First launched in 2021 as a fresh take on recognising the county’s best businesses, teams and individuals, the Gloucestershire Business Awards has quickly established itself as a leading celebration of its kind in the region – going from strength to strength each year.
A continued focus on credibility sits at its core, with a carefully designed entry, shortlisting and judging process that has evolved over time to reflect the ambition and diversity of Gloucestershire’s business community.
Since its launch, around 100 businesses have been crowned winners, with the annual celebrations hosted at a range of standout venues including Gloucestershire Airport, University of Gloucestershire, a working fire station, Hartpury and Cheltenham Town Hall – where the awards return for a second consecutive year in 2026.
The success of the awards has been made possible through the ongoing support of its partners – and as planning gets underway for 2026, a strong mix of returning and new partners are confirmed to support this year’s event.
Headline partners Hazelwood and Willans LLP solicitors return in 2026
SoGlos is thrilled to welcome back the professional services powerhouses: business advisors and chartered accountants Hazlewoods and commercial and private law firm Willans LLP solicitors, which have both confirmed their headline co-partnership for a fifth-year running. Both firms also supported the very first year of the awards as category partners before elevating their support - bringing their partnerships to six hugely successful years.Rhiannon Hooper, partner at Hazlewoods, said: 'At Hazlewoods, we work closely with successful businesses of all sizes across Gloucestershire every day, so we see first-hand the innovation, resilience and growth that defines our county’s economy. The Gloucestershire Business Awards provide a credible platform to recognise that success and celebrate the people behind it. We’re proud to continue our long-standing support as headline co-partner and to play a role in championing the region’s thriving business community.'
Chris Wills, partner at Willans LLP solicitors, said: As a firm deeply rooted in Gloucestershire, we’re passionate about supporting the businesses and individuals that drive the county forward. The Gloucestershire Business Awards shine a spotlight on excellence across a wide range of sectors, from emerging enterprises to established leaders. We’re delighted to continue as headline co-partner and to help recognise the achievements, integrity and entrepreneurial spirit that make this region such a dynamic place to do business.'
Returning and new category partners confirmed for 2026
Joining the prestigious returning headline partners, leadership and management skills training company Quolux has also confirmed its partnership of the Family Business of the Year category for the sixth-year running.
Elearning firm Nimble Elearning is partnering with the 'Charity of the Year' category for the fifth year running, while specialist recruitment and consultancy services group Seymour John is partnering with the popular 'Employee of the Year category for the third year running.
It's the fifth year of partnering with the awards for business support organisation The Growth Hub, one of the co-headline partners in the awards' very first year, and partner of the 'Growth Business of the Year' again for 2026.
While the University of Gloucestershire is returning for its fourth year of Gloucestershire Business Awards support, this year partnering with the 'Businesswoman of the Year' category, and creative production house StillMoving is back for a second year, this time in partnership with the 'Large Business of the Year' category.
Meanwhile, all-new partners for 2026 already include custom IT solutions business System Force IT; wealth management firm JM Finn; and audio visual and event network provider DBpixelhouse.
Organisations interested in partnering with the Gloucestershire Business Awards 2026 can find out more by emailing partnerships@sopublishing.com or visit soglos.com/business-awards.
