Winners & Highly Commended 2024
Congratulations to all the Winners & Highly Commended Entries of the C2S Business Awards 2024!
Headline Sponsors
C2S Awards Official Event Programme 2024
Read more about the Winners and Highly Commended for all categories below.
The Official Awards Event programme showcases all about the Sponsors and Finalists of 2024.
Proudly Sponsored By
Best Place to Work Award
The Winner Is…
We’ve been a family-owned Wine seller for over 50 years. We stop at nothing to bring amazing wine to our customers. If there is anything we love more than our wine, it’s our staff and customers (40,000 at last count). We are here to make sure everyone involved enjoys their journey, from every contact, every case packed to every cork that’s popped. We deliver over 2.3 million cases per year and live and breathe these words of wisdom…. ‘Behind every case there’s a customer and behind every bottle there’s a wine maker. Never lose sight of either!’.
We’ve been a family-owned Wine seller for over 50 years. It all started with Tony in 1969, on a University Geography trip to Bourdeaux. Sent to dig up Roman ruins, he found something far more interesting….’real’ wine and the people who make it. Today we have a larger family of winemakers (450 at last count), 40,000 lovely customers and a few more vans! We stop at nothing to bring amazing wine to our customers. If there is anything we love more than our wine, it’s our staff and customers. We are here to make sure everyone involved enjoys their journey, from every contact, every case packed to every cork that’s popped. We deliver over 2.3 million cases per year and live and breathe these words of wisdom…. ‘Behind every case there’s a customer and behind every bottle there’s a wine maker. Never lose sight of either!’
Laithwaites ability to retain its family culture amidst growth is a testament to our core values. We maintain a genuine warmth and familiarity, reminiscent of a tight knit family. We are incredibly proud of our culture at Laithwaites, and have many awards and accreditations to prove how committed we are to our people. Our ethos of ‘Support, nurture and protect like family’ is something we live and breathe. We’re incredibly proud of our workplace and feel it sets the standard for excellence in employee engagement. Our culture is a shining example of how Organisations can prioritise the well-being and satisfaction of their employees.
The Highly Commended Entry Is…
Our CEO, Cheryl, had a unique mission when setting up Wagada Digital in 2011: to build an agency that cares. Fast forward to 2024, and this mission continues to hold strong. At the heart of Wagada Digital remains a set of company values—a commitment to being human, honest, passionate and flexible.
This has built a work environment where every team member feels valued and respected. Offering flexible working, a 4-day week once a month, bespoke training plans and initiatives for employee wellbeing, ensuring manageable workloads and a healthy work-life balance.
We embrace failure, opening prosecco at meetings to discuss how we can do things differently. Our culture fosters both professional growth and personal happiness.
Wagada Digital is an award-winning marketing agency that partners with ambitious in-house marketing managers to achieve business growth goals. With offices in St Albans, London and Cheltenham, our team of digital experts support organisations with tailored marketing solutions. We take a strategic and data-led approach to marketing, and immerse ourselves in a company to collaborate closely. We make the complex simple to deliver success.
Founded in 2011 by Cheryl Luzet as an SEO agency, Wagada Digital has evolved into a full-service digital marketing agency. Our core services include website development, digital marketing, employer branding and HubSpot solutions. We serve clients locally, nationally and globally, ensuring their marketing strategies are cutting-edge and effective.
Wagada Digital is more than just a workplace; it is a community where creativity, passion and expertise come together to make a difference. We are proud to be finalists in the C2S Awards for Best Place to Work and Small Business of the Year categories, reflecting our commitment to excellence in both our client work and our company culture.
Category sponsor
Business of the Year (Small) Award
The Winner Is…
Hooray is an independent award-winning recruitment agency in the heart of Cheltenham. Our recruitment consultants partner with candidates and businesses across Gloucestershire and the whole of the UK, helping to bring the best talent, to the right job.
We have significant experience recruiting office professionals into a wide range of industries such as Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology, FMCG, Health + Education and Professional Services.
Our mission is to deliver a range of bespoke, expert recruitment solutions to our clients and candidates whilst always being committed to sound ethical principles.
We are passionate about making a positive impact on people and believe strongly that businesses as well as non-profit making organisations can be a force for good for the community. As a recruitment agency, we are motivated by introducing good people to good organisations in order that they can contribute positively to the wider society and economy.
We are thrilled to be nominated for The Community Award 2024, and Business of the Year (small) Award. It is a testament to our dedication to responsible business practices in our local community, environment, our people, and supply chain. We are passionate about making a positive impact. from supporting local charities to implementing sustainable practices and fostering an inclusive workplace, our efforts reflect our commitment to being a force for good.
The Highly Commended Entry Is…
Gloucester Brewery is a leading force in the UK’s dynamic brewing scene since our establishment in the heart of Gloucester Docks. We pride ourselves on crafting excellence for both public and trade customers, producing a range of multi-award-winning beers and Fox’s Kiln spirits. Our commitment to quality, community, and sustainability sets us apart as more than just a brewery and distillery; we are a cornerstone of our local community.
At Gloucester Brewery, we believe in creating more than just great beer; we aim to foster a vibrant and inclusive community. Our Warehouse 4 Taproom and beer garden are testament to this ethos, regularly buzzing with activity and filled to capacity. These spaces offer a welcoming environment for locals and visitors alike to explore our flavourful creations. From crisp ales to robust porters and innovative spirits, there’s something to delight every palate. Additionally, our products are widely available in venues across Gloucestershire and beyond, ensuring that our exceptional brews are always close at hand for your enjoyment.
Community involvement is at the heart of everything we do. We actively support local charities and grassroots sports clubs, contributing to the social fabric of our region. Our commitment to inclusivity and community engagement ensures that Gloucester Brewery is a welcoming place for everyone.
Sustainability is a guiding principle at Gloucester Brewery. We prioritise eco-friendly practices to minimise our environmental impact. Our operations are powered by green energy, and we utilise electric vehicles to reduce our carbon footprint. We also take great care in our packaging, using recycled materials wherever possible to promote a circular economy. These efforts reflect our dedication to creating a sustainable future, one delicious brew at a time.
Our range of beers and spirits is as diverse as the community we serve. Each product is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a perfect blend of traditional brewing techniques and modern innovation. Our award-winning offerings have earned us a loyal following, both locally and beyond.
In summary, Gloucester Brewery is not just a producer of outstanding beers and spirits; we are a community hub committed to sustainability and inclusivity. Whether you’re enjoying a pint at our Warehouse 4 Taproom, discovering our products in local venues, or learning about our sustainable practices, we invite you to join us in shaping a brighter future. Experience the unique flavours and vibrant community spirit that define Gloucester Brewery, and be a part of our journey towards excellence and sustainability.
Category sponsor
Business of the Year (Medium) Award
The Winner Is…
SLG is a socially and environmentally conscious international beauty company, recognised as the creator of some of the most fashionable beauty products on the high street.
With over 55,000 points of distribution worldwide, SLG collaborates with leading beauty retailers, fashion brands, celebrities, and influencers, developing brands and product ranges that are either fully owned and operated or licensed.
In recent years, SLG’s dedication to innovation in both product development and marketing has been pivotal to its success, contributing to an expected growth rate (CAGR) of 23% from 2023 to 2026.
In 2021, SLG launched the world’s first haircare brand using entirely sustainable, 100% recyclable and recycled materials, significantly reducing the influx of new plastic into the supply chain.
