world-famous Gloucester Cathedral – this time attended by 400 Gloucestershire business representatives, sponsors, partners and special guests. SGGLA has taken the Gloucestershire businesses community and social media by storm.
SGGLA 2019 Facebook Photo Gallery
SGGLA 2018 highlights
SoGlos’s new awards and flagship event launched with a bang in 2018, with exciting nomination and public voting phases followed by a thrilling awards evening at Blackfriars Priory in Gloucester – attended by 300 Gloucestershire business representatives, sponsors, partners and special guests. The SGGLA reputation for a new kind of awards quickly spread across the county.
SGGLA frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to enter?
Sensational businesses and organisations 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.
How do I nominate my business?
See the top of this page for link to enter, which will be live throughout the nomination period. 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.
What about the Outstanding Contribution Award?
Nominations for this special new individual award can be made by anyone, and there is a specific field on the entry form to provide details about why you think the individual should be considered. This category will not go to public vote, as the winner will be chosen by the category sponsor.
What is the entry, voting and judging process in 2023?
Businesses will be invited to nominate themselves for this year’s awards via a form at the top of this page, live throughout the nomination phase.
A shortlist from all entries received will be published on Tuesday 11 April 2023 and will be put to the vote by SoGlos readers to decide a upon the finalists.
New for 2023, in order to continue the evolution of SGGLA as Gloucestershire’s leading lifestyle awards and provide fair opportunity for businesses of all shapes and sizes to gain recognition, winners and highly commended entries will be selected by an esteemed panel of judges who will be looking closely at nominees’ full applications – as well as their websites and social media. Please note, SoGlos partners will not be given preferential treatment.
Who will decide the shortlist before it goes to public vote, and what’s the criteria?
The SoGlos team will decide on the shortlist from all entries received. 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, with another tight shortlist expected for SGGLA 2023. 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.
Can I enter more than one category?
Yes, please feel free to enter any category which fits your business - just remember to include relevant supporting information.
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, 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. 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 represent the best of the best in each specific category.
I’m just on the Gloucestershire border, can I still enter?
Yes!
What’s the format of the SGGLA awards evening?
Expect a relaxed party atmosphere complete with a chance to meet other businesses and network, supper and a welcome drink on arrival, before the live reveal kicks off at 8pm.
How do I get tickets for the SGGLA awards evening?
The headline sponsor will receive 10 tickets, category sponsors five tickets, and finalists will each receive two tickets.
Can I get extra tickets for the SGGLA awards evening?
To make SGGLA 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 addition tickets. We do, however, run a waiting list each year.
Can I reserve a table at the SGGLA awards evening?
Spacing for seating is limited, so we are only able to reserve tables for the headline sponsor.
