Thank you to our Judges for 2025

Meet our expert panel of judges for the C2S Business Awards 2025.

A huge thank you to our 40 judges that took part in the C2S Awads 2025. They dedicated the time to read through all the entries, a huge and difficult task as the standard of entries was so high.

The judges were looking for individuals and organisations who had achieved great success. Whether that be through leadership, training, innovation, growth, people, community, culture, diversity, or sustainability – these awards recognise and celebrate hard work and achievement.

The judges were keen to understand each entrant’s journey — what they had achieved, the changes and improvements they had implemented, and how they had navigated key challenges such technological change, business growth, and people-related issues.

Abiola Ishola

HR and Compliance Officer at First Thought Care Services

Abiola worked as a part-time support worker during her postgraduate studies at the peak of the pandemic and saw the struggles people went through, which made her more motivated to help. After she completed her second master’s degree in Management with Human Resources, she decided to focus her career in Health & Social Care. She knew that was the sector she wanted to go into to ensure that the best of hands are recruited and managed to care for service users. Coming from working previously in the management team of three healthcare companies, she began her journey with FTCS recently and is excited for the future with the business.

Alex Grant

Sustainability Engagement Manager for Grundon

Alex joined Grundon in 2014, aged 24. Since then, she has received four promotions taking her from Sales through Contract Management and into her current role, Sustainability Manager. Alex is currently studying with the Institute of Sustainability Studies with hopes to achieve a Diploma in ‘Business Sustainability’ by the end of the year.

Day-to-day, Alex works with Grundon’s commercial customer base to identify and implement innovative solutions and service offerings that aid them in their environment and sustainability targets.

Anna Tandy

Head of Customer Service at Laithwaites

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Andrew Harris

Head of Customer Service and Sales at Laithwaites

I have worked for Laithwaites for over 20 years and currently look after our World Class Customer Service Teams as well as 100 strong team of Wine Guides who help customers to make the most of our wine range.

I am lucky enough to have worked in our US Business where I helped setup a new Contact Centre. Laithwaites is rightly regarded as one of the best businesses in the world for delivering excellent customer service and we have won numerous awards to support our strategy.

We are also a member of the Institute of Customer Service and are one of only 14 companies to have earned their Service Mark with Distinction Award.

Andy Hawker

Head of Logistics at Laithwaites

I am lucky enough to have worked for Laithwaites Wine the biggest wine merchant in the UK and even better is working for such a great family business these past 21 years where everyone is treated like family.

During this time I have worked in various positions prior to heading up all the UK Logistics and was part of the initial migration project of all our UK operations to Gloucester in 2007.

Logistics is about bringing different teams of people together, to turn Customer Marketing Offers into reality, working with great suppliers that care and believe in our vision and developing a 300 strong Warehouse team with the capability to deliver amazing service all year round.

Becky Hudson

Audit Partner at Azets

Becky is an Audit Partner within our Gloucester office, she joined the firm in 2005 and after qualifying as an accountant in 2012 has progressed through the firm and has since been promoted to Partner.

Becky works closely alongside her portfolio of clients who tend to be private limited companies, ranging from single entities to larger groups. Becky is also a member of Azets Audit Technical Board and National Audit Group, enabling her to stay ahead of industry changes and have direct input to the Azets audit strategy. Becky is passionate about providing hands on, personable services to all her clients that are of the highest quality.

Cordell Ray

Chief Executive of CCP, Caring for Communities and People

Having joined Caring for Communities & People (CCP) as a support worker in 1999, I have been Chief Executive of the charity for the last 18 years. CCP’s vision is to prevent the causes and reduce the effects of homelessness, family breakdown and exclusion. I am driven by a desire to create positive social impact, and passionately believe we can all add value by doing something extra, every day.

Chris Mould

Partner at Crowe UK

I am a Partner based in Crowe’s Cheltenham office focussing on audit and assurance. My clients tend to be companies and groups in diverse sectors. I have a particular specialism in manufacturing; a sector I have been close to since my trainee days in the industrial West Midlands.