In 2024, they introduced a brand featuring patented fragrance technology designed to enhance alpha wave activity in the brain, promoting feelings of happiness and addressing the convergence of wellness and beauty trends.
SLG partners with environmental and mental-health charities to raise awareness and funds for the causes underlying these brands.
Leveraging social media marketing, SLG has developed a unique expertise that enabled them to amass over 1 million followers and their social media accounts have become the most followed in their categories, reaching hundreds of millions of consumers globally. SLG was awarded Best Performance by TikTok in 2023 and continues to set industry benchmarks.
SLG was thrilled to be shortlisted in the medium-sized business category in the Circle2Success Awards. For the SLG team, it is a wonderful recognition of the passion and effort they bring to their work each day. For the SLG Board, it underscores the strength of their strategy to pursue growth while prioritizing creativity, innovation, and a set of values that focus on SLG’s stakeholder community.
The Highly Commended Entry Is…
Grundon was founded in 1929, based on a passion and fearless pursuit for improvement, progression and invention – an ethos which is still alive today.
Having been established in Gloucestershire for many years, based out of our centre in Bishop’s Cleeve near Cheltenham, we have recently expanded our footprint in the South West with a new depot in Bristol.
Our comprehensive services help regional businesses and organisations of all sizes to reduce their environmental impact and achieve their sustainability goals.
From our Bristol centre in St Philips we are bringing our reputation for quality waste recycling services to the city’s business community, working closely with large and small companies who recognise the benefits of partnering with a reputable service provider.
Meanwhile the depot at Bishop’s Cleeve, serving business communities in Cheltenham and the surrounding area, continues to lead the way in using advanced technologies to pick and sort materials, using AI to return valuable raw materials to the circular economy.
Sustainability is an inherent feature of the services we provide and we are keen to become a beacon of good practice, leading by example. We are investing significant funds into our eco-friendly fleet, including the purchase of a number of fully electric recycling lorries which have hit the streets of the communities we serve in the past 12 months.
Category sponsor
Business of the Year (Large) Award
The Winner Is…
We’ve been a family-owned Wine seller for over 50 years. We stop at nothing to bring amazing wine to our customers. If there is anything we love more than our wine, it’s our staff and customers (40,000 at last count). We are here to make sure everyone involved enjoys their journey, from every contact, every case packed to every cork that’s popped. We deliver over 2.3 million cases per year and live and breathe these words of wisdom…. ‘Behind every case there’s a customer and behind every bottle there’s a wine maker. Never lose sight of either!’.
We’ve been a family-owned Wine seller for over 50 years. It all started with Tony in 1969, on a University Geography trip to Bourdeaux. Sent to dig up Roman ruins, he found something far more interesting….’real’ wine and the people who make it. Today we have a larger family of winemakers (450 at last count), 40,000 lovely customers and a few more vans! We stop at nothing to bring amazing wine to our customers. If there is anything we love more than our wine, it’s our staff and customers. We are here to make sure everyone involved enjoys their journey, from every contact, every case packed to every cork that’s popped. We deliver over 2.3 million cases per year and live and breathe these words of wisdom…. ‘Behind every case there’s a customer and behind every bottle there’s a wine maker. Never lose sight of either!’
As a local Gloucester employer, our teams are passionate about what they do,from the teams packing ‘Magic in a box’ to our Wine Guides building lasting relationships with loyal customers. Our Customer Service is as award winning as our products, and we pride ourselves on getting things right first time. Sustainability is not just a priority at Laithwaites it has become who we are, striving to make the world of wine a much greener place. We proudly innovate and continuously improve at every opportunity. As a result of this, along with dynamic leadership we have delivered strong financial results over the last 3 years. Our ongoing financial success, product and operational innovation, and commitment to sustainability makes us incredibly proud to be in the running as a Large Business of the year.
The Highly Commended Entry Is…
Commercial are business transformation specialists who inspire the best business to become better, for the benefit of people and the planet, profitability and growth.
Combining industry knowledge and start-of-the-art technology, Commercial’ suite of services has been customised to tackle the challenges of an ever-changing business landscape.
From the biggest issues to the smallest details, they are idea shapers who combine original thinking with proven performance to help businesses adapt and succeed from the inside out.
Commercial’s passion is for being a true disruptor who is not afraid to take brave decisions, whether by challenging buying behaviour or introducing innovation or new concepts.
In the last year campaigns have been launched that aim to provide new and fresh thinking, that inspires clients to make changes that will benefit the triple bottom line: People, planet and profit.
Their Green Audit service, launched in 2023, are aimed at helping clients to rationalise their energy usage and explore ways to adopt renewable energy generation.
Green Audits also encourage clients to look at their procurement processes and explore ways of cutting their scope 3 emissions through the Products with Purpose range of business essentials.
With itemised carbon footprint for each item sold, Commercial aim to ease the process of recording – and cutting – carbon for everyday purchases, allowing clients to make significant savings.
Recent campaigns have encouraged ways to look at IT as the beating heart of an organisation and to make targeted investments in innovative AI and smart technology.
The launch of a new corporate website in the second half of 2023 saw Commercial reposition itself as business transformation specialists, orientating the extraordinary bandwidth of its team around 12 areas of expertise.
Now clients benefit from expertise and fresh-thinking from areas as varied as buying business essentials and printed merchandise, to refitting and redesigning their workspace to meet the needs of modern business and utilising the latest advances in IT.
Commercial is headquartered in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and has bases in Leeds and London, from where a team of 300 hybrid-working staff operate across the UK.
The company has twin ambitions; to hit £100million + revenues by 2025 and to achieve carbon net zero by 2028, 22-years ahead of UK Government targets.
Named on the Financial Times’ list of Europe’s Climate Leaders in 2025, Commercial are rated as gold standard – as one of the top 5% of organisation’s worldwide – by EcoVadis.
Category sponsor
Change Management and Innovation Award
The Winner Is…
G-TEKT Europe Manufacturing Ltd (G-TEM) is an innovative, global company in the design, development, and manufacture of automotive body structures and engineering services. Established in Gloucestershire since 1996, they operate 5 production facilities across the UK and EU, and supply some of the largest and most prestigious automotive brands.
Japanese ethos and working practices have remained part of their heritage for over 25 years, using the skills, know-how, technology, and education from their parent company, the G-TEKT Corporation, to build a reputable brand that focuses on customer satisfaction.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve and adapt to electric vehicle production, G-TEM’s strategic planning and investments have positioned itself as one of the industry’s premier body-in-white suppliers. As part of its proactive approach, G-TEM has bolstered its impressive health and safety record by certifying its management system to the ISO 45001:2018 standard. Through hard work and dedication, their team were able to implement and receive accreditation for this within 18 months and simultaneously across 3 countries, working alongside internal and external stakeholders.
G-TEM has also increased the variety of in-house training programs through their recently achieved IOSH-approved training provider status, allowing its HSE Department to deliver fully accredited IOSH training courses to employees.
These improvements and more have resulted in a complete evolution of their business operations, resulting in major new business awards with long-standing OEMs which will drive further growth to the local economy as well as the company’s future success.
