Spring in full swing means the start of a new financial year – with April 2025 bringing a bumper crop of senior appointments across Gloucestershire's business community.
From the strengthening of key roles within Cheltenham's business improvement district, to the new head chef bringing international influences to a Cotswolds restaurant, SoGlos looks at 10 noteworthy hires announced by Gloucestershire businesses in the past month.
Gloucester Cathedral appoints new chief operating officer and chapter steward
In the midst of 'exciting' projects to preserve its assets and architecture for future generations, Gloucester Cathedral has appointed an experienced finance, property and HR manager as its new chief operating officer and chapter steward.
Barry McMaster takes on the most senior non-ordained position at the cathedral this spring 2025, supporting the Dean of Gloucester with the management of all operational aspects of cathedral life.
His responsibilities will include staffing, property and finance as the cathedral undertakes key projects to restore and conserve its historic organ and iconic medieval cloisters, as well as helping in the delivery of the cathedral’s overall mission and strategy.
Savills' Cotswolds branch sales team members promoted to director positions
Three residential sales agents working across the Cotswolds have been promoted to directors at Savills, with a further associate director being appointed within the agency's Cheltenham team.
Catherine Scandrett, based in Banbury, Zoe White, who works in the Oxford office and Plum Fenton, who heads up the firm's country department in the Cotswolds, have all been promoted to director positions.
Additionally, Omer Basharat is appointed to associate director for the Savills residential development sales team in Cheltenham.
Charles Russell Speechlys rewards 'top drawer' Cheltenham staff with senior promotions
A new partner and senior associate have been appointed at the Cheltenham office of Charles Russell Speechlys, following a year of sustained growth for the international law firm.
Dispute resolution lawyer Claudine Morgan has been promoted to partner; and Briony Richards from the employment team becomes a senior associate, this April 2025.
The appointments come as part of a raft of senior promotions across the firm worldwide, rewarding those who have played significant roles in helping it reach its strategic goal of becoming the 'world's leading' international law firm focusing on private capital.
New south west chair appointed to Federation of Small Businesses
One of the UK's largest business networking groups, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has appointed a new chairperson to its south west branch.
Ramona Obafemi, who is based in Bristol, will act as regional chair for the whole of the south west region covering Gloucestershire, Bristol, Bath, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall and will lead volunteer activity for the area, too.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, the FSB supports and represents small businesses and self-employed individuals, giving them access to business services such as financial advice and legal support, alongside regular networking events for its members.
Cirencester's Téatro Bar & Restaurant welcomes new head chef
One of Cirencester's best loved restaurants, Téatro announced the appointment of its experienced new head chef this April 2025.
Well-travelled head chef Shay Briscoe takes over the kitchen at the Cotswolds restaurant, delivering new à la carte and alfresco menus inspired by his experience of cooking in kitchens around the world.
Originally from Stroud, Shay returns to the Cotswolds in 2025 after years spent working across the UK, in Canada and even on a tiny Norwegian island, with a career highlight being his time in charge of the kitchen at Canva’s UK headquarters, where he created a new menu inspired by a different country every day.
Jackson-Stops Cheltenham appoints new sales director
A new sales director has been appointed at the Cheltenham office of residential property agency Jackson-Stops, with a view to growing the firm's reach in the Cotswolds.
Sophia Binns joins the firm this April 2025, bringing six years of experience in the property industry from previous roles at respected firms Andrews, Perry Bishop and Savills, where she first worked alongside Jackson-Stops Cheltenham director, Chris Jarrett.
In her new role, Sophia will bring 'a dynamic blend of professionalism, drive and local market expertise' to expanding the agency's reach, the firm says, as well as developing client relationships, leading sales strategies and supporting the wider team’s growth and success.
Cheltenham BID hires new business and projects managers
Cheltenham BID — the organisation which runs the town's business improvement district — has appointed two new managers to head up its projects, events and business engagement teams.
Jim Hugill joins as project and events manager and will lead Cheltenham BID’s initiatives, working closely with businesses to identify and implement projects that enhance the town.
And James Bailey joins the BID as its new business engagement manager and will work on helping local businesses feel supported, represented and valued, as the organisation prepares for a renewal ballot in autumn 2025.
Redcliffe Homes hires first ever chief operating officer
Redcliffe Homes, an award-winning independent house builder based in South Gloucestershire, has appointed Jon Burcombe to become its first chief operating officer in a move towards 'ambitious expansion plans'.
The strategic change in the company's structure is a part of an objective to 'fuel the growth needed to meet market demand for high-quality new homes' in the south west.
Chief executive Tom O'Connor said that Jon's 'wide experience of house building, commercial acumen and the high regard and respect he holds made him the obvious choice' for the COO role.
Former UK defence secretary appointed to board of Gloucester-headquartered AIS
One of Britain and NATO's longest serving defence secretaries, Sir Ben Wallace, has been appointed to the board of Gloucester-headquartered AIS, a global supplier of insulation and protection materials for energy and industry.
Sir Ben, a Conservative MP from 2005 to 2024 and UK defence secretary from 2019 to 2023, joins the AIS board as a non-executive director to help guide the firm's direction and accelerate growth.
The firm says Sir Ben brings an 'extensive' understanding of innovation in defence and national security, along with strong government and commercial relationships.
Golden Valley construction head joins the board at Cheltenham BID
The construction head leading on Cheltenham Borough Council's £1 billion Golden Valley project, along with several other key developments in the borough, has joined the board at Cheltenham BID.
Richard King joins the business improvement district this April 2025, with a view to helping to make the town 'an even better place to live and work'.
A Cheltenham local, Richard brings over 30 years of experience in property and social housing; and will be responsible for overseeing the BID's strategic direction in his new role as board member.
