The Forest of Dean's 'most forward-thinking and enterprising businesses' were celebrated at the first ever Forest Innovation Awards this month.
Hartpury University and Hartpury College and two of the area's lesser known firms were the winners in the inaugural awards, organised by the Forest Economic Partnership and judged by some of Gloucestershire's leading business figures.
New for 2025, the awards aimed to highlight the 'remarkable quality of local enterprise' from businesses of all sizes in the district, culminating in a ceremony at Lydney Town Hall this June.
The panel of judges featured well-known local business leaders including COO of KW Bell Group and FEP chair Nicola Bird; head of the Growth & Enterprise team at Gloucestershire County Council, Dev Chakraborty; and John Thurston, chair of Forest firm Watts of Lydney Group and the awards' headline sponsor.
Businesses were invited to enter in two categories, one for businesses with less than 99 employees; and another for those with 100 or more, with £1,000 prizes given to the winners.
There was a 'thrilling outcome' in the first category, with the judges awarding two joint winners after both companies received identical scores.
Longhope-based Innocrete3D, which specialises in innovative 3D concrete printing; and Grazing Management, a leader in sustainable land solutions across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Monmouthshire and beyond, were jointly awarded the top prize.
Due to the 'exceptional standard' of entries in the category, the judges also recognised two highly commended businesses: St Briavels-based Wye Valley Flowers, for their sustainable approach to floristry and food producer Cinderhill Farm, also in St Briavels, for their 'commitment to quality, traditional produce with an innovative twist'.
The over 100 employees category was won by Hartpury University and Hartpury College, recognising 'significant contributions to innovation within the education and land-based sectors'.
Nicola Bird commented: 'We were really impressed by the innovations showcased in the across the entries we received. It’s testament to the dynamic and forward-thinking business community we have here in the Forest of Dean.
'From Hartpury's innovative leadership in the large business category to our joint winners, Innocrete3D and Grazing Management, we've seen fantastic examples of how different sectors can drive progress, and we are thrilled to celebrate their success.'