The Highly Commended Entry Is…
Protrack Solutions Limited are the county’s leading fleet management and GPS tracking provider that specialise in vehicle location, connected dash cameras, electronic job scheduling software with signature capture, bar code scanning, vehicle maintenance and compliance. Our latest innovation to our platform is based around fleet security and driver identification, namely, the European patented BioStart Security product which is technology that addresses vehicle and asset theft, remote driver authentication/driver ID, CO2 reduction and fleet compliance. Thieves are becoming more innovative with their approach to vehicle theft by methods such as cloning of keys and OBD-II/CANbus infiltration. Keys left in ignition or stolen are rife in the parcel delivery industry including drivers being assaulted for their keys or forced to start the ignition. The industry is booming and therefore a unique solution to combat the rising trend is required by major delivery organisations such as Amazon, Hermes, TNT and all other major delivery companies.
BioStart(tm)is a cutting-edge remote vehicle biometric security solution that is committed to revolutionising remote access control and authentication in the digital era. Our mission is to provide secure, seamless, and reliable biometric solutions that enhance the control, safety, and convenience of our clients’ operations and aid the prevention of vehicle theft. With a team of seasoned experts and state-of-the-art technology, BioStart(tm) Security is poised to become a leader in the remote access biometric security industry for commercial fleets partnering with major telematics providers and Insurance companies Worldwide.
BioStart(tm) technology allows finger prints to be recorded and stored securely within AWS, which can be sent to individual or multiple assets such as vehicles, fork lift trucks, plant machinery and industrial applications to allow access control remotely, the authentication can be scheduled for certain dates and times and in the case of vehicles, CANbus AI technology has been incorporated to safely shut an engine down on driver exit such as a delivery vehicles so that even if keys are left in the ignition, the vehicle cannot be started without the correct biometric authentication. BioStart also includes under duress silent alarms direct to back office personal or designated people via Email/SMS/PUSH notifications and software pop up.
Category sponsor
Community Award
The Winner Is…
The Everyman Theatre is Cheltenham’s main professional theatre, providing a first-class range of arts entertainment, including drama, musicals, children’s shows, opera, dance and an annual Christmas pantomime.
It has a smaller Studio used by many local theatre companies, student and community groups, both for rehearsals and as a performance space. It is also used regularly as the training venue for our Actors, Writers and Practitioners Labs, which provide professional support and teaching to develop and nurture local talent.
The Everyman Theatre believes passionately that everyone in our community should have a chance to experience live theatre and is committed to providing cultural engagement and enrichment opportunities for the people of Gloucestershire. We want to make theatre accessible for all and strive to remove barriers to attendance.
A registered charity, the Everyman has a thriving, life-enhancing and transformative educational and community programme, aiming to benefit our local community by providing a range of services, engaging with 20,000 people throughout the County annually, promoting well-being and positive mental health through drama, art and music.
We offer a diverse programme of lifelong cultural and educational opportunities. Projects include training young people from around the County, to gain an Arts Award, a nationally recognised qualification, which encourages young people to get involved in creative programmes, helping them to gain in confidence, communication skills, independence and self-motivation. We run youth theatres, community choirs, dementia friendly programmes with local care homes, as well as providing training by industry professionals for students at the University of Gloucestershire and our Stage Door Learning BTEC students. We also support a range of accessible options, including captioned, British Sign Language interpreted and audio described performances, to enable as many people as possible to access live theatre.
We work with local charities and organisations, including The Rock in Cheltenham, who support young people living with challenges, National Star College, inclusive theatre company TwoCan and the homeless and vulnerable charities, P3 and Kings Table, to encourage their clients to write and perform creative pieces. We are currently working with Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees and Gloucestershire Association for Refugees and Asylum Seekers, providing free activities for displaced children and adults, to help them adjust to life in our community. The sessions are fun and provide a safe and secure environment for participants to engage with and meet new people and they encourage confidence in speaking English and cultural awareness through drama, art and play.
Where possible much of our outreach work is provided at reduced cost or with the help of a bursary and in some cases, completely free, to allow as many people as possible to participate.
The Highly Commended Entry Is…
The Nelson Trust is a Gloucestershire based charity dedicated to transforming lives affected by substance use and multiple unmet needs throughout the South West. For nearly 40 years, we have provided care and support to the Gloucester and South West community, with ambitious plans to extend our reach across the UK.
At The Nelson Trust, our mission is to deliver life-changing and life-saving support to our local communities. Last year alone, we conducted over 30,000 appointments, implementing our trauma-informed care and holistic one-stop approach to transform lives.
Our commitment doesn’t end there. We know that during our clients’ most vulnerable moments, having someone to listen and advocate for them can make all the difference. This year, we co-hosted an event at the House of Lords to raise awareness of the synthetic drugs crisis in the UK. We heard from one of our clients and emphasized the urgent need for the distribution of Naloxone pens to professionals, a crucial step in preventing overdose deaths.
We also offer comprehensive training, not only to professionals but to our clients. Through our Hub Academy, Clean Plate Café, The Sober Parrot restaurant, and Hub Catering Services in Gloucester, we provide real-life, hands-on experience for clients aiming to re-enter the workforce. We equip our clients with the skills and knowledge to rebuild their lives, from obtaining English and Maths qualifications to CV building, work experience, and job applications. We ensure that those we support continue to thrive.
Our work would not be possible without the support of the general public. Our dedicated supporters and volunteers are the backbone of our efforts, ensuring that we can continue to make a difference.
We are honoured to be finalists for the Circle 2 Success Community Award. This recognition empowers us to further our commitment to the community and strive for excellence. It is a privilege to be recognised alongside outstanding organisations such as Caring for Community and People. The dedication of so many brilliant organisations to the community is inspiring, and we are proud to be part of this collective effort.
Proudly Sponsored By
Culture and Diversity Award
The Winner Is…
University of Gloucestershire is a diverse, vibrant community of 12,000 students and 1,500 staff with campuses in Cheltenham and Gloucester.
Ranked in the top 1,000 in the latest Times Higher World University Rankings, we deliver a wide range of programmes across our four specialist academic schools – Health and Social Care, Creative Arts, Education and Science, and Business Computing and Social Sciences.
Our new campus in Gloucester city centre, opening in 2025, will be a modern centre for teaching, learning and business and community partnerships, bringing new life and vibrancy into the area.
Recently, we announced plans to rapidly expand our cyber and digital facilities in Cheltenham, which will bring major benefits to our students, the local community and the business community.
Ninety-six per cent of our students are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, and we offer the greatest variety of higher and degree apprenticeships in Gloucestershire. As such, employers and employability is at the heart of our education offer.
As part of the Gloucestershire Growth Hub Network, we have supported more than 16,000 businesses and turnover growth of more than £400 million across Gloucestershire since 2014.
To realise and value the diversity of our community we have developed a robust equity, diversity, and inclusion strategy supporting us to become a more effective and competitive institution.
Working in partnership with our stakeholders, our strategy builds on our achievements, reflects their priorities and sets stretching targets to deliver progress at pace.
We set our focus on fostering a culture of inclusion where staff and students feel they belong and valued as an individual.
Together we create spaces where we feel safe to have frank conversations exploring and challenging discrimination, co-creating solutions to address inequalities.
Key successes include re-accreditation as a Disability Confident Leader and the launch of our Allyship Pledge that advocates the practice of our inclusive behaviours workshop.
Setting a clear strategic direction has empowered staff to identify how they can contribute and given them the confidence to act and challenge.
Across the University, interventions to garner greater inclusion are designed, implemented, and evaluated by staff from developing curriculum and pedagogy that reflects the diversity of our student community to buildings that are inclusive and accessible by design.
Our staff networks each with their own unique identity, act as strategic partners improving university practice and processes, whilst students share their stories to enhance their lived experiences.
