Every year, the very best of Gloucestershire’s fledgling start-ups through to the biggest businesses in the county put themselves forward for a prestigious Gloucestershire Business Award, before our experienced panel of judges — made up of representatives from our headline and category partners — review and score entries to decide on the shortlist across the categories. The anticipated 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 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 2026 // Key stages
Entry
Entries open: Monday 1 June 2026
Entries close: Sunday 28 June 2026
Gloucestershire businesses can enter up to three award categories via the link published on this page.
Shortlisting
Monday 29 June to Friday 24 July 2026
Entries are assessed for quality and suitability by the SoGlos awards team.
Shortlist revealed: Monday 27 July 2026
Judging
Judges receive shortlist: Monday 27 July 2026
Judges are invited to the digital awards system to view shortlisted entries from all categories in full, initiating the scoring process.
Meet the Judges and Judges Insight Session: Tuesday 8 September 2026 – Over Farm
Shortlisted businesses and award judges come together for a special networking event. Judges will then have the opportunity for a more in-depth discussion following the networking session, to further assisting the scoring process.
Judges further consideration: Monday 27 July to Thursday 24 September 2026
Judges have the opportunity to further research and review the shortlist.
Judges submit scores: Friday 25 September 2026
Deadline for judges to submit individual scores for all categories.
Judges Panel Meeting: Wednesday 7 October 2026 – Hotel Indigo Gloucester
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 12 October 2026
Finalists announced on SoGlos.
Awards night
Thursday 5 November 2026 – 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 2026 // 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 2026 // Categories & partners
Recognising new businesses established since April 2024 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.
2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
Switch Health
Switch Health is a specialist adviser in private medical insurance, helping customers not just choose policies, but understand, compare, and manage their cover over time and as their needs change. Switch Health believes private health cover should feel straightforward, not stressful, and provides clear, honest, practical advice and guidance to help people make the right decision, with no jargon and no pressure.
switchhealth.co.uk
2026 Finalists
Bounce Activations
Cotswolds Designer Outlet
Embrace Renewables
The Hearing Lounge
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 implemented since April 2024.
2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
Everyman Theatre
Situated in the heart of Cheltenham, the Everyman Theatre is undoubtedly one of Gloucestershire’s finest entertainment venues, hosting a diverse lineup of drama, dance, comedy and music events – not to mention the annual pantomime.
everymantheatre.org.uk
2026 Finalists
Avantis Education
Cleevely Electric Vehicles
Emerge Digital
Exceptional Thinking (UK)
Griffiths Technical Installations
PayItMonthly
Pennant International Group
Tuckshop Vending
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.
2026 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
2026 Finalists
Cheltenham Independent Financial Advisers
Colour Connection
Fat Potato
Jason and Philip Serviced Accommodation
PayItMonthly
Salus
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.
2026 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
2026 Finalists
Bennetts Coaches
Cleevely Motors
E G Carter & Co
Geometric Manufacturing
K W Bell Group
Over Farm
Spot-On-Supplies
Tewkesbury Park
VIP Properties
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.
2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
DBpixelhouse
DBpixelhouse delivers innovative audio visual, IT, and event technology solutions for exhibitions, conferences, corporate events, and live experiences worldwide. With over 30 years of expertise, it combines creative production, cutting-edge AV equipment, seamless event networks, and digital innovation to create impactful, audience-focused experiences across the UK, Europe, and globally. Proud to be part of Pixelhouse Group.
dbpixelhouse.com
2026 Finalists
Colour Connection
De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel
East Glos Club
K W Bell Group
Lease Electric
North Tower Consulting
SecondLife
SOZO
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.
2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
Go HR
Go HR is a multi-award-winning HR consultancy celebrating 12 years of helping business owners get the people side right. Direct, commercial and refreshingly jargon-free, it supports ambitious businesses across Gloucestershire and beyond, including Trower Davies, Antler Homes, Bewley Homes, ProSkin Clinic and Domino's franchisees, with practical advice that drives growth.
gohr.co.uk
2026 Finalists
Benefact Group
Cheltenham and Cotswold Dental
Fat Potato
Hartpury University and Hartpury College
Nephos Group
Over Farm
Quayside Wealth Management
Rise HR
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.
