Every year, the very best of Gloucestershire’s fledgling start-ups through to the top 100 businesses in the county put themselves forward for a prestigious Gloucestershire Business Award, before our experienced panel of judges — made up of 20 plus representatives from headline and category partners — review and score entries to decide on the shortlist across the categories. A later judges’ panel meeting then sees an even tighter list of finalists decided upon and invited to the anticipated awards evening.
The Gloucestershire Business Awards culminate with a relaxed celebration evening at a different unique venue each year, when finalists, partners and special guests come together for the exciting live reveal of winners — crowning the best of the best Gloucestershire businesses, teams and individuals.
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2025 // Key stages
Entry
Entries open: Monday 2 June 2025
Entries close: Sunday 29 June 2025
Gloucestershire businesses can enter up to three award categories via a link published on this page.
Shortlisting
Monday 30 June to Friday 25 July 2025
Entries are assessed for quality and suitability by the SoGlos awards team.
Shortlist revealed: Monday 28 July 2025
Judging
Judges receive shortlist: Monday 28 July 2025
Judges are invited to the digital awards system to view shortlisted entries from all categories in full, initiating the scoring process.
Meet the Judges event: Tuesday 9 September 2025 – Kingsholm Stadium
Shortlisted businesses and award judges come together for a special networking event, further assisting the scoring process.
Judges further consideration: Monday 28 July to Thursday 25 September 2025
Judges have the opportunity to further research and review the shortlist.
Judges submit scores: Friday 26 September 2025
Deadline for judges to submit individual scores for all categories.
Judges Panel Meeting: Wednesday 8 October 2025 – Hatherley Manor
Judges come together to find out the combined results of scoring.
Finalists, highly commended entrants and overall winners in each category are confirmed.
Finalists revealed
Monday 13 October 2025
Finalists announced on SoGlos.
Awards night
Thursday 6 November 2025 – Cheltenham Town Hall
Finalists, judges, partners and special guests come together for the exciting live reveal of winners at this annual highlight of Gloucestershire's business calendar.
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2025 // Headline co-partners
Hazlewoods
Hazlewoods accountants and business advisers is one of the largest professional services firms in the south west, providing a highly personal service and established sector expertise. It has over 550 staff across Cheltenham, Staverton, Bristol and Cardiff, serving clients locally, nationally and internationally. Its experts provide specialist accountancy, tax, audit and business advice to individuals and businesses.
hazlewoods.co.uk
Willans LLP solicitors
Proud of its strong Gloucestershire roots, Willans has been trusted by clients locally, nationally and overseas for more than 75 years. Its Legal 500 and Chambers UK-rated team provides practical legal advice that’s easy to understand, whatever the need — and the company keeps the local community at the core of everything it does.
willans.co.uk
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2025 // Categories & partners
Recognising new businesses established since April 2022 which have set out to exploit a market opportunity, pioneer a new product or service, or simply turn a passion into a viable business. The winning business will already be seeing evidence of the financial success of its hard work.
2025 Shortlist
AI Recruit
Aubergine Physio
Ellis James Partners
Feel Complete
IMT Resourcing Solutions
Mullaney Group
SecondLife
2025 CATEGORY PARTNER
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 on-site cafe bar and a roof terrace with impressive views over the Regency town and surrounding Cotswold countryside.
work-clockwise.com
Recognising bold businesses which have successfully researched, planned and implemented an innovative process, product or service to disrupt their sector. The innovation will have been delivered since September 2023.
2025 Shortlist
Astor Bannerman
Dutypoint
Emerge Digital
Gloucester Food Dock
Hewer Facilities Management
Nephos Group
P3M Works
REPUBLIQE
SK Heating and Cooling
SLG Brands
TBS Engineering
Wild Hydrogen
2025 CATEGORY PARTNER
Hartpury
Offering A-levels, T-levels, diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses, Hartpury University and Hartpury College has a specialist 360-hectare campus in Gloucestershire, designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to move into a dream career. It is among the UK's leading specialist education providers in animal, agriculture, sports, business, equine and veterinary nursing.
hartpury.ac.uk
Recognising businesses which have achieved and maintained strong and consistent growth in turnover, profit, market share and/or employment opportunities in the past three years – while also ensuring sustainable financial performance.
2025 Shortlist
Astor Bannerman
CSA Cyber
Dutypoint
Markey Group
Premiere Kitchens
Revive! Gloucester
Salus Digital Security
2025 CATEGORY PARTNER
The Growth Hub
The Growth Hub supports businesses of all shapes and sizes across Gloucestershire to realise their potential and maximise growth. Offering fully funded independent business advice, training events and endless online resources, it has a unique network of hubs in Cheltenham, Cirencester, the Forest of Dean, Stroud and Tewkesbury.
thegrowthhub.biz
2024 RESULTS
Recognising outstanding multi-generation family businesses which are family-owned and family-run, where core values and legacy are aligned with vision and leadership to ensuring continued business growth and financial success.