The Highly Commended Entry Is…
Spirax Group is home to three strong and aligned solutions-focused businesses spanning more than 135 years, providing mission critical thermal energy and fluid technology solutions to customers in a diverse range of industrial sectors.
We aim to be a safe, sustainable, respectful and inclusive organisation, united by our shared Purpose and Values, that show up every day through the way in which we make our difference for all our stakeholders.
Achieving our Purpose depends on our culture, and our culture is shaped by our shared Values. They guide our decisions and behaviours wherever we work in the world. As part of this culture based on Values, we promise our colleagues challenging work with real impact and the chance for development every day.
Diversity & inclusion is present in all of this. It runs through every one of our Values. It’s central to the promises we make to our colleagues. It’s critical to achieving our Purpose.
That’s why we created Everyone is Included. It’s our Group Inclusion Plan, through which we are committed to empowering an inclusive and equitable working culture where all our colleagues can be themselves and achieve their full potential.
Proudly Sponsored By
Customer Excellence Award
The Winner Is…
If you’re dreaming of spending a couple of weeks exploring a brand-new destination (perhaps the Pura Vida lifestyle in Costa Rica has always intrigued you? Maybe you’ve never ventured to Southeast Asia and would love to soak up the culture in Cambodia? Or, has an African safari been lingering on your wish list for far too long?) We’re here to help.
Holiday Architects offer tailor-made holidays to 30+ destinations worldwide, travelling with private drivers, staying in unique accommodation, and experiencing quirky, unforgettable excursions. With us, you’ll discover the country in more depth and with more authenticity than you ever could with an off-the-peg tour.
Our Destination Managers are here to really listen to what’s important to you on your holidays and design the perfect adventure to match. We delight in designing holidays that add value, broaden horizons, open minds and do a little good – you’ll find no one-size-fits-all holiday offerings here. Your dedicated expert will work with you from start to finish; listening, sharing stories, giving advice, making suggestions and – ultimately – creating a holiday peppered with bucket list highlights and unexpected moments of magic. A holiday you’ll never forget.
Every single member of our small, close-knit team boasts a real shared passion for Holiday Architects, the destinations we sell and what we do. So, we always pull together to ensure we can provide the very best experience possible for you, with a genuine personal investment that goes far beyond ‘securing a sale’. We’ll be as excited about your holiday as you are. But, we always like to prove ourselves – pop over to Trustpilot and have a read through our customer reviews, 97% of which are 5-star (and we couldn’t be prouder of that!).
We’re delighted to have been nominated for both the Customer Excellence and Team of the Year awards at this years’ C2S Business Awards. Everything we do is built around delighting our clients with top-notch holidays and providing the most excellent service we can – and our most excellent team (even if we do say so ourselves), is exactly how we’re able to make that happen, time and time again.
The Highly Commended Entry Is…
Square One Network is a Bristol-based, full-solution, B2B telecommunications provider. Since its inception in 2010, it has grown into a team of great people, that provides focused solutions for mobile and fixed line telephony services, across many sectors.
What began as a single-person venture has blossomed into a dynamic team of highly professional and personable experts, dedicated to meeting the telephony needs of small to medium enterprises (SMEs) across the UK and Ireland.
Square One is a team of seasoned professionals, each providing a wealth of experience from the telecoms industry. From network specialists to customer service representatives, the team is carefully curated to ensure a diverse skill set, that caters to the multi-faceted needs of any business. Beyond technical proficiency, the emphasis is placed on maintaining a personable and approachable demeanour, fostering long-term relationships with clients.
Partnering with all four major network providers (Vodafone, O2, EE and Three), Square One offers businesses choice, flexibility and simplicity of invoicing, together with unrivalled customer service and support, all too frequently not offered by the network providers when dealing with them directly.
Whilst remaining mobile-first in its ethos, demand from customers for similarly high levels of personalised support for additional services, has meant that the Square One portfolio has expanded to offer business telephony and internet access to its customers. This portfolio continues to evolve to meet the ever-changing demands and pain points of its customers and Square One recently launched an additional new range of on premise and cloud-based telecoms solutions, to further meet the needs of small and medium enterprises.
One Invoice, One Support Contact, One Account Manager
One of the hallmark features that sets Square One apart from its competitors, is its commitment to simplicity and convenience. The company streamlines the often-complex process of managing multiple mobile networks, by consolidating all services onto one invoice. This not only simplifies financial management but also enhances transparency for its customers.
Moreover, the “one support contact” philosophy ensures that clients have a dedicated point of contact for all their mobile, telephony and internet access needs. This personalised approach not only saves time but also fosters a relationship, built on trust and reliability.
In a nutshell, Square One Network is a customer-led, service-driven business telecoms provider that prides itself on its high contact, personalised service, to break the all too frequently seen approach of cost driven, hands off, impersonal larger providers.
Proudly Sponsored By
Cyber & IT Business of the Year Award
The Winner Is…
At Optimising IT we have been offering outsourced and co-sourced IT services since 2013. As we are a certified B-Corp, we challenge the traditional way IT services are delivered.
Better IT can transform your business and make it unstoppable. We take the pain away from managing IT systems so you can focus on your business ambitions while we take care of the rest. It’s perfect for businesses who need fully managed IT services or co-sourced support is available for in-house IT teams that need extra help!
We are proud to be a NCSC Certified business, for the provision of cyber security consultancy services, further underlining our reputation and capabilities for providing a full suite of cyber security capabilities and services to UK-based businesses. We have become a Google Cloud Partner, further enhancing the technologies we can help our customers with and we now offer our new security service, HexShield™. HexShield™ offers Ultimate Security – offering enhanced capabilities, including 24×7 monitoring and response, global VPN, training, Open Source Intelligence, account security and more.
Optimising IT offers the best value managed IT services on the market. From fully outsourced IT services to single-service packages like helpdesk support or software procurement, our experts have what you need.
The Highly Commended Entry Is…
Emerge Digital is proud to be recognised in the Cyber & IT Business of the Year category; a testament to our excellence and innovation in the tech sector. As a leading managed service provider and technology innovation consultancy, we are passionate about empowering SMEs to strategically leverage technology to realise their business aspirations. Our expert team tailors solutions to the unique challenges and opportunities of each client, ensuring technology acts not merely as a tool, but as a dynamic force driving their success.
Our holistic strategy combines remote IT support with innovative services such as AI consultancy, process automation, and CRM development, all underscored by a commitment to cyber security and modern workplace. We believe that innovation is the key to staying ahead of the curve and delivering value to our clients. That’s why we are always exploring new technologies and trends, anticipating market needs, and developing cutting-edge products and services that enhance our clients’ capabilities and competitiveness.
One of our most notable innovations in the past year was the launch of OnyxSecure, a groundbreaking product that provides SMEs with access to enterprise-grade security for an affordable price. OnyxSecure elevates SME security to a level once exclusive to larger corporations, effectively countering the myriad of modern cyber threats. OnyxSecure packages multi-tiered security products into accessibly-priced solutions for smaller businesses, saving up to 60% of the cost compared to regular pricing. OnyxSecure is more than just a product; it is a revolution in cyber security for SMEs, enabling them to protect their data and reputation with confidence.