2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
Verlingue
Verlingue is an independent, family-owned European insurance broker and employee benefits consultancy. It helps organisations understand and manage risk through expert advice, personal service, and long-term partnerships. Trusted by businesses across a wide range of sectors, it is also a proud holder of Investor in Customers Gold accreditation.
verlingue.co.uk
2026 Finalists
Cotteswold House Dental Care
Fasthosts
Hartpury University and Hartpury College
Hub8
Tudor Farmhouse Hotel
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.
2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
System Force IT
Offering tailored IT support and services, including 24/7 support, cyber security, cloud solutions, VoIP and consulting, Gloucestershire-based System Force IT uses its 15 years of tech experience to ensure seamless operations through proactive, bespoke IT management for businesses and SMEs across the county and the rest of the UK.
systemforce.co.uk
2026 Finalists
Ceiling Tiles UK
Exceptional Thinking (UK)
Fasthosts
Holiday Architects
Jason and Philip Serviced Accommodation
Optimising IT
Tewkesbury Park
WSP Solicitors
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.
2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
JM Finn
JM Finn is a UK‑based wealth management firm providing personalised investment management and comprehensive wealth planning. With a dedicated investment professional as a single point of contact, the firm focuses on building long‑term relationships, trust and simplifying complex financial challenges to help clients protect and grow their wealth through the generations.
jmfinn.com
2026 Finalists
Caroline Summers – PBShop.co.uk
Jack Cook – First Thought Care Services
Matt Cleevely – Cleevely Motors
Nigel Church – Emerge Digital
Sarah Travell – Virgate Accounts
Todd Gifford – Optimising IT
Recognising inspiring businesswomen who have broken boundaries and achieved significant career success in any industry – demonstrating qualities of vision, drive and leadership.
2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
University of Gloucestershire
The University of Gloucestershire was founded in 1847 and has campuses across Cheltenham and Gloucester. With around 10,000 students on its roll, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees, along with professional courses, in business, applied sciences, arts and sustainability.
glos.ac.uk
2026 Finalists
Caroline Summers – PBShop.co.uk
Chantelle Bowring – Salus
Karina Thomas – ProSkin Clinic & Health UK
Leah Folkard – Glowing by Leah
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.
2026 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
2026 Finalists
Catherine Williams – Holiday Architects
Charlotte Hamilton – Cheltenham and Cotswold Dental
Charlotte Lipscombe – North Tower Consulting
Derek Maddock – Sudeley Castle & Gardens
Recognising charities based in the county which have significantly supported Gloucestershire in some way while demonstrating strong business acumen in a particularly competitive sector.
2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
Nimble Elearning
Since 2014, Gloucestershire-based Nimble Elearning has empowered hundreds of organisations across all sectors to provide high-quality online training. As a proud certified B Corp, it makes it easy for businesses to manage training, build bespoke courses, or access ready-made, fully editable content that genuinely supports their teams.
nimble-elearning.com
2026 Finalists
Gloucestershire Young Carers
Hollie Gazzard Trust
James Hopkins Trust
Let's Talk Well
National Star
Severn Wye Energy Agency
The Churn Community Hub
The Cotswold Canals Trust
The Music Works
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.
2026 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
2026 Finalists
Better Business. Better World
Content Chef
Eventwise
Film and Furniture
Glowing by Leah
Jason and Philip Serviced Accommodation
Lease Electric
SecondLife
The B Hive HR
Thrive Education Recruitment
Tuckshop Vending
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.
