Gloucestershire is home to some incredible companies being run by inspirational female leaders, holding their own in male-dominated industries and making a big impact on the business community.
In this hot list, SoGlos highlights a selection of female-led businesses in the county, from artisan bakers to directors at world-leading organisations.
AccXel
The Forest of Dean’s AccXel is led by not one, but two inspirational women — CEO Nicola Bird and managing director Natalie Bell.
Co-funded by Nicola and Natalie's family business, KW Bell Group — which Nicola also holds the role of COO within — it opened its doors in 2021 and is the UK's first industry-led construction school.
The aim is to create AccXel schools all over the country in a bid to tackle the construction industry’s skills shortage — and in October 2024 it announced it had been selected to deliver bespoke programmes for trainees with Wates Group, one of the UK's largest construction companies.
Paradise Tattoo Studio
A big winner at the 2024 Gloucestershire Business Awards, Paradise Tattoo Studio in Cheltenham is not your average tattoo studio.
The Paradise team is changing lives through its 3D areola-nipple tattooing service, aimed at helping breast cancer survivors after mastectomy surgery and breast reconstruction, as well as the transgender and non-binary community in their transition journey.
Female-led, the studio is owned by tattoo artist Tanya Buxton, who also founded the Mastectomy Tattooing Alliance in 2021, an organisation that provides information and funding for mastectomy tattoos.
Cheltenham Festivals
The world-famous Cheltenham Festivals announced a new management structure in 2021, with three women appointed to senior management positions – Ali Mawle as joint CEO, Helena Bibby as director of people and Suzanne Ross as director of finance.
Along with co-CEO, Ian George, the three-female-strong team aims to remove barriers to culture in the local community, share culture globally and harness the power of innovative new technology.
Another inspirational businesswoman, Gloucestershire Business Awards Outstanding Contribution to Business in Gloucestershire winner, Dr Diane Savory, is chair of Cheltenham Festivals, too.
Cotswold Farm Park
The home of BBC Countryfile presenter and farmer Adam Henson, Cotswold Farm Park has a collection of over 50 breeds of rare and native farm animals — opening its doors daily to families across Gloucestershire and beyond.
Kate Lord was announced as the new CEO for the farm park in January 2025, after more than a decade spent as a driving force behind its success.
She joined as operations manager in 2011 and, alongside her work at the farm park, plays a role in advancing best practice and innovation across the farming sector as a board member of the National Farm Attractions Network (NFAN).
Prima Dental
Headquartered in Gloucester, Prima Dental is a leading manufacturer of dental instruments and equipment — and Justina Gordon was appointed as a director in 2023.
The company saw another successful year of significant carbon and waste reduction, as well as further global expansion, in 2024 and secured its third King's Award for International Trade in October of last year.
Its focus on reducing its environmental impact was further recognised at the 2024 Gloucestershire Business Awards, with Prima Dental taking home the Green Business of the Year award at the showstopping ceremony at Hartpury University.
Sibling Distillery
Sisters Cicely and Clarice Elliot-Berry form half of the Sibling Distillery team, with the family creating and bottling their spirits themselves at their Cheltenham distillery.
The company was founded when the sisters were in their twenties, so it has one of the world’s youngest distilling teams.
Its artisan gins quickly became award-winners, receiving the maximum of three stars in the Great Taste Awards in 2015.
Cheltenham BID
As of May 2024, a fresh face took over the helm at Cheltenham BID — Bristol BID, Bristol City Centre BID, Broadmead BID and Redcliffe and Temple BID's head of projects, Francesca Inman.
The Business Improvement District supports almost 800 levy paying businesses in Cheltenham and has seen £3.8 million invested in the town centre since its formation in 2016. The BID has established several annual events including Cheltenham Food + Drink Week, the ...Around Town programme that brings Cheltenham Festivals to the streets and more.
Francesca is responsible for leading work at the BID — which is in its second term — and has a plan to unlock even more funding for improvement projects that support for levy payers in the town.
Daylesford Organic Farm
One of the UK's most successful organic farms, Daylesford Organic Farm champions regenerative agriculture, animal welfare and environmentally conscious practices, as well as offering high-quality organic produce in its farm shops and cafes in London and the Cotswolds.
Founded with a passion for sustainability and ethical living by Carole Bamford, the Bamford brand has expanded to focus on organic clothing, skincare and holistic wellbeing products.
Its product ranges and initiatives have won numerous awards including an inaugural Green Michelin Star for its Trough Restaurant located near Kingham.
National Star
Originally a care and support worker, Lynette Barrett worked up through the ranks at charitable organisation National Star to become chief operations officer, before taking on the role of CEO in 2022.
Under her leadership, the college in Cheltenham has expanded its services to include long-term residential accommodation for adults with disabilities, alongside continuing to deliver its mission to 'challenge stereotypes, raise aspirations and change attitudes.'
Lynette is also the chair of Natspec, the membership association for organisations offering specialist provision for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Holland Cooper Clothing
Cheltenham-based designer fashion brand Holland Cooper Clothing has gone from strength to strength since its founder, Jade Holland Cooper, started selling tweed miniskirts at the Badminton Horse Trials.
The famous fashion brand — launched in 2008 — has developed a reputation for being a symbol of British craftsmanship, specialising in tweed, outerwear and chic equestrian-inspired clothing and accessories.
It trebled its turnover in 2020, due to huge online growth during the pandemic, before going on to reveal its first childrenswear range, open its flagship boutique at Dunkertons Park and launch online in the US.
Cotswold Security Group
Having spent years working in the male-dominated security industry, Kay Clifton fulfilled her dream of working for herself when she set up Cotswold Security Group in 2017.
The business provides a variety of services to homeowners in Gloucestershire, from keyholding and alarm response to its ‘professional neighbours’ service — and is responsible for a number of well-known buildings and people in the county.
The company has achieved ISO 9001:2015 accreditation and SIA Approved Contractor status, reflecting its to commitment quality and professionalism.
Hetty's Kitchen
The hugely popular, Gloucestershire Lifestyle Award-winning artisan bakery Hetty’s Kitchen, set up by ‘brownie wizard’ Henrietta Kitt, produces some of the best brownies in the county, having a dedicated following of both locals and mail-order customers.
From delivering brownie boxes across the country to creating innovative treats and cooking up delicious brunch dishes at its brand-new location at Gloucester Food Dock, this small foodie business is ever-growing.
Coming from a farming family, Hetty is passionate about using the best quality local ingredients in all of her products — and the proof is in the pudding!
D.C. Merrett & Co
A family-run business in Gloucester, D.C. Merrett was founded by Dave Merrett more than 35 years ago.
Now a Gloucestershire Business Award-winner, the company has grown significantly, with Dave's wife, Kate in the role of both director and secretary since 2002.
A true family affair, their four daughters, Ellie, Jessica, Polly and Hannah — plus one son-in-law — are also integral to the business, working across various departments and pushing it towards even more future success.