In the last financial year, we achieved a remarkable 30% growth in revenue, client base, and headcount, establishing our enhanced position in the market. We also strengthened our governance by welcoming two non-executive directors, including cyber security academic and independent government advisor Professor Richard Benham. Our exceptional customer service and engagement is reflected by our impressive 97% CSAT and 90% NPS, as well as our recognition as the top MSP headquartered in Gloucestershire by Cloudtango. We also actively collaborate with other leading businesses in the region to offer a more comprehensive suite of services, share best practices, and drive innovation that benefits not just our clients but the broader business ecosystem in Gloucestershire and beyond.
This award honours Emerge Digital’s outstanding and creative work in the tech sector. We appreciate this acknowledgement and are excited to continue our journey of growth and transformation.
Proudly Sponsored By
Family Business of the Year Award
The Winner Is…
AccXel Construction School stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of construction education, not just for its quality programmes but for its unique identity as a family business. Established on 3 generations of family expertise, AccXel embodies the essence of hard work, success and family values.
At the heart of AccXel lies a deep-rooted commitment to nurturing not just skilled professionals but fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among its students and staff. Founded by a family passionate about construction and education, this institution transcends the typical business model by infusing every interaction, every lesson, with a sense of familial warmth and support.
One of the defining features of AccXel is its intimate class sizes and personalised approach to teaching. Here, students are not just numbers on a register but integral members of a close-knit community. Faculty members take the time to understand each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations, providing tailored guidance and support every step of the way. This personalized attention creates an environment where students feel valued, empowered, and motivated to ‘accxel’.
But the familial ethos of AccXel extends beyond the classroom walls. The entire institution operates like a well-oiled family unit, with each member contributing their unique talents and expertise to the collective success of the school. From the administrators who handle day-to-day operations to the instructors who impart their wisdom and experience, everyone at AccXel is united by a common purpose: to Support people to Construct the Future.
Furthermore, being a family business imbues AccXel with a sense of heritage and tradition. Generations of expertise are passed down through the family lineage, ensuring that the school remains at the forefront of industry trends and best practices. This deep connection to the roots of the business instils a sense of pride and responsibility in every member of the AccXel community, driving them to uphold the highest standards of excellence in everything they do.
In essence, AccXel Construction School is more than just an educational institution; it’s a testament to the power of family, passion, and purpose. By embracing its identity as a family business, AccXel creates an environment where students thrive, relationships flourish, and the spirit of innovation and collaboration reigns supreme. And as the school continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to family values will remain steadfast, guiding future generations of construction professionals towards success.
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Markey Group, a family enterprise rooted in Hardwicke, Gloucestershire, has diversified its portfolio since its inception in 1963. Originally a local building firm founded by Brendan Markey, it now spans manufacturing, construction, property development, student accommodation, serviced accommodation, and healthcare. Under the leadership of Brendan’s sons, Tony and Paul Markey, the group employs over 315 people, predominately in Gloucestershire, engaging in various activities from:
- Producing over 160,000 British-made kitchen units every year for social housing and modular construction (Premiere Kitchens).
- Providing specialised dementia care for up to 102 residents at Park View Care Home in Gloucester.
- Leading significant construction projects across the Southwest and West Midlands (Markey Construction).
- Offering luxury retirement living in Cheltenham (Honeybourne Gate).
- Managing Gloucestershire largest private student accommodation portfolio (Student Digs).
- Offering serviced apartments in Gloucestershire and Surrey (StayLets).
- Facilitating brownfield site regeneration for strategic housing projects (Markey Developments).
- Developing electric vehicle infrastructure and refurbishing petrol stations for multinational corporations (Markey Building Services).
Markey Group’s workforce reflects its strength, with an average service tenure of eight years, and 72 employees with over a decade of dedication. The company maintains a balanced gender ratio and fosters an inclusive environment.
The integration of the third generation into the company marks a pivotal moment. Richard Markey, as Operations Director, is enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability, leveraging technology to drive the group’s success while maintaining environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
Markey Group embodies corporate responsibility through the acronym PEOPLE: Pride, Energy, Openness, Progressiveness, Leadership, and Embracing Difference. As a real living wage employer, it prioritises fair compensation, enhancing employee morale and retention. The group’s environmental initiatives include transitioning to renewable energy sources and implementing sustainable transportation solutions, demonstrating that profitability and environmental stewardship can coexist.
Since 2012, Markey Group has adopted numerous sustainability practices, such as installing a 1 Megawatt Solar Panel PV system, signing a green energy contract, and upgrading its fleet to meet the Euro 6 E emissions standard. Existing practices include achieving zero waste to landfill, sourcing timber from FSC-certified forests, and operating a biomass boiler.
In summary, Markey Group is dedicated to sustainable growth, employee well-being, and community contribution, driving positive change within and beyond the organization.
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Growth Award
The Winner Is…
Premiere Kitchens, a division of the Markey Group, was founded in 1989 to address the need for high-quality kitchen supplies. Its commitment to superior quality and exceptional service has been the cornerstone of its success.
Premiere Kitchens serves two main markets: social housing and the volumetric off-site modular new build market. The social housing sector, which represents 75% of its business, involves direct partnerships with Housing Associations and Councils for refurbishments, emergency repairs, and new builds. In the modular market, Premiere supplies the leading modular house builders in the UK and the top high-rise modular manufacturer globally.
Operating from a 110,000 sq ft facility in Hardwicke, Premiere Kitchens cuts, edges, and assembles all carcass part panels in-house, producing a finished kitchen unit every 45 seconds. The company invests heavily in state-of-the-art equipment and values its workforce, with over 50 employees having more than a decade of service. This fosters a familial culture dedicated to high standards, guided by values and behaviours developed by the employees themselves.
Premiere Kitchens faced significant financial challenges pre-pandemic, with revenues dropping from £16.5 million to £11 million, leading to losses for three years.
Under Managing Director Andy Barham, the company underwent a strategic re-evaluation, focusing on the high-volume social housing sector and simplifying its product range. Despite the pandemic, Premiere assured job security for its employees and returned to profitability with a £100k profit from £8 million in sales.
In 2022/23, Premiere Kitchens recorded its highest sales year, with a 40.4% turnover increase and a 27% rise in units sold. Gross profit grew by 39.9%, and net profit by 23.2%. The company achieved its highest-ever Investors in People (IIP) rating, equating to a silver standard. Looking ahead, Premiere forecasts a turnover of over £20 million and a pre-tax profit of £1.5 million for 2024. Turnover has increased by 72% from 2019 to 2023, with a projected 1.5% increase for 2024, and pre-tax profit has shifted from a £275k loss in 2019 to a forecasted £1.5 million profit in 2024, showcasing a 644% improvement.
Premiere Kitchens’ commitment to sustainability, productivity, and profitability underscores its transformational turnaround and sets a new industry standard. The strategy, embraced by employees, aligns with Premiere’s mission of “Ensuring delivery of British-made kitchens” and its purpose of “Changing Lives for the Better.”
The Highly Commended Entry Is…
As we approach our fourth year of operations, we are incredibly proud of the growth and development we have achieved to date. From a start-up to an award-winning employer of 250+ local people we are on track to deliver 10,000 hours of care and support per week. We’ve grown by remaining focused on quality and ensuring that the people we support receive the very best, bespoke care.
Part of our growth includes expanding our health and wellbeing services and we’re excited to have recently opened our wellbeing hub at Gloucester Quays, alongside the many food and leisure facilities. Prosperity Holisitics Hub provides wellbeing services such as reiki, reflexology. Sports massage and mindfulness to members of the public.
