Gloucestershire Lifestyle & Community Awards 2026

Recognising outstanding cultural venues which enrich the local community by offering inspiring, inclusive and engaging cultural experiences – including visitor attractions, gardens, museums and art galleries.

2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
Aqua Construction
Award-winning, family-run Aqua Construction delivers sustainable housing projects for both social housing providers and private clients across Gloucestershire. Established in 1988, its highly experienced team come from a range of trade backgrounds and have an integrated approach to designing and building houses to the highest standards, within a range of budgets and timeframes.
aquaconstruction.co.uk

2026 SHORTLIST
Corinium Museum
Gloucester Cathedral
Llanthony Secunda Priory
Tetbury Police Museum and Courtroom
Tewkesbury Abbey
The Cotswold Sculpture Park
The Folk of Gloucester
The Museum of Gloucester
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Forestry England

Recognising dedicated family-friendly day out destinations, wildlife centres and family attractions – delivering memorable and enjoyable experiences for all ages, with strong customer satisfaction and a positive impact on the community.

2026 CATEGORY PARNER
WSP Solicitors
WSP Solicitors is an independent legal practice, with offices in Stroud and Gloucester. The firm has been offering straightforward legal advice and support for over 260 years and provides a wide range of legal services for personal and commercial matters – from wills, property and family matters, through to buying or selling your business.
wspsolicitors.com

2026 SHORTLIST
Beechenhurst, Forestry England
Cotswold Designer Outlet
Countryside Adventure at Over Farm
Mulligans Cheltenham
National Waterways Museum Gloucester
Slimbridge Wetland Centre
Sudeley Castle & Gardens
Ultimate Warriors
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Forestry England

Recognising prep, senior and sixth form independent schools demonstrating excellence in education, pastoral care and community engagement – supporting student development, innovation in learning and making a meaningful contribution to the wider community.

2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
Griffiths Marshall
Founded in 1987, Griffiths Marshall Advisory Group is a Gloucestershire-based firm of chartered accountants and business advisers, supporting clients from sole traders and SMEs to multi-million-pound companies. Operating from offices across Gloucestershire, it provides a full suite of services including accounting, audit, tax, business advisory and probate – helping clients plan confidently, grow strategically and, through its joint venture, Griffiths Marshall Wealth Management, enjoy the life they’re working for.
griffithsmarshall.co.uk

2026 SHORTLIST
Cheltenham College
Dean Close School
Hopelands Prep School & Nursery
The King's School Gloucester
Wycliffe College

Recognising live music venues, theatres, comedy venues, cinemas and venues hosting diverse entertainment events, which deliver high-quality and engaging experiences – bringing people together and playing a valuable role in local life through creativity and cultural enrichment.

2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
The Cheltenham Trust
The Cheltenham Trust is an independent charity which manages 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

2026 SHORTLIST
Dunkertons Park
Everyman Theatre
Proud Gloucester
Teatro Piano Bar & Restaurant
The Frog and Fiddle
The Palace Cinema
The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury
Warehouse 4

Recognising outstanding sporting venues that provide excellent facilities and foster community spirit – supporting both grassroots and professional sports development.

2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
Bennetts Coaches
Established in 1962, Bennetts Coaches is an award-winning family business that provides transport services for private hire, corporate events, sporting fixtures, school travel, day trips, airport transfers and more, boasting an impressive fleet of modern, eco-friendly executive coaches and drivers that are trained to the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
bennettscoaches.co.uk

2026 SHORTLIST
Bournside Sports Centre
East Glos Club
FlyUp 417 Bike Park
Forest Fighting Fit
Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, Forestry England
Kingsholm Stadium
Stroud Boxing Club
YMCA Cheltenham Sports Centre

Recognising exceptional restaurants that combine culinary creativity, high standards of service and a commitment to quality – while delighting customers and contributing to the vibrant local food scene.

New category for 2026!