2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
The Boutique Workplace Company
The Boutique Workplace Company operates 35 flexible office spaces and co-working lounges across the country, including Jessop House in Cheltenham, promising to give Gloucestershire's small businesses 'a big experience', with concierge-level service, flexible contracts and fantastic facilities including an on-site cafe and 24-hour gym.
theboutiqueworkplace.co/serviced-offices-cheltenham
2026 Finalists
Bolthole Retreats
Brace Creative Agency
Cheltenham Independent Financial Advisers
Emerge Digital
Emma Willis
Fat Potato
Holiday Architects
Hub8
Kirby & Knott Financial Planning
North Tower Consulting
Optimising IT
Over Farm
PBShop.co.uk
Quayside Wealth Management
Tux Fizz
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.
2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
Gloucestershire County Council
Gloucestershire County Council implements strategic decisions and provides services across the region to benefit the local community. The council is also teaching locals to save money of their energy bills with its new energy saving initiative.
gloucestershire.gov.uk
2026 Finalists
Bennetts Coaches
Cowley Manor Experimental
De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel
E G Carter & Co
Glevum Security
Hewer Facilities Management
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.
2026 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
2026 Finalists
Benefact Group
Hartpury University and Hartpury College
Laithwaites
The winner of this special award is chosen by the headline co-partners from the list of winners across all categories.
2026 CATEGORY PARTNERS
Hazlewoods and Willans LLP solicitors
See above to find out more about the Gloucestershire Business Awards 2026 headline co-partners, Hazlewoods and Willans LLP solicitors.
hazlewoods.co.uk
willans.co.uk
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2026 // Judges
Meet the esteemed judging panel — comprised of influential representatives from a range of industries — responsible for deciding the finalists, highly commended entrants and overall winners of Gloucestershire's leading business awards.
Rhiannon Hooper
Partner
Hazlewoods
Rhiannon has been at Hazlewoods for 10 years and is a partner in the Business Solutions team, which provides accounting solutions to start-ups and SMEs. Her team builds close working relationships with clients, seeing them as business partners, delivering financial management information that’s tailored to their needs and the wider industry, wherever they are in their journey.
Chris Wills
Partner
Willans LLP solicitors
Chris Wills is a partner at Willans LLP solicitors specialising in corporate and commercial law, with over 15 years of experience and a particular interest in the renewable energy sector. Recognised by prestigious guides including The Legal 500 and Chambers UK, Chris works with start-ups and owner-managed businesses to global companies with multi-million-pound turnovers.
Connor Harries
Head of Employee Benefits
Switch Health
Connor Harries is the head of employee benefits at Switch Health, specialising in a range of benefits such as group private medical insurance, dental plans, cash plans, group life insurance and many more. Connor enjoys working with businesses of any size, helping shape their benefits package to best support their workforce.
David Allen
Commercial Director
Everyman Theatre
David Allen has been part of the Everyman Theatre team since 2006, heading up the commercial operations at the popular Cheltenham theatre where he has helped it break box office records for its annual pantomimes, and raise thousands of pounds for charitable causes, including its new Grove Street community hub and education centre.
David Owen
Director of Economy and Environment at Gloucestershire County Council
The Growth Hub
David is director of economy and environment at Gloucestershire County Council and was formerly chief executive of GFirst LEP, one of the most successful Local Enterprise Partnerships in the UK. He is also, chair of The Summerfield Charitable Trust and a non-exec director for a number of businesses. He was previously a member of the International Advisory Committee of the International Economic Development Council; a member of the government’s Future Flight Advisory Board; a former president of the Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce and former chairman of the South West UK Business Advisory Group. He has a BA (Hons) in business studies and an MA in leading change.
Jo Draper
Director
QuoLux
Jo is an experienced coach, owner and director of QuoLux™ who plays a key role in creating and delivering its leadership programmes for senior leaders and managers of small to medium-sized businesses, to help them to develop their leadership skills, build strong teams and profitably grow their organisations.