Chris Parsons

Head of Planning at Golley Slater

Chris is a seasoned marketing professional with over 20 years’ experience working in-depth across the entire marketing landscape. He has significant experience in planning, audience-specific strategy, deploying multi-channel campaigns, CRM systems, digital (web, email, social, PPC, SEO) & MI reporting. His diverse B2B and B2C background spans various sectors, including retail, financial services, and renewable energy. As well as extensive agency experience, Chris has worked client-side in multinationals, start-ups and SME’s – working directly with business owners and C-suite to help them achieve real, measurable business growth.”

Chris Pockett

Head of Communications at Renishaw

In over 30 years with global engineering business, Renishaw, Chris has held a variety of commercial roles, gaining experience in areas including global branding, international exhibitions, international marketing communications, sales administration and distribution logistics. He is also a Six Sigma Green Belt.

His current responsibilities include corporate communications, internal communications and investor relations. Chris is also a company spokesperson and Vice-Chair of the company’s Charities Committee.

He is a Board member of the Manufacturing Technologies Association and Chair of the association’s Exhibition Committee, which is responsible for overseeing the organisation of MACH, the UK’s national show for the manufacturing technologies sector.

Colin Beard

Owner and Director of Prosperity Care and Wellbeing

Micro businesses play a crucial role in driving innovation, supporting communities, and shaping industries. Their agility, passion, and determination are truly inspiring. As a sponsor of this award, we celebrate the ambition and perseverance of those who turn ideas into reality, overcome challenges, and create lasting impact. Every entry is a reflection of hard work, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, and we are proud to support and recognize these achievements. This is your moment to showcase your success and inspire others—so share your story with confidence. Having been on this journey myself I fully appreciate the hard work and dedication it takes to start a business, and we wish you all good luck and continued success.

Connor Harries

Head of Employee Benefits at Switch Health

Connor joined Switch Health in February 2024 and was quickly promoted to Head of Employee Benefits 2 months later.

With a background in Leadership Development, Connor has worked with businesses all over the world to enhance their employee offerings, giving him a great insight into how companies can best attract and retain top talent.

Connor heads up the Employee Benefits Team and has led them to winning the Employee Benefits Intermediary of the Year Award 2024.

Daniel Chun

Director of Social Value and Engagement at CCP

Daniel began his journey at CCP as a volunteer passionate about services tackling inequality. Since then he has managed the growth of CCP’s volunteering programme and supported other organisations with their volunteering strategies via Volunteering Gloucestershire and Involve Gloucestershire. As Director of Social Value and Engagement, he is devoted to supporting and developing our growing workforce, creating opportunities through volunteering and student engagement and engaging new partners to support our mission.

Dave Giles

Managing Director of Abbey Business Interiors

Dave has over 30 years’ experience within the office interiors industry having joined Abbey in 1991 as a sales consultant, progressing through the business to Managing Director in 2015. Dave, has paved his way in the industry, delivering large scale projects and building long-term industry knowledge and relationships. Abbey’s office may be based in Cheltenham but the team work nationally to deliver small and medium sized projects right through to larger projects that have scale and complexity. The team, work across FF&E, hospitality interiors, project management, moves, CAD planning and fit-out and refurbishment with the main aim of creating people, inspired spaces.

Dawn Morgan

Business Development Manager, Employer Training and Apprenticeships at Gloucestershire College

Dawn an experienced and qualified marketing and sales professional with a demonstrated history of working in the Electrical and Electronic Manufacturing industry and Financial sector has been with Gloucestershire College for 6 years. Using her passion and commitment to training people, Dawn leads the business development team, working with over 1000 businesses within the region to help them find the right apprenticeship pathway to assist business growth, support staff retention and aid succession planning.

Ed Mawle

Senior Investment Director at TrinityBridge

Emma forged a career in HR following a postgraduate management programme at Majestic Wine, where she held roles in retail management and as a product trainer. With 15 years’ experience in HR, Emma is dedicated to empowering an equitable working culture at Spirax Sarco, where all colleagues can be themselves and achieve their full potential.