2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
rockwealth
Helping clients secure the financial future they want to achieve and lead happier, richer, purposeful lives, Cheltenham-based rockwealth is a proudly independent chartered financial planning firm driven by evidence-based investing and fairer fixed fees. It aims to maximise investors' chances of a successful experience, while being transparent about solutions and helping them make better financial decisions.
rock-wealth.co.uk

2026 SHORTLIST
Giffords Circus Sauce
Josser Restaurant
Journey
KIBOU Japanese Kitchen & Bar
KNEAD Elkstone
Mint Restaurant, Tewkesbury Park Hotel
Muse Brasserie
Nagomi
New Wave Brasserie, Lechlade
Pit Kitchen
Post
Roots + Seeds Kitchen Garden, Cirencester
Sef Steakhouse
Settebello Cheltenham
Teatro Bar & Restaurant
The Beefy Boys
The Coconut Tree
The Falcon Steakhouse
Trattoria Settebello
Wilder Restaurant

Recognising outstanding local producers of condiments, dairy produce, baked goods, health foods, oils, beers, wines and spirits, for example, which are committed to excellence, innovation and sustainability – championing local ingredients, traditional methods or new ideas while positively contributing to the county's foodie reputation.

2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
Stagecoach
As the leading bus operator in Gloucestershire and one of the largest in the UK, Stagecoach helps people living and working in the county travel more sustainably on its fleet of environmentally-friendly, accessible buses.
stagecoachbus.com/about/west

2026 SHORTLIST
Bensons The Family Juicers
Cherry Moo
Emshira Passion for Cakes
Gloucester Brewery
KNEAD
Ma Chilli
Poulton Hill Estate
The Artisan Baker
The Cotswold Cardillo
The Village Cakery
Woodchester Valley Vineyard

Recognising countryside inns to town centre pubs and bars that stand out for their atmosphere, service and quality – offering a welcoming space and an outstanding experience for locals and visitors.

2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
NFU Mutual
Founded over 110 years ago to look after farmers’ insurance needs, NFU Mutual has grown to become a national insurer for individuals and businesses, with over 280 local agency offices. It offers car, home, farm and business insurance, as well as expert advice on pensions, protection, investments and inheritance tax planning.
nfumutual.co.uk

2026 SHORTLIST
Brewhouse and Kitchen Cheltenham
Cheese Rollers
Clavell & Hind
Dr Foster
Imperial Haus
Kings Head, Cirencester
Proud Gloucester
Teatro Bar & Restaurant
The Bakers Arms
The Butchers Arms Sheepscombe
The Fox at Barrington
The Merryfellow Inn
The Somerset Arms
The Suffolk Arms

Recognising cafes or coffee shops which provide a warm, inviting experience and are known for high quality, creativity, customer service and a strong connection to their local community.

2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
The Orders of St John Care Trust
The Orders of St John Care Trust is a not-for-profit charity providing high-quality care for older people within supportive communities. It has 13 locations across Gloucestershire and offers specialist residential, nursing and dementia care; short-term respite care; and care services within hospitals and people's own homes.
osjct.co.uk

2026 SHORTLIST
Art Cafe
Choux Bun Appetit
KNEAD Tewkesbury
Roots & Seeds Cafe & Kitchen, Gloucester Food Dock
Slō
Suffolk Coffee
The Artisan Baker
The Cafe at Over Farm
The Chamwell Centre Charity Café
The Farmers Yard
The Village Cakery
Thyme & Lovage
Willow & Co.

Recognising kitchen and bathroom companies, interior design businesses, garden centres, home renovation companies and homewares businesses, as well as windows, doors and conservatory companies, for example, which excel in property services or interior design – demonstrating creativity, professionalism and a significant impact on clients’ homes, businesses or local spaces.

2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
Lansdown Kitchens and Bathrooms
Lansdown Kitchens and Bathrooms is an independent, luxury design and supply specialist based in Cheltenham. With a reputation for premium design, quality craftsmanship and personalised service, it offers bespoke kitchen and bathroom solutions featuring high-end British and European brands, with services including design consultation, supply and professional installation.
lansdownkb.co.uk

2026 SHORTLIST
Barrington Decorators
Everhot
Film And Furniture
FLOELLA Interiors
GeorgieRose Interior Design
Interior style
Orangerie
The Kitchen Broker
Trioscape Garden Centre
VanGoff Campers
VRD Stroud

Recognising physical and online businesses such as yoga studios, holistic therapies, gyms, spas and supplement retailers which make a meaningful difference to people’s health and wellbeing – whether through physical health, mental wellness, or holistic care, delivered with expertise and empathy.

