Gloucestershire's leading lifestyle awards are returning for the sixth year in June 2023, with 191 lifestyle businesses from across the county shortlisted and over 25,000 votes cast — and winners set to be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dunkertons Organic Cider near Cheltenham on Thursday 29 June 2023.
The treats are getting better and better every year and 2023 is no exception. Collaborating with 16 local organisations, SoGlos has packed 350 goody bags to be handed out to all the fantastic finalists on the night — and for those who just can't wait to discover what's inside, here's what attendees can look forward to...
Organic craft beer from Stroud Brewery
A firm favourite from previous SoGlos goody bags, Stroud Brewery has generously supplied 350 cans of its crisp craft beer for our nominees. Founded in 2006, Stroud Brewery is committed to making delicious, organic beer and inspiring positive change for people and the planet, with its award-winning beer sure to hit the spot when raising a toast to our fantastic finalists!
Rainbow shoelaces from Active Gloucestershire
With inclusivity at the heart of everything it does, Active Gloucestershire encourages movement for all and is this year's Charity of the Year sponsor. With a proud nod to pride month, it's including a set of rainbow shoelaces in this year's goody bag, giving guests a fun accessory to wear on their next run, jog or walk.
Lozenges from LanesHealth
LanesHealth is putting packs of its Jakemans sugar free menthol lozenges into SGGLA goody bags this year, with a variety of tasty flavours to try that are ideal for soothing sore throats after an evening of cheering for the winners! The family-run healthcare expert is committed to producing high-quality products, enabling people to live better.
Hair styling clay from SLG Brands
International beauty brand company, SLG Brands, is giving SGGLA finalists a chance to try out some of its bestselling Johnny's Chop Shop Barbers products, gifting SoGlos mini pots of its Wild Cat Hair Clay, to keep that awards-ready do in place all night!
Coffee from Fire & Flow Coffee Roasters
Perfect for a pick-me-up the morning after the awards, Fire & Flow Coffee Roasters has supplied SoGlos with sample packs of its distinctive Aurora blend of cafetiere coffee for this year's goody bag. With its beans roasted here in the Cotswolds, the company is on a mission to consciously source and produce superb specialty coffee, selling products wholesale as well as in its own coffee shop in Cirencester.
Cider from Westons Cider
Westons Cider is providing SoGlos with cans of its bestselling Stowford Press medium-dry cider to say 'cheers' to all the SGGLA finalists this year. This refreshing cider is made from home-pressed apples sourced within a 50-mile radius of its Herefordshire cider mill.
Crisps from Truffle Hunter
A delicious offering from Cotswolds-based Truffle Hunter, SGGLA finalists can tuck into a 125g bag of its gourmet crisps. Not your average salt and vinegar, these high-class snacks come in a range of flavours from classic black truffle to white truffle and lobster — so taste buds are in for a real treat!
Bottle opener from ReformIT
A handy helper at everything from parties to picnics in the park, crack open a cold one this summer with a branded bottle opener from Cheltenham-based ReformIT. Its team works hard to offer comprehensive IT management support to businesses across the county, as well as sponsoring the 2023 Independent Retailer of the Year award, to show its appreciation for Gloucestershire's fantastic local businesses. Cheers to that!
Flavoured rapeseed oil from Cotswold Gold
Made from crops grown on Cotswold Gold's family farm in Broadway, its extra virgin cold pressed rapeseed oil provides a delicious addition to any meal. SGGLA guests can take home a 100ml bottle of its rapeseed oil infused with a variety of flavours from fiery chilli and fragrant garlic to sweet, aromatic basil.
Umbrella from Montrose Group
Ideal for the unpredictable great British summertime, Chipping Campden-based Montrose Group is ensuring SGGLA guests are prepared come rain or shine, popping a handy foldable umbrella into this year's goody bag. The property development company is also sponsoring the Independent School of the Year award, celebrating Gloucestershire's most prestigious education establishments.
Stress ball from Cheltenham College
It can be a nail-biting wait for our finalists to find out whether they've scooped a coveted SGGLA trophy — thankfully Cheltenham College has the answer to life's stressful moments with one of its bright pink stress balls included in this year's goody bag. As well as making sure those feelings of overwhelm are met with the healthy coping mechanism of giving something a good squeeze, the UK's Independent Boarding School of the Year 2022/2023 is also sponsoring the Outstanding Contribution award.
Seed stick from Hazlewoods
Leading Gloucestershire accounting firm Hazlewoods is promising to grow more than finances, with the firm packing a seed stick in this year's SGGLA goody bag so finalists can see their garden bloom, too. Hazlewoods is also sponsoring Food/Drink Producer of the Year, showing its commitment to helping Gloucestershire's businesses grow.
Tote bag from Nimble Elearning
We're firm believers that you can never have enough tote bags — and the energetic team at Nimble Elearning have our finalists covered with 350 convenient cotton bags going into the SGGLA goody bag this year. As well as creating a plethora of helpful tools and online courses to help local businesses thrive, Nimble is also sponsoring our Family Day Out of the Year award.
Luxury tea from Born Wild
Born Wild is gifting SGGLA guests a gorgeous blend of raspberry, hibiscus, lemongrass, apple, goji berry and coconut tea in this year's goody bag. Ideal for iced tea, this herbal blend is naturally caffeine free — great for calming any nerves after an exciting evening at the ceremony!
Gin from Fox's Kiln Distillery
Completing the trio of alcoholic offerings in this year's bag of goodies is a miniature bottle of handcrafted gin or vodka from Fox's Kiln Distillery. With a proud heritage dating back to the 1800s, Fox's Kiln Gins are distilled at Gloucester Docks in a former malthouse, using a handpicked selection of exotic and aromatic botanicals.
Porridge or couscous pot from Wolfys
SGGLA guests can start the day after the night before with a nutritious bowl of Wolfys porridge, with a sample pot of its tasty ready-to-go oats, or prepare some fabulous lunch with a pot of its delicious couscous — both available in the goody bags. Established in Stroud, the traditional preserve producers create flavours including pear and ginger or coconut and lime porridge; and garlic and herb or root vegetable couscous — yum!