Graham Croucher
Technical Director
DBpixelhouse
Graham brings exceptional technical production experience across corporate events, music festivals, touring productions, exhibitions, and trade shows worldwide. With a background in audio engineering and senior production leadership, he combines deep technical expertise with a passion for innovation, operational efficiency, and delivering safe, high-quality production environments at every scale.
Louise Lithgow-Dicker
Founder and Managing Director
Go HR
Louise brings over 30 years of HR experience across blue-chip and SME environments, is FCIPD-qualified and founded Go HR 12 years ago. Her career spans every level of HR up to people director in a PLC, with previous roles at Vodafone, AstraZeneca and the NEC. Known for her direct, commercial approach, she advises ambitious businesses from family-run firms to multi-site operators across Gloucestershire and beyond.
Anne Bardsley
Corporate Director – Southwest
Verlingue
A proud, born-and-bred Gloucester girl with deep roots in the city's rugby heritage, Anne Bardsley is the Southwest director at Verlingue, leading client relationships and growth through a consultative and holistic approach to risk management. Anne is delighted that Verlingue is the category partner for Team of the Year at this year's awards.
Adrian Ayland
Business Development Director
System Force IT
Adrian is an IT security consultant and business development director with extensive experience in cyber security, IT support, cloud management, and business continuity. He advises organisations across the south west on secure, resilient technology strategies and is certified in Cynet Security and 3CX, with a strong track record in operational IT, governance, and digital transformation.
Ian Posgate
Senior Account Manager
JM Finn
Following a 16-year army career, Ian Posgate decided to pursue a career in financial services. Ian’s first role with EFG Harris Allday was as the corporate development manager. Ian attained his qualifications and transferred to an investment management team in Worcestershire, firstly as an investment assistant and then as an investment manager. He joined JM Finn in October 2025 and will help establish the Cheltenham office.
Alex Cottrell
Head of External Relationships
University of Gloucestershire
Alex is head of external relationships at University of Gloucestershire, developing partnerships that drive business growth, innovation and regional economic development. With experience leading the Gloucester Growth Hub and over 20 years of commercial experience in B2B strategy, she works closely with employers, funders and partners to support enterprise, skills and sustainable growth across Gloucestershire.
Emma Hughes
Associate Director
Seymour John
A specialist finance and HR recruitment consultant, Emma has 25 years’ experience, connecting Gloucestershire businesses with the high-calibre talent they need to develop and grow. A business partner to her clients and mentor to her candidates, hers is a headhunt approach to ensuring a successful outcome for both.
Alex Hathway
Commercial Director and Co-owner
Nimble Elearning
Commercial director and co-owner of Nimble Elearning, Alex Hathway is an experienced marketing strategist across various sectors. His global expertise includes roles at specialist agencies and in driving growth at BSkyB and Betfair, with his career taking him to locations such as Bristol, Sydney, London and Malta. Now operating from their base in Gloucestershire, he helps Nimble Elearning provide impactful elearning solutions that empower companies to achieve their online training objectives.
Alex Clough
Director
16i
Alex is the founder of leading Cheltenham-based web design and development company, 16 Interactive, and has lived in the county for 30 years. 16i has been supporting the Gloucestershire Business Awards since their inception, and Alex is passionate about championing the companies at the heart of Gloucestershire’s thriving business community.
Nathan Lewis
Commercial Manager
The Boutique Workplace Company
Nathan Lewis is the commercial manager at The Boutique Workplace Company, leading the growth of Jessop House in Cheltenham. With extensive experience across serviced offices, industrial estates and commercial property, he specialises in sales, customer experience and business growth, helping organisations find workspace solutions that support long-term success.
Councillor Julian Tooke
Cabinet Member for Business, Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructure
Gloucestershire County Council
Councillor Julian Tooke is passionate about Gloucestershire’s business community. He champions local enterprise, fosters sustainable growth and drives initiatives that empower businesses and entrepreneurs, ensuring the county remains a thriving hub for innovation and economic opportunity.