Emma Summers

CEO & Founder Of Juice Recruitment Ltd

On establishing Juice in 1998, Emma set upon creating an agency that was dynamic, innovative and set the benchmark in terms of standards, service delivery and relationships.

25 years on, Emma is so proud of what has been achieved and even more excited about Juice’s future plans. With a fantastic team, a great portfolio of offices and a brand that is fresh and unique in the market, Juice’s future is exciting!

Gemma Cox

Head of HR and Social Value at Barnwood Ltd

With over 18 years of experience in human resources, Gemma is a passionate and dedicated HR Manager at Barnwood. She has a CIPD qualification and a strong background in hospitality, having previously worked as an HR Manager at Gloucestershire Airport and Ellenborough Park, a luxury hotel that she helped to open in 2011. She has developed and implemented effective HR policies and practices that support the growth, development, and well-being of the employees and the organisation. She has also managed and resolved complex employee relations issues, ensured compliance with employment laws and regulations, and facilitated training and development programs. Her core competencies include employee engagement, performance management, and retention. She is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and positive work culture that aligns with the vision and values of Barnwood. She enjoys collaborating with the senior management and the HR team to deliver strategic and operational HR solutions that enhance the performance and productivity of the business.

Hannah Dadge

Head of Education at First Thought Care Services

Hannah joined First Thought Care Services as a Service Manager, bringing with her extensive experience in the care sector. Her journey began with a career shift that sparked her passion for supporting individuals with mental health challenges and learning difficulties. Over the years, she has progressed from a support worker to a Registered Home Manager, with experience in both domiciliary and residential care settings. At First Thought Care Services, she leads the education at the Alternative Provision. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of those she supports, and seeing them grow and achieve is incredibly rewarding. She is excited to continue her journey with First Thought Care Services, contributing to the growth and success of the team and the people they support.

Heather Westgate

Managing Director at We Are Marketing

Award winning marketing expert, working with businesses to truly identify their existing and prospective audiences. Developing messages that resonate, at a relevant time in the most appropriate media channel, increasing business performance ROI.

30 years’ experience in B2B, financial services, charity, not for profit and retail sectors

30+ Industry Awards, including DMA Award – Excellence in Working Practices

Industry Judge – DMA Awards, B2B Awards, IDM, Money Marketing, Campaign Big Awards, DMA Young Direct Marketer, C2S Awards

Chair of the DMA Awards and member of the DMA Awards Committee for over 15 years, Honorary Life Patron of the IDM

Business Mentor, Enterprise Nation and The Growth Hub, Tewkesbury. Mentor and Coach to University Students, Patron of the Graham Robertson Trust, Advisor to the Big Book Crit, Member of the Heritage Lottery Fund Project Advisory Group

Jack Chandler

Founder & CEO at Switch Health

Jack has dedicated over 15 years to the health insurance industry, culminating in the founding of Switch Health Limited in 2015. Starting with just £750 and operating from his garage, Jack’s vision was to revolutionise the health insurance landscape. With determination and a commitment to excellence, he utilised data-driven strategies to grow the business and better serve his clients. Fast forward to 2024, Switch Health has transformed into a thriving enterprise with a dedicated team of 25 professionals. Now headquartered in a beautiful office on the Promenade in Cheltenham, the company continues to prioritise customer satisfaction and innovative solutions.

Jack’s journey reflects the power of perseverance and visionary leadership, demonstrating how a small idea can blossom into a successful business that makes a significant impact in the health insurance sector. Outside of work, Jack enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the great outdoors.

Jacques Herbst

Finance Director at Abbey Business Interiors

Jasmine Taylor

Nationa Conference and Events Sales Manager

Josh Isaac

Co-owner and Finance Director of Prosperity Care and Wellbeing

Micro businesses are the backbone of innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. As a judge, I am continually inspired by the dedication, creativity, and determination of micro businesses that make a big impact. Your ability to adapt, overcome challenges, and drive forward with passion is what sets you apart. This award celebrates not just success but the boldness to take risks, the commitment to excellence, and the vision to shape the future. Every entry is a testament to the power of micro businesses in creating meaningful change. Prosperity Care and Wellbeing started off as a micro business and we now employ over 300 people. We are proud and delighted to sponsor this category and wish you all good luck.

