The finalists of the GloucestershireLive Business Awards 2023 have been decided. The annual awards, which are run in association with BusinessLive , have been celebrating the best of business in the county for a quarter of a century.
Article written by Abigail Turner South West Business Editor for Business Live. Photo: GloucestershireLive Business Awards 2023 judges, L-R: Chris Pockett, Abigail Turner, Dawn Burke, Ian Mean, Lizzie Dick, Sam Holliday, Sarah Cook, Tim Watkins, and Joseph Challinor.
Back for the 25th year with headline partner Randall & Payne, the competition was fierce with 141 entries across a range of categories.
This year has been an uncertain one for businesses with inflation continuing to rise and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis coming off the back of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, businesses in the region are overcoming these difficulties and succeeding, and on October 12 at Cheltenham Racecourse we will be celebrating them at the awards ceremony.
The finalists were decided by a panel of judges who gathered at returning headline sponsor Randall & Payne’s offices in Shurdington to review the entries and decide the shortlists.
The judges included:
- Tim Watkins, managing partner, Randall & Payne
- Lizzie Dick, partner success manager, Cyber Security Associates
- Dawn Burke, principal, Newent Community School
- Abi Turner, South West editor, BusinessLive/Reach plc
- Sam Holliday, FSB development manager, Gloucestershire and the West of England
- Sarah Cook, managing director, HR People Support
- Joe Challinor, director, X-Press Legal Services – Gloucestershire
- Ian Mean, director of Gloucestershire Chamber – Business West
- Chris Pockett, head of communications, Renishaw
After a few hours of discussion, the finalists for each category were decided.
Tim Watkins, head judge and managing partner of Randall & Payne, said: “Once again, it’s been an honour to judge the entries and discover more about the incredible businesses we have here in Gloucestershire. Congratulations to all those who have made the shortlist, and there are many who have just missed out who should be proud of their achievements too.”
Finalists of the GloucestershireLive Business Awards 2023
Small Business of the Year, sponsored by WSP Solicitors
Bolthole Retreats
Glevum Security Ltd
Optimising IT
ORIGINAL
Rugrats and half pints
Environmental and Sustainability Award, in partnership with SSE Energy Solutions
Gardiner Bros & Co (Leathers) Ltd
G-TEKT Europe Manufacturing(G-TEM) Ltd
ProCook Ltd
Innovation Award, in partnership with Spirax Sarco
Cotswold Ice Creams
Journey Hospitality
Nicks & Company ( Timber) Ltd
Best Place to Work, in partnership with HR People Support
Forge Motorsport
Gloucester City Homes
Ontic
Spirax Sarco Ltd
Growth Award, in partnership with Business West
Bolthole Retreats
Gardiner Bros & Co (Leathers) Ltd
Rugrats and half pints
Rising Star, in partnership with Renishaw
Charlie Savage, RAU
Jozef Nixon (Apprentice) – North Tower Consulting Ltd
Lewis Abbott, Plus Music PR
Business of the Year, in partnership with Randall & Payne
Gardiner Bros & Co (Leathers) Ltd
G-TEKT Europe Manufacturing (G-TEM) lTD
Rugrats and half pints
Business Person of the Year, in partnership with Newent Community School
Caroline Bevan – Rugrats and Half Pints
Laurie Bell – Cheltenham Trust
Nick Pritchard – North Tower Consulting Ltd
Tanya Buxton – Paradise Tattoo Studios
Unsung Hero
Ann Price, Newent Community School
Kester Birch, Wycliffe College
Vladena Vasasylieva, Nomadic UK
Made in Britain Award, in partnership with Cyber Security Associates
Forge Motorsport (Forge Engineering)
G-TEKT Europe Manufacturing (G-TEM) lTD
The Traffic Group
Charity of the Year
Hollie Gazzard Trust
National Star
Severn Area Rescue Association
Outstanding Contribution
This award recognises an immense, sustained contribution to business, society and the community across a number of years, with the winner to be announced at the event.
Congratulations to all the finalists. We look forward to celebrating with the finalists and sponsors at our Finalists Evening early September.
Tickets for the 25th anniversary event are on sale for £90 + VAT, with tables available from £870 + VAT. A drinks reception and a gala two-course dinner are included in the price. For more information on how to purchase tickets, please visit the event’s website.