We are thrilled to be double finalists in this year’s Circle to Success Awards and we are extremely grateful for the recognition and proud to be among such esteemed companies within the local business community.
What started from a passion to enhance the style and standard of care in Gloucester and Cheltenham has developed and grown into the health and wellbeing business we have today. We’d like to thank our colleagues, care providers and member of the business community who have supported us, provided guidance and recognised us on our mission to increase the positive health and wellbeing of everyone we work with.
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Leadership Award
The Winner Is…
Lynette Barrett, CEO of National Star, one of the region’s largest disability charities, epitomises the career progression opportunities available at the organisation. Starting out as a part-time care worker when her two boys were toddlers she moved through the ranks until she landed her current job of CEO in 2022.
As well as leading the £40m plus charity, Lynette chairs Natspec, the membership association for specialist colleges operating in the FE sector.
She is highly regarded by colleagues for her passion and determination to do everything she can to achieve the charity’s mission of a world in which people with disabilities can lead fulfilling lives as active citizens in their local communities.
Committed to lifelong learning, Lynette completed a Senior Leader Apprenticeship (MBA) at the University of Gloucestershire. Believing wholeheartedly that learning widens opportunities, Lynette is passionate about expanding the range of apprenticeships offered at National Star.
Nikki Richardson, Chair of Governors at National Star, says: ‘Lynette is a strong and outstanding leader. ‘Lynette’s personal profile and the profile she has helped National Star develop has resulted in it achieving national recognition as an exceptional and highly successful organisation, leading the way in providing opportunities for students with complex difficulties.’
The Highly Commended Entry Is…
Hartpury University: A Beacon of Educational Excellence and Business Collaboration
Hartpury University and Hartpury College, located in Gloucestershire, have emerged as a shining example of educational excellence and collaborative leadership. With a rich history dating back to 1948, the institution is a thriving community, nurturing talent – producing well-rounded graduates.
Under the visionary leadership of Professor Andy Collop, Hartpury continues remarkable growth and success.
Educational Excellence and Triple Gold Status: Hartpury’s commitment to educational excellence is evident in the University’s triple Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023 – in areas including Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes. This prestigious accolade places Hartpury among the top institutions in the country and distinguishes it as the only university in Gloucestershire to achieve triple Gold status.
Additionally, Hartpury College retained Ofsted Outstanding in the spring – a remarkable achievement given the increasing difficulty of retaining the top rating. Both the University and College offer a range of courses in subjects including A-levels, animal, agriculture, business management, equine, sport, and veterinary nursing.
Collaborative Leadership and Economic Impact: Andy has been instrumental in continuing to drive the institution’s success. His leadership style continues to foster an outward-facing, collaborative organisational culture. Under his guidance, Hartpury has forged strong relationships with local businesses, increasing commercial opportunities and recognition from the likes of the Knowledge Exchange Framework. The institution’s economic impact has been estimated at approximately £296 million.
Community Engagement and Social Value: Hartpury’s impact extends beyond the realm of education and business. Andy’s involvement with St James City Farm exemplifies the institution’s commitment to community engagement. Hartpury also supports charities such as Riding for the Disabled and the Hollie Gazzard Trust, contributing to the social fabric and social value of the region.
Future Plans and Sustainability: Hartpury has ambitious plans to further enhance its profile and reputation. The development of Hartpury’s 2030 Strategy will ensure a consultative approach that engages employees at all levels.
An Outstanding Team Player: Sport is one of the key areas for Hartpury providing opportunities to students and also businesses who wish to take advantage of commercial partnerships. The current academic year has been the institution’s most successful to date in terms of sports performance, with students having won 19 championship and league titles.
Hartpury’s nomination is testament to their unwavering commitment to educational excellence, collaborative leadership, and community engagement to undoubtedly shape the future of education – contributing to the growth of Gloucestershire’s economy.
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Manufacturing Business of the Year Award
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G-TEKT Europe Manufacturing Ltd (G-TEM) is an innovative, global company in the design, development, and manufacture of automotive body structures and engineering services. Established in Gloucestershire since 1996, they operate 5 production facilities across the UK and EU, and supply some of the largest and most prestigious automotive brands.
Japanese ethos and working practices have remained part of their heritage for over 25 years, using the skills, know-how, technology, and education from their parent company, the G-TEKT Corporation, to build a reputable brand that focuses on customer satisfaction.
As a large manufacturer, they recognise their pivotal role in improving the industry’s environmental footprint. As such, in 2022 and 2023, G-TEM completed two phases of its sustainability strategy, resulting in significant carbon emission reductions. This included the installation of a 4MWh solar array in Gloucester, natural gas elimination across their sites, and transitioning to an entirely electric forklift fleet. These activities are part of G-TEM’s long-term sustainability plan – geared towards meeting the company’s 2035 net-zero target across its supply chain, products, and operations.
Further to this, the company is reinforcing their commitment to upskilling local people through its extensive apprenticeship options, work experience placements, and graduate schemes. This aspect of the business remains a crucial part of G-TEM’s mission to give back to the local community, and to further position Gloucestershire as a key engineering hub within the UK.
G-TEM are continually innovating and evolving their operations on the path to Industry 4.0. Their achievements have resulted in being awarded major new business awards from long-standing OEMs, driving further growth to the Gloucestershire economy.
As G-TEM continue to evolve and reach exciting new milestones, it remains steadfast in its pursuit of excellence, driven by the company’s relentless commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community. As a finalist for the prestigious Manufacturer of the Year award, they are honoured to share their accomplishments with the wider South West business environment.
The Highly Commended Entry Is…
Spirax Group is home to three strong and aligned solutions-focused businesses that has been built on strong foundations, spanning more than 135 years. We provide mission critical thermal energy and fluid technology solutions to customers in a diverse range of industrial sectors.
We aim to be a safe, sustainable, respectful and inclusive organisation, united by our shared Purpose and Values, that show up every day through the way in which we make our difference for all our stakeholders.
Spanning across 37 manufacturing locations globally – our Cheltenham site is one of the largest. Employing over 450 colleagues locally, we strive to embed safety, quality and sustainability in everything we do.
Excellence is a constant focus through our culture of continuous improvement, with our expert team of colleagues being the best source of ideas and innovation.
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Property & Construction Business of the Year Award
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Barnwood Limited is made up of three Divisions – Construction, Shopfitting & Interiors and General Works. It is one of a limited number of construction companies with a genuine unbroken 60+ year history, without acquisition or merger, that has both regional and national exposure. From our earliest days, we have been guided by a strong commitment to honesty, fair dealing, and building long-term relationships based on collaboration and partnership.
This ethos has served us well over the years, enabling us to establish enduring relationships with all our stakeholders. We are proud to have worked with some of the most recognisable national and global brands for over 30 years, a testament to the quality of our work and our unwavering commitment to excellence.
With over 210 employees delivering an annual turnover in excess of £110m, we are committed to maintaining our reputation for excellence.
We take our commitment to collaboration and partnership seriously. That’s why we have established a unique employee structure in which Barnwood Limited is owned by the Barnwood Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). This collaborative ownership and partnership working model is the foundation of our culture, and it has helped us to remain at the forefront of best practice in the construction sector.
We were thrilled to have been selected as a finalist for the ‘Best Property and Construction Company’ award. Our participation in this category emphasises the level of satisfaction we strive to meet for all our stakeholders. We extend our gratitude to the judges and organisers for acknowledging our commitment to quality and innovation in the construction and property industry. Being a finalist among such other esteemed companies is a privilege.