2025 Shortlist
Badham Pharmacy
C&G Cladding
Iron & Earth Equipment
Laithwaites
Markey Group
Puredrive Energy
Spot-On-Supplies
The Cotswold Cardillo
2025 CATEGORY PARTNER
QuoLux
QuoLux™ is a family-run, certified B Corp that supports business leaders at all levels to develop their leadership and management skills through in-person programs and online training courses. It provides business owners, directors and managers with the tools to hone their skills, building their confidence as leaders and inspiring self-belief.
quolux.com
Recognising businesses which can demonstrate a commitment to proactively improving sustainability. This could be through a specific project or investment to improve current green working practices, or through the launch of a sustainable product, service or initiative.
2025 Shortlist
Austin Design Works
Barnwood
Cheltenham Lido
Colour Connection
DBpixelhouse
Hatherley Manor Hotel and Spa
Kalex Films
Lease Electric
SecondLife
Wild Hydrogen
Wildwood Ecology
2025 CATEGORY PARTNER
StillMoving
StillMoving brings ideas to life through film, photography and digital formats and cares deeply about telling stories that connect. It is a Cheltenham founded and based creative production house that is powered by brilliant storytellers across still and moving content. Discover how StillMoving can bring your story to life.
stillmovingmedia.com
New category for 2025. Recognising resilient businesses based in a rural area which continue to adapt and thrive as part of the county's important rural economy – including but not limited to farms, food and drink producers, tourism businesses and manufacturers.
2025 Shortlist
Cirencester Park
Iron & Earth Equipment
NFU Mutual Gloucester
The Great Plate CIC
2025 CATEGORY PARTNER
Gloucestershire County Council
Gloucestershire County Council implements strategic decisions and provides local government services across the region to benefit the community. With Gloucestershire’s proud farming tradition, the council is committed to supporting rural businesses across the county, encouraging consumers to buy local, strengthening the local economy and ensuring the future success of rural businesses.
gloucestershire.gov.uk
Recognising businesses which recognise the importance of the workplace environment to fuel passion, foster positivity and ensure the wellbeing of their teams – all contributing to strong staff retention and excellent customer service.
2025 Shortlist
Fat Potato
First Thought Care Services
Holiday Architects
Orso Publishing
PoloWorks
Pro Global
Wildwood Ecology
Workplace Interiors Co
WSP Solicitors
2025 CATEGORY PARTNER
NUYU Dental & Aesthetics
Redefining the dental experience, from AI-enhanced diagnostics and digitally guided treatments to concierge-led patient care, NUYU brings together precision, innovation and comfort in a beautifully designed space. Offering Invisalign, implants, cosmetic and everyday dentistry, the clinic is founded on vision, technology and trust, reflecting the spirit of forward-thinking businesses driving progress across the region.
nuyu-dental.co.uk
Recognising businesses for which ‘putting the customer first’ is at the heart of everything they do, demonstrated through measuring and improving customer satisfaction and empowering staff to exceed exceptional standards of service.
2025 Shortlist
Ceiling Tiles UK
Cheltenham IFA
Decibel Fire & Security
Emerge Digital
Fasthosts Internet
Holiday Architects
IMT Resourcing Solutions
Laithwaites
NFU Mutual Gloucester
Puredrive Energy
Take Wellness
WSP Solicitors
2025 CATEGORY PARTNER
The Modern Firm
The Modern Firm is a first-of-its-kind consultancy, created to provide tech-driven and efficiency focused solutions to small and medium-sized accountancy firms — helping them maximise efficiency and minimise costs by optimising their accounting operations, streamlining back-office workflows, embracing automation, working collaboratively and creating new opportunities for growth.
modernfirm.co.uk
New category for 2025. Recognising established business leaders who have inspired their teams and led by example to drive continued success, exercising sound decision-making and a good measure of grit and determination.
2025 Shortlist
Barry Oakhill – Iron & Earth Equipment
Brusk Korkmaz – Hercules PLC
Jack Marley – P3M Works
Jez Walton – System Force IT
Lucy Simpson-Daniel and Sarah Dorey – SLG Brands
Mark Goucher – Everyman Theatre
Rebekah England – Bolthole Retreats
Richard Markey – Lease Electric
2025 CATEGORY PARTNER
Optimising IT
Optimising IT is a B Corp certified managed IT service provider with offices in Gloucester, Bristol and Exeter, delivering bespoke solutions to support SMEs, including cyber security, cloud services and IT consultancy. It recently partnered with global AI expert DATA³ to help customers access data-driven tools for driving strategic growth.
optimisingit.co.uk
New category for 2025. Recognising inspiring businesswomen who have broken boundaries and achieved significant career success in any industry – demonstrating qualities of vision, drive and leadership.