Jemma Jones

Partner and Head of Family at BPE Solicitors

Jemma has been a family lawyer for over 15 years and has spent the last 12 of those years at BPE Solicitors in Cheltenham. She is passionate about helping her clients through transitional periods in their lives and is particularly known for her work in cases involving children. Jemma now heads up the family team at BPE and is active as a leader in the business as a whole of which she is very proud. She is also involved in charity work and is a trustee of two local charities as well as a volunteer for Read With Me that helps children in schools across Gloucestershire.

Julie Brunton

Regional Manager at First Thought Care Services

Julie has been working in Health & Social Care for 18 years. She started out her career as a support worker and has worked for both the NHS and the private sector. She has stayed mainly in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities settings throughout her career.

She believes family is everything, and helping the ones that need it. That’s what First Thought Care Services is all about.

Julie Tegg

Director, Employer Training & Apprenticeships at Gloucestershire College

Julie, a qualified school business manager with a strong background in corporate banking and national retail operations, joined the College 11 years ago and has been a driving force for apprenticeships in Gloucestershire. The experienced and inspiring senior leader, she is highly skilled in improving apprenticeship performance, achievement rates and destinations; designing new training programmes and pathways that are relevant, responsive and flexible; and forming new partnerships through unrivalled employer engagement – all underpinned by apprentices’ and employers’ end goal of achievement and growth.

Kelly McGregor

Regional Executive at Adsmart from Sky

Louise Roberts

Conference and Events Marketing Manager at The Jockey Club

Lucy Wood

Project Director at We Are Marketing

An experience strategic marketeer, with over 25 years’ marketing experience in B2B, B2C, Financial Services, Retail, Charity and Not For Profit.

Martyn Freeman

Director – Banking and Finance at Azets

Martyn is a Director within the Banking & Finance team assisting SME owners and managers in all aspects of finance, whether funding growth or dealing with other challenges within the business.

Prior to joining, Martyn spent 20 years in the finance sector, including 10 years working in the Commercial banking arena for a High Street bank supporting SME businesses across a wide variety of sectors, & 7 years for a leading Asset Finance Company advising Businesses on how best to manage their Capital Expenditure Plans. Within the role Martyn supports clients with all aspects of raising funds via the banks and other lenders, reviewing existing banking facilities and also providing general business advisory services working alongside the other specialist areas within the firm.

Nick Latimer

Partner at Crowe UK

I am a Partner based in Crowe’s Cheltenham office focussing on taxation. My client portfolio encompasses private individuals, entrepreneurs and family businesses. I advise on business structuring, all aspects of personal taxation and trusts, succession issues and specific issues for globally mobile individuals.

Peter Cook

Maintainance Manager at First Thought Care Services

Peter Cook is the dedicated Maintenance Manager at First Thought Care Services, where his commitment to safety, reliability, and compassion plays a crucial role in supporting vulnerable individuals. With an unwavering attention to detail and a proactive approach, Peter ensures that every care environment is not only compliant but also welcoming and comfortable for both staff and service users. His work often goes unseen but never unnoticed—his prompt responses, creative problem-solving, and deep sense of responsibility make him an invaluable part of the team. Peter embodies the ethos of First Thought Care Services, contributing significantly to its mission of delivering high-quality, person-centred care.

Rebecca Harris

Customer Experience Manager at Laithwaites

I’ve been part of the Laithwaites family since 2001 and have a genuine passion for wine, great customer service and getting things right.

I look after our Voice of the Customer program ensuring that our customers are heard and that if there is an opportunity for improvement, it’s made.

A great part of my job is to highlight the amazing reviews our customers leave us on TrustPilot which cement the passion and hard work we all put in to make sure our customers receive award-winning service.

I also review our Customer Journeys from placing an order to delivery to see if there are ways we can make experiences even better. Working closely with our carriers ensures the delivery experience mirrors the service customers expect from us.