2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital
Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital offers the very latest medical facilities and technology to treat a wide range of conditions. A full range of medical and surgical specialities are delivered in state-of-the-art clinical facilities, including orthopaedics, cosmetic surgery, spinal services, sports injury, ENT, gynaecology, urology, as well as a rapid access breast clinic.
nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/cheltenham

2026 SHORTLIST
Alchemy 16 - Bespoke Fitness & Wellness
Clarity Mind & Body Wellness / Move For You
CLC Health and Fitness Centre
Concierge Medical Practice
GHS Clinics
Hatherley Manor Hotel and Spa
HeadStrong Clinic
Hotpod Yoga Cheltenham
Jim's Gym
Jo Fellows Wellbeing / Prana Sanctuary
Montpellier Medical
Reflexology With Chrissy
Shift Movement & The Calm Club
Supafoot Cheltenham
Sweet Silent Disco
The Bespoke Life
The Wild Things

Recognising long-standing and new annual events and festivals, which have brought people together, delivered exceptional experiences and made a lasting impression – showcasing creativity, organisation and community impact.

2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
16i
16i is a B Corp certified digital agency based in Cheltenham. A market leader in website design and software development, creating digital solutions to transform brands and businesses with website design and development, in addition to bespoke software application development. Adept at technically challenging projects, its clients include numerous international law firms, the University of Gloucestershire, Everyman Theatre and SoGlos.
16i.co.uk

2026 SHORTLIST
Advent Festival, Cirencester Town Council
Cirencester History Festival
Gloucester History Festival
Laguna Bay, Giffords Circus
Lions at Large - The Pride of Gloucestershire Trail, Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity
Moreton Show, Moreton-in-Marsh & District Agricultural & Horse Society
Pride in Gloucestershire
Pumpkins at Over Farm
Royal International Air Tattoo
Spectacle of Light, Sudeley Castle
The 745 Game, The Gloucester Rugby Charitable Foundation
The Pied Piper Car Show
The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival
VE Day Celebrations at Kings Square, Kings Square Gloucester
Wychwood Festival

Recognising local sports teams or clubs which are thriving and achieving great success, while also enriching the lives of their members and making a positive contribution to their wider community.

New category for 2026!

2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
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.
activegloucestershire.org

2026 SHORTLIST
Barnwood United AFC
Cheltenham Chargers Basketball Club
Cheltenham Hockey Club
Cirencester Elite Cheer and Dance Academy
East Glos Club
Gloucester Hartpury Rugby
Gloucestershire Barracudas Underwater Rugby Club
Goals Beyond Grass
Gotherington Juniors Football Club
Lansdown Hockey Club
Longlevens Rugby Club
Old Patesians RFC
Smiths Rugby
Soncho Karate Club
Stoke Orchard Youth Football Club
Stroud Boxing Club
Tetbury Rugby Football Club
Walking Football Pirates, Abbeymead Rovers

Recognising individuals who give their time and energy to support charities, community projects or local causes – making a meaningful and lasting difference through their dedication and selflessness.

New category for 2026!

2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
The Cheltenham Chase Hotel
The Cheltenham Chase Hotel is located on the edge of the Cotswolds, with easy access to Cheltenham and Gloucester. Providing stylish, modern rooms and a tranquil, on-site spa, as well as event spaces, all nestled within 15 acres of parkland, it's the ideal base for business and pleasure.
thecheltenhamchase.co.uk

2026 SHORTLIST
Andrea Butland, East Glos Club
Archie Wyer, Gloucester Rugby
Geoff Bridgeman, Tetbury Police Museum and Courtroom
Helen Motteram, Russell's Rescue
Lynn Smith, James Hopkins Trust
Margaret Threadgold, The Cotswold Listener
Sue Weir-Cracknell, Sue Ryder, Leckhampton Court Hospice

Recognising outstanding community groups, initiatives or projects that have brought people together, improved lives and made a significant positive impact within their local area.

New category for 2026!

2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
First Thought Care Services
First Thought Care Services is a family-run care organisation that specialises in providing exceptional care and support for children and adults across Gloucestershire and Hereford, who live with additional needs and challenging behaviours. Its services are available to both families and local authorities, including local schools.
ftcareservices.co.uk

2026 SHORTLIST
A Grand Day Out, Age UK Gloucestershire
Children Lead The Way CIC
Community Rugby Programme, Gloucester Rugby
Creativity for Wellbeing, SGS College
Everyman Theatre
Gardening for Wellbeing Group, Gloucester Cathedral
Gloucestershire Carers Hub
John Lewis
KW Bell Group
Moon and Made
North & West Gloucestershire Citizens Advice and Stroud and Cotswolds District Citizens Advice
Pride in Gloucestershire
Roam & Wonder Foundation CIC
Stroud Valleys Project
Tesco Quedgeley Knit & Natter Group
The Forest Green community Cafe and Food Project, FGR Community Trust
The Kimbrose Club, Gloucester Charities Trust
The Potthouse Collective CIC
The Venture Community Hub
VE Day Celebrations at Kings Square Gloucester
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Forestry England
YMCA Cheltenham

Recognising individuals or groups who have gone above and beyond to raise vital funds for a charitable cause or local community initiative – demonstrating creativity, commitment and a passion for making a difference.