Spencer McPherson
Founder and Chief Creative Officer
StillMoving
StillMoving’s founder Spencer knows the creative production industry exceptionally well. With roots in photography plus a background in law and finance, he collaborates with clients, encouraging them to explore all opportunities and achieve their goals through film and photography. He is always looking for the next challenge to solve.
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2026 // Compere
Steve Knibbs
We are delighted to welcome back Steve Knibbs, the well-known BBC regional news reporter and presenter, as compere of the Gloucestershire Business Awards. Steve, who has been a face of BBC Points West for more than 15 years, joined the team in 2021 and will have the honour of unveiling the latest winners on Thursday 5 November 2026 at the official venue, Cheltenham Town Hall.
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2026 // Event partners
We are delighted to be working with a dream team of amazing partners to once again make the Gloucestershire Business Awards evening the celebration of the year.
Cheltenham Town Hall
Cheltenham Town Hall is a Grade II listed public venue, set on Imperial Square. Built in the early 20th century, it's now one of Gloucestershire's biggest arts and entertainment venues, hosting live entertainment, festivals and exhibitions, as well as offering flexible spaces to hire for weddings, corporate events and private functions.
cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk
The Cheltenham Trust
The Cheltenham Trust is an independent charity which plays a pivotal role in managing and sustaining some of Cheltenham's most historic venues, including Pittville Pump Room and Cheltenham Town Hall, as well as providing culture, sport and leisure through The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum, Leisure at Cheltenham and the Prince of Wales stadium.
cheltenhamtrust.org.uk
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2026 // Video 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.
Gloucestershire Business Awards // 2025 highlights
Gloucestershire's leading business awards, in partnership with Hazlewoods and Willans LLP solicitors, marked its fifth year in 2025 with an extra special celebration featuring an afterparty with live music courtesy of popular function band, Tux Fizz. Cheltenham Town Hall provided a spectacular setting for the evening, which was hosted by Steve Knibbs.
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2025 winners revealed
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2025 official photos
Gloucestershire Business Awards // 2024 highlights
Gloucestershire's leading business awards returned for an exciting fourth year, in partnership with headline co-partners Hazlewoods and Willans LLP solicitors, with Hartpury University and Hartpury College making for an incredible setting for the big awards night – hosted by Steve Knibbs and once again recognising the best of the best county firms, teams and individuals.
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2024 winners revealed
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2024 official photos
Gloucestershire Business Awards // 2023 highlights
The third Gloucestershire Business Awards, once again co-sponsored by market leading county firms Hazlewoods and Willans LLP solicitors, saw sponsors, finalists and special guests spend an exciting evening at a working community fire station. The unique celebration saw hundreds gather to celebrate Gloucestershire's incredible business community, from start-ups to international firms, across 22 hotly-contested categories — hosted by esteemed journalist, Faye Hatcher.
SGGBA 2023 awards night photos
Gloucestershire Business Awards // 2022 highlights
The second annual Gloucestershire Business Awards cemented its position as Gloucestershire’s leading business awards, co-sponsored by market leading county firms Hazlewoods and Willans LLP solicitors, culminating in a fast-paced awards evening at the University of Gloucestershire’s Business School. A prestigious guestlist of 300 business leaders gathered – including sponsors, finalists and special guests – to enjoy a relaxed evening of networking and the live reveal of winners from across the extended list of categories. A staggering 382 nominations were received from 178 businesses, shortlisted down to 206 entries for judging, with 81 finalists recognised and invited to the Gloucestershire Business Awards finale.
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2022 winners revealed
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2022 awards night photos
Gloucestershire Business Awards // 2021 highlights
The brand new SoGlos Gloucestershire Business Awards took the county by storm in 2021, co-sponsored by GFirst LEP and The Growth Hub, culminating with an exciting awards event at Gloucestershire Airport where almost 300 guests gathered to recognise the very best businesses from across the county. The evening marked the end of a process which saw 421 nominations from 192 different businesses whittled down to 17 winners. And, following almost a year of careful planning and work by the SoGlos team, the hugely successful event cemented Gloucestershire Business Awards' position as Gloucestershire’s definitive business awards from its very first year.