2025 Shortlist
Alice Violet – Alice Violet Creative
Amy Hough – COBA
Anna Lewis – Kids Stuff
Chani Martin – M&M Printing and Promotions
Clara Cardillo – The Cotswold Cardillo
Jan Lawry – J Lawry Healthcare Management
Julie Chadwick – Nephos Group
Karina Thomas – ProSkin Clinic & Health UK
Maisie McBagley – The Great Plate CIC
Melissa Potente – MJP Homes
Stephanie Smith-Rowles – Pea Green Physio and Aubergine Physio
Tanya Buxton – Paradise Tattoo Studio
2025 CATEGORY PARTNER
KW Bell Group
Founded in 1968, Cinderford-based KW Bell Group is a leading construction company and housing developer with a rich history of delivering high-quality projects. Encompassing four businesses — Bell Contracting, Bell Homes, Bell Plant and The Belfry Hotel — and boasting combined turnover of £86 million, the group is known for its commitment to excellence, innovation and sustainability.
kwbellgroup.com
New category for 2025. Recognising courageous individuals who have combined passion and vision with innovation and business acumen to achieve commercial success in unchartered territory – from first-time business owners to seasoned risk-takers.
2025 Shortlist
Jack Cook – First Thought Care Services
Matt Holdback – Just Camps Consultancy
Melissa Potente – MJP Homes Coaching & Training
Richard Gills – Tux Fizz
Stephanie Smith-Rowles – Pea Green Physio and Aubergine Physio
2025 CATEGORY PARTNER
Severnside Security
Severnside Security provides fire and security solutions to homes and businesses in Gloucestershire, with expertise in the design, implementation and support of integrated systems and intuitive technologies. From intruder alarms, access control and CCTV, to life safety, fire detection and automation systems, the company is well-known for its ability to deliver sophisticated projects.
severnsidesecurityltd.co.uk
Recognising dedicated individuals who have gone above and beyond their job description to achieve outstanding success as an employee – and as part of their wider team – setting new standards of excellence.
2025 Shortlist
Alice Attfield – Fat Potato
Jess Snow – Buyline
Nathan Long – CSA Cyber
Poppy Fletcher – Hollie Gazzard Trust
Roger Hendry – Everyman Theatre
Sean Rayner – ReformIT
2025 CATEGORY PARTNER
Seymour John
Seymour John is a specialist finance, HR and executive recruitment consultancy based in Gloucestershire. Working locally for over 20 years, its team is exceptionally well connected. Business partners to clients and mentors to its candidates, Seymour John utilises trusted networks, passive contacts and deep market insight, to secure top talent.
seymourjohn.com/southwest
Recognising ambitious, dedicated apprentices who have made a positive contribution to their organisation, going above and beyond their expected duties while remaining committed to their professional development. One nomination per company. Nominations to be made by employers only.
2025 Shortlist
Ellie Curtiss – North Tower Consulting
Katie Overton – Cobalt Health
Kobe Pope – TBS Engineering
Lucy Partridge – CSA Cyber
Savannah Grey – PI Accountancy
Theo Houghland – Harts Barn Cookery School
2025 CATEGORY PARTNER
South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
South Gloucestershire and Stroud College is one of the largest and most successful regional colleges in the country, catering for students and employers across Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and Bristol. It offers a wide range of full and part-time courses, apprenticeships, higher education and employability provision.
sgscol.ac.uk
Recognising businesses which can demonstrate how exceptional teamwork has been instrumental to their success, ongoing growth, the completion of ambitious projects and/or achieving high levels of customer care and service.
2025 Shortlist
Bolthole Retreats
Colour Connection
Holiday Architects
Moog Controls
NFU Mutual Gloucester
P3M Works
Salus Digital Security
SLG Brands – Licensed & Exclusives Department
The Sub Rooms
2025 CATEGORY PARTNER
Rise HR
South west HR consultants Rise HR love helping small business owners to build effective HR strategies and solve their people issues. Its friendly and professional team bring the right skillset to support your small business, helping with everything from employee engagement to mediation and hybrid working challenges.
risehr.co.uk
Recognising charities based in the county which have significantly supported Gloucestershire in some way while demonstrating strong business acumen in a particularly competitive sector.