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Ridge is a multidiscipline built environment consultancy which helps clients create better, more resilient, and highly sustainable places in which people can live, learn, work and relax. Ridge adopts a partner-led approach to all projects, providing best-in-class advice on diverse schemes across several sectors. We are a member of over 70 national and regional frameworks, both public and private sector. Our award-winning services are available individually or in any combination – a convenient, one-stop location for all property and construction requirements.
Our Cheltenham office consists of specialist Building Surveying and Town & Country Planning teams providing a personal and tailored service to individuals, companies, and public sector organisations across the industry. Our drive is to work with other local consultants and agencies to collaborate, creating optimum partnerships to deliver high quality services to our clients.
For more than 30 years our specialist Town & Country Planning team have been involved in a wide range of projects giving us a unique insight into complex planning situations. We assist our clients in fulfilling their development aspirations by understanding their needs, influencing planning policy, unlocking development potential and skillful negotiation to secure permission. We offer an expert professional service. The time we take to understand our clients’ aspirations and expectations allows us to deliver robust planning support in often expert cases. We deliver sustainable and strategic urban extensions, commercial buildings, education establishments, visitor attractions any many new homes every year.
Ridge has one of the largest and most accomplished teams of chartered surveyors in the property sector located in regional offices across the UK. Over the last few years, we have grown our Building Surveying team in Cheltenham with a focus on supporting our local client base and we strive to continue assisting local businesses to become a more established Gloucestershire multidisciplinary property consultancy. We offer a wealth of experience, expertise and local knowledge to support our clients at every stage of property investment from acquisition, ownership and occupation through to disposal. We support a wide range of clients to manage their property portfolios, projects and transactions. Our Building Surveying team provide a tailored solution whatever the building type or sector.
We have other resident disciplines, such as commercial property advisory, cost management, structural engineering and sustainability which are looking to grow further presence in Gloucestershire.
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Sustainability Award
The Winner Is…
Stroud Brewery brews delicious, award-winning organic beers and its taproom is a community hub for the town of Stroud, bringing people together to talk, laugh, learn and create positive change. Celebrating its 18th birthday this year, it’s come a long way since that first brew of Budding, its signature beer, in the kitchen of founder and MD, Greg Pilley. It was the first brewery in the UK to be certified as both organic and a B Corporation, it employs over 60 staff, 60% of its suppliers are within a 50-mile radius, and the taproom hosts over a dozen community events every week as well as weddings, conferences and business meetings.
Stroud Brewery is an excellent example of how to run a successful business combining profit with purpose. At first, local ingredients were used to brew beer. Then this switched to 100% organic and, step by step, the brewery has reduced its environmental impact in every other area. The 2023 carbon footprint calculation revealed the Brewery has done virtually all it can to reduce its carbon emissions. Integrating sustainability and business was virtually unknown in the sector in the brewery’s early days, but Greg was determined to show what was possible.
The brewery began with financial investment from local people and, during the precarious times of the pandemic, Stroud’s community raised over £114,000 in a crowd-funding appeal to keep the brewery afloat. This is a sign of the high regard held by local people for the brewery and its ethics.
The Brewery is now a bustling social space for the local community where people spend time together, reconnect with friends, and relax. New community initiatives are trialled here, hobbies are kept alive (board games night, anyone?), mental and physical well-being is nurtured at weekly classes (dare you to try the bungee aerobics class), and everyone, whatever their background, is welcomed.
What will the next 18 years bring? Hopefully, much more of the same! Whilst companies look outwards, or even abroad, for new business opportunities, Stroud Brewery’s ethos is to look closer to home. As its experience shows, when you’re rooting for your local community, it roots for you and this can open the door to a whole multitude of opportunities for both to not only survive but thrive and create a better life for everyone. After all, wasn’t this the role of pubs in past times when everyone talked of ‘going down to the local’?
The Highly Commended Entry Is…
DoingMoreWithLess strategy has set the pace for a strong environmental policy with stimulating targets that fully embrace the Sustainable Development goals and solidify our commitment to science-based targets of carbon reduction.
At a site level, we have identified several opportunities that allow us to commit and work towards our targets.
ABP has signed up to WRAP and we have a target to reduce 50% of our Food Waste on site by 2030. Looking at our process we want to divert anything that is being downgraded or going into CAT 1 which is not the requirement by legislation. We have identified areas for improvement allowing us to divert to pet or human consumption.
We found alternatives to remove all single use plastic from the canteen area. We estimated the removal of 1t of single use plastic annually.
Efficiencies and energy reduction targets set through the business help to decrease our carbon footprint. Most projects were introdued to minimise the impact in energy consumption, by maximising capacity of the site and processes. The challenge is to keep energy consumption at a same level or with minimal increase on overall figures: DoingMoreWithLess!
ABP Langport has conducted a thorough analysis of its processes to help identify areas where water usage can be optimised. This analysis included evaluating the effectiveness of cleaning procedures, equipment upgrading and minimising water loss. From streamlining processes ABP Langport has substantially reduce their overall consumption.
ABP Langport has installed monitoring and control systems on its usage of water and energy, which provide real-time data in consumption. This highlights defects in the process, i.e. leaks, inefficiencies allowing for prompt corrective action.
Promoting biodiversity has been a focus on site. ABP Langport sits by a stream and river and the area tends to flood every year. Trees near waterbodies can be used as flood defence whilst providing a home for different animals helping to reduce the biodiversity crisis.
In 2022, 730 trees were planted locally. In 2023 we donated 5051 trees into the local community, and in 2024 we already sourced home for 2610 trees.
In 2021 we led a project to create a rewilding area. The goal was to have an area that both community and employees could enjoy, a place used to boost energy and to keep people close to nature, kept as a natural habitat for many different species.
The Highly Commended Entry Is…
We’re delighted to have been shortlisted as finalists in the Sustainability category.
Gloucestershire College (GC) is an innovative and career-focused provider of education. We’ve been a key driver for the community for decades and continue to be a hub for the community in an ever-changing world. A key part of this is ensuring that GC is a leader, driving sustainability for FE colleges.
In 2022 we became the first college in England to move to 100% renewable energy with a focus on resources, facilities and transport links, as well as sustainable practices within curriculum. We installed ground-source heat pumps, solar panels, and smart energy controls to optimise energy consumption. GC is set to save an incredible 10,230 TCO₂e over the next 25 years. If this work had not been done to offset the college’s carbon emissions, a forest the size of Gloucester would have needed to be planted.
The project is scalable and forms a blueprint for the further education sector looking to deliver a low carbon campus, and we continue to work sustainability consultants to promote the opportunity.
In 2023 we proudly opened a £500,000 training centre for electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Driving forward the UK’s pledge to transition to electric vehicles by 2030, we invested in cutting-edge tools and equipment, as well as EV/HEV cars for students to gain practical experience in our automotive technology workshops.
Looking ahead, we’re driving wider green skills in the region and will train the next generation of construction professionals in sustainable practice and technologies, through a new £5m sustainable Construction Centre.
Training at the centre embraces green skills needed in this rapidly evolving market, and students will get hands-on with the latest green technologies and equipment.
GC is focused on the smaller details, too. For example, the marketing team is currently working on a scaled back alternative to the college prospectus. This will significantly reduce its print output and waste – by almost 1 tonne per year – whilst ensuring prospective students get the key information they need.