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2021 winners revealed
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2021 awards night photos
Gloucestershire Business Awards // Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to enter the Gloucestershire Business Awards?
Sensational businesses of all shapes and sizes, new or long established, which have a Gloucestershire headquarters and/or whose main activity takes place in the county. The business will also need to fit with one of the categories and specific criteria detailed above.
How do I enter my business?
Monitor this page for details of the entry stage each year — and the addition of a link to enter during this period. Entries must be made by an official representative of the business who will be the point of contact through the process.
Can I enter my favourite business for an award?
No, but you can recommend your favourite business enters for themselves. Send them a link to this page.
Can I enter a colleague, manager or a business leader for an individual award?
Yes, we welcome entries for outstanding individuals in the relevant categories – and just ask that these are made by an official representative of the business who will be the point of contact throughout the process.
As a category partner, can we still enter the awards?
To ensure the Gloucestershire Business Awards continue as the most credible of their kind in the region, entries cannot be made by headline and category partners.
What is the shortlisting and judging process?
A dedicated SoGlos awards team will review all entries for quality, substance and suitability to create the shortlist. They will carefully consider entrants' full applications, websites and social media (where available), with the shortlist then published on SoGlos and sent to the judging panel to initiate the scoring process.
The judging panel is made up of senior industry representatives from the awards headline co-partners and category partners. Judges will review shortlisted entries in full and also have the chance to meet entrants face-to-face at the popular 'Meet the judges' event, before submitting scores for all categories. Judges then come together for the 'Judges panel meeting' to find out the combined results of scoring and confirm the list of finalists, highly commended finalists and overall winners in each category.
The list of finalists is then published on SoGlos, with winners and highly commended finalists revealed for the first time at the anticipated awards night.
Please note, SoGlos partners will not be given preferential treatment.
What assurance can you give that information provided on the entry form will remain confidential?
Information provided by entrants will not be shared with any party other than those officially involved in the awards process. All judges are required to accept a confidentially agreement.
Why is it necessary to provide financial information as part of the entry form?
Financial information must be supplied for most categories (unless specified) so that the SoGlos awards team and judges can evaluate the economic strengths of entries — which is an important part of considering overall business success.
There isn't a category suitable for my business, would you consider adding one?
We develop the awards every year. Please email info@sopublishing.com with any requests or feedback.
Can I enter more than one category?
Yes, you can enter up to three categories which are relevant to your business. Details of how to do so will be provided at the point of entry.
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 and 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 really stand out through their entry form and have a strong chance of winning their category.
I’m just on the Gloucestershire border, can I still enter?
Yes, but only if your main business activity takes place within Gloucestershire.
What’s the format of the Gloucestershire Business Awards evening?
Expect a relaxed party atmosphere with the chance to meet other businesses and network, enjoy supper and drinks on arrival, before the exciting live reveal. This informal structure is at the core of both our Gloucestershire Business Awards and Gloucestershire Lifestyle & Community Awards.
How do I get tickets for the Gloucestershire Business Awards evening?
Headline co-partners will receive 10 tickets and category partners five tickets. Ticket allocations per finalist are normally two, but will be confirmed closer to the time by email once the list of finalists is revealed.
Can I get extra tickets for the Gloucestershire Business Awards awards evening?
To make Gloucestershire Business Awards as inclusive as possible for all finalists and partners – and to work within the size limitations of the special venues we work with each year – numbers are very limited and we are unlikely to be able to offer additional tickets. We will, however, have a waiting list once tickets to the awards are opened for RSVPs.
Can I reserve a table at the Gloucestershire Business Awards evening?
Due to the nature of the special venues which play host to Gloucestershire Business Awards each year, spacing for seating is limited so we are only able to reserve seating/tables for the headline co-partners.
