5 Gloucestershire businesses that have strengthened with senior appointments this March 2025

With one eye on the chancellor's spring statement this March 2025, several Gloucestershire businesses pushed ahead with their own plans for growth, with the addition of top talent to their senior teams.

From the person responsible for the safety of the next generation of airline pilots, to the director improving in-store experience for a renowned Gloucestershire-based retail brand, SoGlos rounds up five of the most noteworthy business hires from the past month.

Hazlewoods appoints lead for new Bristol office as it targets regional growth

Independent Gloucestershire accountancy, tax, audit and business advisory firm, Hazlewoods, is expanding its already significant presence in the south west with a new Bristol office this March 2025.

And the firm has appointed Becki Copping, a partner in its corporate services team and Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2025 judge, as lead for the area.

Becki, who has over 20 years of experience and started her career at EY in Bristol before moving to Hazlewoods, is tasked with spearheading the firm's planned growth in Bristol. She will be in her new role alongside managing partner James Morter, COO Phil Lane and partner Daniel Bond, who are all well-known in the city's business community.

New retail director appointed at Gloucestershire-based kitchenware brand ProCook

Gloucestershire-headquartered kitchenware brand ProCook has appointed a new retail director to its senior team, with a view to enhancing the in-store experience for customers.

Joe Pennington joins the firm this March 2025 to help 'shape the future' of its retail operations, bringing 'a strong track record' for leadership across store networks having previously held key roles at renowned brands like Ralph Lauren, Topshop and Charles Tyrwhitt.

In his new role, Joe will oversee ProCook's retail strategy, building its in-store presence to boost customer experience, as well as supporting its 'ambitious' store expansion plans.

New CEO appointed to 'accelerate' growth at Freemans Events Partners

Gloucester-based events firm Freemans Event Partners— which provides services for world-renowned events like the FA Cup and Formula One — has appointed a new CEO as it looks to expand its scope both in the UK and overseas.

Celebrating its 50th year in business, the family firm is looking to the future with the appointment of Matt Luscombe as its new chief executive officer, with current CEO Stephen Freeman pivoting into a new role as executive chairman.

Bringing experience of leading and growing international businesses, Matt will work to implement strategic initiatives to drive Freemans towards its goal of achieving £200 million in turnover in the coming years.

International airline academy Skyborne appoints new head of safety

International airline training academy Skyborne has appointed a new group head of safety, with a view to 'solidifying' its commitment to the safety of its pilots.

The academy, which operates over three bases — at Gloucestershire Airport, in Bournemouth and in Florida in the USA — welcomes experienced aviation safety lead Jack Keegan, to ensure the 'the highest standards' of safety are maintained across its locations.

After nearly two decades working in aviation safety including roles at Bristol, Birmingham and Gloucestershire airports, Jack will be responsible for the development, administration and maintenance of an effective Safety Management System (SMS) across Skyborne’s global operations in his new role.

Cheltenham Racecourse owner The Jockey Club appoints new group chief executive

The owner and operator of Cheltenham Racecourse, The Jockey Club, announces the appointment of its new group chief executive this March 2025.

Jim Mullen joins British horseracing's largest commercial organisation and employer from UK and Ireland news publisher Reach Plc, where he has been chief executive since 2019.

A lifelong horseracing fan who has previously held senior roles with some of the UK's best known gambling firms, Jim will take up his new role with The Jockey Club in June 2025.