As GC moves forward, we will be looking at more ways to bring sustainable practices into curriculums, teaching environments, and even our own resources, setting leading examples for GC’s students to live and work with sustainability in mind.
We wish the best of luck to all the finalists in this category.
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Talent, Training and Development Award
The Winner Is…
Disability charity National Star is one of the largest education, health and social care employers in the region, providing innovative learning programmes and long-term living accommodation for young adults with disabilities. The charity has supported thousands of young adults with disabilities for more than 50 years. From those humble beginnings, National Star has grown to one of the biggest specialist providers in the country employing more than 1,200 people with a turnover of £40 million.
It has a campus at Ullenwood which provides residential and day education, as well as centres in Hereford and Wales providing day education and support. Last year 479 young people accessed education and personal development programmes with National Star. Education, care and therapy teams work together to ensure students develop skills to become active citizens in our society. It also runs long-term living in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Hereford and Malvern for young adults who have chosen to make National Star their permanent home.
CEO Lynette Barrett, who joined the charity as a part-time care worker when her two boys were toddlers, has been instrumental in driving change at the charity over the past 20 years.
She has been involved in developing and influencing national policy decisions supporting young people with disabilities in further education.
Her personal profile, and the profile she has helped National Star to develop, has resulted in it achieving national recognition as an exceptional and highly successful organisation, leading the way in providing opportunities for students with complex disabilities.
The charity’s People Strategy aims to attract, retain, motivate and engage the right talent to develop and stretch employees. It also provides a flexible framework that supports innovation and rewards employees. By creating an environment that promotes the growth of its people and the organisation, the charity is prioritising succession for critical roles to ensure sustainability.
The supportive workplace culture enables colleagues to perform to the best of their ability and make the most of career development opportunities.
National Star’s buddy scheme matches new starters with existing team members to help them to settle in. And every new care and support worker is offered the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship if they join the charity without a Level 2 qualification in adult care.
One colleague, who recently reviewed National Star on a national jobs site said: ‘Great place to work – learners and staff are fantastic. Lots of training to ensure you are equipped. Best place I’ve worked in and would highly recommend.’
The Highly Commended Entry Is…
We’ve been a family-owned Wine seller for over 50 years. We stop at nothing to bring amazing wine to our customers. If there is anything we love more than our wine, it’s our staff and customers (40,000 at last count). We are here to make sure everyone involved enjoys their journey, from every contact, every case packed to every cork that’s popped. We deliver over 2.3 million cases per year and live and breathe these words of wisdom…. ‘Behind every case there’s a customer and behind every bottle there’s a wine maker. Never lose sight of either!’.
We’ve been a family-owned Wine seller for over 50 years. It all started with Tony in 1969, on a University Geography trip to Bourdeaux. Sent to dig up Roman ruins, he found something far more interesting….’real’ wine and the people who make it. Today we have a larger family of winemakers (450 at last count), 40,000 lovely customers and a few more vans! We stop at nothing to bring amazing wine to our customers. If there is anything we love more than our wine, it’s our staff and customers. We are here to make sure everyone involved enjoys their journey, from every contact, every case packed to every cork that’s popped. We deliver over 2.3 million cases per year and live and breathe these words of wisdom…. ‘Behind every case there’s a customer and behind every bottle there’s a wine maker. Never lose sight of either!’
At Laithwaites, we take immense pride in our Customer Centric culture and are committed to empowering our teams to deliver the best customer experience imaginable. As we guide our customers on a journey through wine, we equally dedicate ourselves to supporting our staff throughout their journey with us. From comprehensive training on day one to annual Personal Development Reviews, we prioritise development and growth, ensuring that every team member has the tools and support they need to succeed. Our mission is to create memorable experiences for our customers and a fulfilling, enriching environment for our employees.
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Team of the Year
The Winner Is…
The CCP Accommodation Based Support (ABS) adult service in Hereford is crucial in delivering essential housing and whole-person support to individuals with multiple and complex needs. It is an essential component of CCP’s mission to prevent the causes and reduce the effect of homelessness and social exclusion. Their residents are routinely adults who have been homeless or faced imminent homelessness, who arrive traumatised and in crisis. Many exhibit their trauma through chronic mental and physical health needs, including addiction. The Hereford ABS team work relentlessly to support some of the hardest to reach and engage with adults in the county, with many of their residents being denied services from other providers. For them, CCP is the end of the line, and for our Hereford team this can mean difficult and often exhausting efforts as they go to great lengths to improve the quality and life-chances of those they support.
CCP’s defines innovation as the need to constantly improve our perspectives and practices to continue to meet the needs of the residents we support. As such, the Hereford ABS Team has recently radically changed the look and feel of its buildings. They have introduced colour and stimulating furniture and accessories in accordance with the principles of Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE); a trauma-informed approach that place at the heart the emotional and psychological needs of those accessing our services. Through creating a more ‘homely’ environment for residents, the ABS Team have sought to create a platform through which residents can experience immediate relief from trauma, as well as longer-term emotional recovery. The new-look buildings and rooms are now the ‘gold-standard’ of supported accommodation, maintaining and even raising the standards of the wider charity and its journey towards inculcating PIE in everything they do.
Furthermore, in that period the profiles of the individuals referred to the service have changed radically from when it was first commissioned. Now 80% of new referrals have a dual diagnosis of mental health needs and substance misuse. There is also a higher proportion of residents with a history of trauma through Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), serious offending history and deteriorating physical conditions.
Naturally, this has required huge amounts of resilience from the team, who continue to deliver and excel in achieving hard-won outcomes with their residents. CCP are delighted therefore, that the ABS Hereford Team have been recognised as a Finalist in the Team of the Year category.
The Highly Commended Entry Is…
If you’re dreaming of spending a couple of weeks exploring a brand-new destination (perhaps the Pura Vida lifestyle in Costa Rica has always intrigued you? Maybe you’ve never ventured to Southeast Asia and would love to soak up the culture in Cambodia? Or, has an African safari been lingering on your wish list for far too long?) We’re here to help.
Holiday Architects offer tailor-made holidays to 30+ destinations worldwide, travelling with private drivers, staying in unique accommodation, and experiencing quirky, unforgettable excursions. With us, you’ll discover the country in more depth and with more authenticity than you ever could with an off-the-peg tour.
Our Destination Managers are here to really listen to what’s important to you on your holidays and design the perfect adventure to match. We delight in designing holidays that add value, broaden horizons, open minds and do a little good – you’ll find no one-size-fits-all holiday offerings here. Your dedicated expert will work with you from start to finish; listening, sharing stories, giving advice, making suggestions and – ultimately – creating a holiday peppered with bucket list highlights and unexpected moments of magic. A holiday you’ll never forget.
Every single member of our small, close-knit team boasts a real shared passion for Holiday Architects, the destinations we sell and what we do. So, we always pull together to ensure we can provide the very best experience possible for you, with a genuine personal investment that goes far beyond ‘securing a sale’. We’ll be as excited about your holiday as you are. But, we always like to prove ourselves – pop over to Trustpilot and have a read through our customer reviews, 97% of which are 5-star (and we couldn’t be prouder of that!).
We’re delighted to have been nominated for both the Customer Excellence and Team of the Year awards at this years’ C2S Business Awards. Everything we do is built around delighting our clients with top-notch holidays and providing the most excellent service we can – and our most excellent team (even if we do say so ourselves), is exactly how we’re able to make that happen, time and time again.
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