New category for 2026!

2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
Precision Builders Ltd
Precision Builders specialises in domestic construction projects of all sizes, including home extensions, renovations, landscaping, kitchens and bathrooms. Boasting a wealth of knowledge and experience in all aspects of the building trade, its team works with clients to advise and plan projects from start to finish, helping them achieve their dream home.
precisionbuildersltd.co.uk

2026 SHORTLIST
Hannah Savigar-Jones
Jason Blackburn, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
Kohler Mira
Lydia Atkinson & Rosie King, The Gloucester Rugby Charitable Foundation
Puddle Ducks Gloucestershire
Stephen Farnsworth of Grimes House Gallery, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity
Tesco Quedgeley Knit & Natter Group
The Tufthorn Inn, Coleford, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity

Recognising charities which have delivered outstanding work in support of their cause – demonstrating clear impact, strong community engagement and a commitment to making a lasting local difference.

2026 CATEGORY PARTNER
Cotswolds Designer Outlet
With almost 50 stores, more than 1,000 free car parking spaces and places for youngsters to play and have fun, Cotswolds Designer Outlet has lots on offer to keep everyone entertained. Popular restaurants include Five Guys, Wagamama and Zizzi. It's open seven days a week, too!
cotswoldsdesigneroutlet.com

2026 SHORTLIST
Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity
Cheltenham Open Door
Cheltenham Town Community Trust
Gloucester Charities Trust
Gloucestershire Animal Welfare Association & Cheltenham Animal Shelter
GRASAC-Gloucestershire Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre
Heart Heroes
James Hopkins Trust
North & West Gloucestershire Citizens Advice
Pied Piper Appeal
The Chamwell Centre Charity
The Cotswold Listener
The Family Haven
The Gloucester Rugby Charitable Foundation
YMCA Cheltenham
Young Gloucestershire

The winner of this special award is chosen by the headline partners, from the list of winners across all categories.

See above to find out more about the Gloucestershire Lifestyle & Community Awards 2026 headline partners, Pro Global and Made in Gloucestershire.
pro-global.com/join-our-team
madeingloucestershire.com

2025 LIFESTYLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Patrick Francis-Lang

Head of Group HR

Pro Global

LinkedIn

Patrick is a seasoned HR professional with a comprehensive career spanning the entire spectrum of human resource activities. As the group head of human resources at Pro Global, he holds a pivotal role in overseeing and shaping the HR function for the organisation from its Gloucester base.

Councillor Julian Tooke

Cabinet Member for Business, Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructure at Gloucestershire County Council

Made in Gloucestershire

LinkedIn

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.

Jason Wasley

Managing Director

Aqua Construction

LinkedIn

Jason founded Aqua Construction 27 years ago with £500 in his pocket, a bricklayer’s trowel and an escort van. An admirable example of a ‘bootstrapping company’ and a self-funded founder who has grown the company to be a successful multi-million-pound SME, two more family members have since joined the business providing continuity for the future. Jason’s firm is dedicated to delivering affordable and sustainable new homes to local communities across the county.

Silas Miller

Head of Marketing and Business Development

WSP Solicitors

LinkedIn

Silas Miller is head of marketing and business development at WSP Solicitors, where he oversees marketing and commercial strategies. Joining in 2019, he became a board director in 2022. Silas is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and is studying for an MBA at the University of Gloucestershire.

Ian Price

Managing Director

Griffiths Marshall

LinkedIn

Ian Price is managing director at Griffiths Marshall Advisory Group. Joining as a trainee in 2000, he qualified as a chartered accountant in 2005 and became the firm’s youngest partner in 2009. His passion is helping ambitious entrepreneurs move beyond compliance to achieve growth, driving the firm’s expanding business advisory service offering.

Jessica Brewster

CEO

The Cheltenham Trust

LinkedIn

Jessica Brewster is a Cheltenham-born cultural leader whose career spans television, theatre and community-led regeneration. After working as a TV producer director, she founded Theatre Deli, transforming vacant buildings into arts spaces. She now leads The Cheltenham Trust, championing culture as a catalyst for community connection.