Richard Markey

Managing Director of Lease Electric

After spending eight years with the car manufacturer, Mitsubishi Motors, where Richard held multiple roles across different departments before concluding his journey as Head of Product Planning and UK/EU Vehicle Homologation, he decided to pursue his vision of establishing a climate-positive leasing service when Mitsubishi exited the UK market.

In 2020, Richard established Fleet Electric, leveraging his experience and connections within the leasing industry, the Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), the Department for Transport (DfT), and electric vehicle charging manufacturers to guide businesses in adopting electric cars and vans.

In April 2024, Fleet Electric underwent a rebranding to “Lease Electric,” highlighting Richard’s dedication to providing accessible electric vehicle leasing solutions and taking additional steps to ensure we have a positive impact on our climate.

Simon Carey

CEO of Barnwood Ltd

Simon Carey is the Chief Executive Officer of the Barnwood Group, a prestigious employee-owned company rooted in Gloucester with over 60 years of legacy in the construction and fit-out sectors. Under his leadership, the Barnwood Group continues to flourish, employing more than 215 dedicated professionals.

Simon’s journey with Barnwood began in 2004 when he was appointed Managing Director of Construction, stepping in as a successor to the founding Directors. In 2015, he expanded his leadership role as Managing Director of Barnwood Shopfitting.

Over the past 20 years, Simon has been pivotal to the company’s continued success, steadfastly upholding the founding values -The Barnwood Way – rooted in reputation, collaboration, reliability, support, trust, and support.

Sophie Marshall

Client Service Director at Golley Slater

Sophie is passionate about understanding the unique challenges and goals of each business she works with. She excels at building dynamic teams that help clients expand their prospects, engage and retain customers, and ultimately boost sales and ROI. With over 20 years’ experience across various sectors, Sophie brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in crafting successful marketing strategies for businesses of all sizes. She is dedicated to delivering results that make a real impact and takes great joy in seeing her clients succeed.

Stuart Hesk

Director of Heating at Hewer Facilities Management

Stuart Hesk serves as the Director of Heating at Hewer Facilities Management, a prominent provider specialising in Heating, Plumbing, Renewables, Electrical, Mechanical & Electrical, and design services. With a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry, Stuart has played a pivotal role in fostering innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth within the company.

As a visionary leader, Stuart has worked diligently to enhance Hewer’s culture and values, promoting collaboration and alignment across all departments. His expertise has not only led to the acquisition of new contracts but has also ensured the delivery of exceptional service to a diverse clientele, including private customers, social housing providers, businesses, hospitals, schools, the MOD, and British Gas.

Through his strategic insight and ability to inspire and lead teams, Stuart has positioned Hewer as a trusted partner known for its technical expertise and unwavering commitment to surpassing client expectations. His contributions have solidified Hewer’s reputation as a leader in the industry, setting the standard for excellence in service delivery.

Tabitha Penny

Marketing & Business Development Manager at Hewer Facilities Management

With a wealth of experience in Marketing and Media, Tabitha is the Marketing & Business Development Manager at Hewer Facilities Management. She excels in creating customised marketing strategies that not only foster growth but also yield tangible results.

Tabitha is deeply passionate about impactful and data-driven campaigns, working closely with businesses to align their marketing initiatives with specific objectives. By ensuring that these efforts resonate with target audiences, she helps companies achieve sustainable success.

In her role at Hewer, Tabitha utilises her expertise to bolster market presence, cultivate client relationships, and pinpoint opportunities for growth. Through the implementation of innovative strategies, her role is to drive results that support the long-term success of the business.

Woodrow Hughes

Assistant Manager at Clockwise Cheltenham

Former actor and operatic tenor Woodrow Hughes has expertise in communication and customer service. This has led him to becoming part of the new management team at Clockwise Cheltenham, operating flexible workspaces for businesses in and around Gloucestershire.

Clockwise Cheltenham at Festival House boasts a roof terrace with views of natural beauty spot Leckhampton Hill. There’s plenty of breakout space featuring pieces of art from the Saatchi Gallery, soundproofed booths for private meetings and greenery on every floor. The perfect place for businesses of all sizes.