2025 Shortlist
Allsorts Gloucestershire
Cheltenham Town Community Trust
Cobalt Health
Gloucestershire Nightstop
Hope For Tomorrow
Sunflowers Suicide Support
The Churn Project
The Roses Theatre
Young Gloucestershire
2025 CATEGORY PARTNER
Nimble Elearning
Since 2014, Gloucestershire firm Nimble Elearning has been helping hundreds of businesses from all sectors manage their online training, design bespoke courses or pick from its range of ready-made, fully editable options. But its mission remains the same – to empower every company to provide quality, online training for their teams.
nimble-elearning.com
Recognising businesses which proactively support the community through projects or events with not-for-profit objectives, including those relating to the arts, environment, education and specifically charities.
2025 Shortlist
Barnwood
Greiner Bio-One
Hercules PLC
North Tower Consulting
2025 CATEGORY PARTNER
Gloucester Quays
With up to 70 per cent off retail prices at its collection of high end and high street stores, a multiplex cinema showing the latest films, a wealth of delicious dining options and an enviable waterside location, Gloucester Quays is Gloucestershire’s premium shopping destination.
gloucesterquays.co.uk
Recognising stand-out businesses from any sector with 10 employees or less, which can demonstrate success through turnover, profit and/or growth while also setting the standard for what it means to be the best Gloucestershire micro business beyond financial measures.
2025 Shortlist
Alice Violet Creative
Barrington Ayre Shirtmaker & Tailor
Better Business, Better World
Clear Future Financial Planners
Content Chef
IMT Resourcing Solutions
Inndecs
Lease Electric
M&M Printing and Promotions
Moments by Katie Mitchell Photography
Orso Publishing
Revive! Gloucester
Stitchdoodles
Triple Eight Containers
2025 CATEGORY PARTNER
16i
Digital agency 16i is a market leader in website design and software development, with much of its work being bespoke software applications. Adept at technically challenging projects, its clients include international law firms, the University of Gloucestershire, Everyman Theatre and SoGlos. 16i also offers meeting rooms with the latest technology and secure, high-speed internet.
16i.co.uk
Recognising stand-out businesses from any sector with 11 to 49 employees, which can demonstrate success through turnover, profit and/or growth while also setting the standard for what it means to be the best Gloucestershire small business beyond financial measures.
2025 Shortlist
Aqua Construction
Bolthole Retreats
Buyline
Colour Connection
Decibel Fire & Security
Emerge Digital
Hub8
Milliner Construction
Nephos Group
North Tower Consulting
Salus Digital Security
System Force IT
Wildwood Ecology
2025 CATEGORY PARTNER
TrinityBridge
Formerly Close Brothers Asset Management, TrinityBridge has guided clients for over 30 years. Offering strategic wealth management, investment and financial planning services, with offices across the UK, TrinityBridge helps individuals and businesses achieve financial clarity, plan for the future and build lasting relationships based on trust and informed advice.
trinitybridge.com
Recognising stand-out businesses from any sector with 50 to 249 employees, which can demonstrate success through turnover, profit and/or growth while also setting the standard for what it means to be the best Gloucestershire medium business beyond financial measures.
2025 Shortlist
Astor Bannerman
Barnwood
Fasthosts Internet
First Thought Care Services
Helyx Secure Information Systems
Hewer Facilities Management
Premiere Kitchens
Puredrive Energy
SK Heating and Cooling
Stroud District Grace Network
2025 CATEGORY PARTNER
FW Capital
FW Capital provides finance to help small to medium enterprises grow their business. It offers loans of up to £2 million to eligible applicants through the South West Investment Fund, with a strong track record of helping local businesses access the capital they need.
fwcapital.co.uk
Recognising stand-out businesses from any sector with 250+ employees, which can demonstrate success through turnover, profit and/or growth while also setting the standard for what it means to be the best Gloucestershire large business beyond financial measures.
2025 Shortlist
Hercules PLC
Laithwaites
Markey Group
Moog Controls
Pro Global
Smiths (Gloucester)
Stagecoach West
Ubico
2025 CATEGORY PARTNER
SureStore
SureStore is a premier provider of secure and affordable storage for domestic and business customers. With 17 UK locations, including one in Gloucester, it provides quick, convenient and hassle-free storage and flexi-space solutions, from home, business and drive-up storage to trade counters and office rentals.
surestore.co.uk
The winner of this special award is chosen by the headline co-partners from the list of winners across all categories.
2025 CATEGORY PARTNERS
Hazlewoods and Willans LLP solicitors
See above to find out more about the Gloucestershire Business Awards 2025 headline co-partners, Hazlewoods and Willans LLP solicitors.
hazlewoods.co.uk
willans.co.uk