Gavin Bennett

Managing Director

Bennetts Coaches

LinkedIn

Gavin joined Bennetts Coaches in 1998 as a third-generation family member, advancing from engineer – earning the accolade National Express Engineer of the Year – to managing director in 2017. He now leads over 70 staff, delivering transport services for National Express, Gloucester Rugby and high-profile royal and international events, combining heritage with operational excellence.

Edward Blackett

Partner | Financial Planner

rockwealth

LinkedIn

Edward Blackett has worked in the financial services Industry for over 20 years, initially in the mortgage sector, followed by 18 years at chartered firms and a financial planner for 10 years. He joined rockwealth as a financial planner in 2021 and became a partner in 2025, working primarily with individuals and company owners helping them plan and navigate their way to financial independence.

Chris Hanson

Managing Director

Stagecoach West

LinkedIn

Chris Hanson is managing director of Stagecoach West, where he focuses on building strong relationships with local stakeholders across the west of England. He is leading the region’s growth strategy with a strong emphasis on employee engagement. Chris joined the business in 2023, following a career with First Bus; and was appointed managing director in 2024.

Alfred Bryant

Senior Agent and Group Secretary

NFU Mutual

Alfred Bryant has been the NFU Mutual senior agent in Cheltenham and the North Cotswolds since 1995 and specialises in farming, large commercial and estate risks. He strongly believes in personal service and is always prepared to visit clients to discuss all their insurance needs.

Steve Gardner-Collins

Regional Marketing Manager

The Orders of St John Care Trust

LinkedIn

Steve Gardner-Collins is Regional Marketing Manager for Gloucestershire at OSJCT, supporting Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. With a background in tourism and hospitality, he champions care homes as vibrant community hubs, strengthening local connections, reducing loneliness and promoting OSJCT homes as great places to live, work and visit.

David Herbert

Founder

Lansdown Kitchens and Bathrooms

LinkedIn

David began his working life on a trade counter in 1989 and went on to build a successful career with two multi-national companies and a local builder’s merchant. In 2015, he founded Lansdown Bathrooms from his dining room table. 10 years later, the business has grown into a £1 million enterprise with a talented five-person team and state-of-the-art showroom.

Kate Liddington

Hospital Director

Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital

LinkedIn

Kate brings with her a wealth of experience across both the NHS and the private healthcare sector. Now as hospital director at the Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital, Kate leads the way in innovation, collaboration and patient-centred care – embracing cutting-edge technologies, expanding services and delivering outstanding care in a compassionate and forward-thinking environment.

Alex Clough

Managing Director

16i

LinkedIn

Alex is the founder of leading Cheltenham-based web design and development company 16 Interactive and has lived in the county for 30 years. A SGGLA category partner since their inception, Alex is passionate about championing the businesses at the heart of Gloucestershire’s rich cultural offering.

Lisa Kankowski

Sport Welfare and Club Development Officer

Active Gloucestershire

LinkedIn

Lisa Kankowski is the sport welfare officer at Active Gloucestershire and has more than eight years’ experience in safeguarding, welfare and inclusive practice. With a background in education, youth support and wellbeing programmes, she is passionate about embedding safe, supportive environments so everyone can enjoy sport and physical activity.

Martha Bischert

Operations Manager

The Cheltenham Chase Hotel

LinkedIn

With over 15 years' experience in Gloucestershire hospitality, Martha has lately thrived as operations manager at two four-star hotel properties, managing daily operations, upholding service standards, curating exceptional guest experiences and prioritizing talent development and growth.

Hannah Dadge

Head of Education

First Thought Care Services

LinkedIn

Hannah is a senior education leader at First Thought Care Services, dedicated to delivering consistently high-quality, person-centred support. Known for her calm leadership, attention to detail and strong safeguarding practice, she champions positive outcomes for children, young people and adults, ensuring care that is safe, empowering and rooted in dignity and respect.

Andrew Gillespie

Managing Director

Precision Builders Ltd

LinkedIn

As managing director of Precision Builders, Andrew oversees residential construction projects across Gloucestershire, including extensions, refurbishments and new builds. With extensive experience in project management, structural coordination and client delivery, he ensures every project meets high standards of quality and professionalism.

Adrian Field

Centre Manager

Cotswolds Designer Outlet

LinkedIn

Adrian is the centre manager at the new Cotswolds Designer Outlet. He has been involved in place management for over 20 years, having been involved in managing the town and city centres of Cardiff, Malvern, Warwick and Worcester. He has also worked with numerous charities, particularly those involved in homelessness.