Sponsored by Redkite Solicitors and Africa We Travel
We are indebted to our event sponsors Redkite Solicitors and Africa We Travel for their support and to RAU Events for hosting the evening.
Apprentice of the Year
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This award celebrates the outstanding contributions and achievements of apprentices in Cirencester and the surrounding area. It recognises the value apprentices bring to their organisations and the local employment market.
Judges were looking for:
- Evidence of exceptional contribution to the organisation.
- Passion and motivation for personal development and growth.
- Demonstrated skills, knowledge, and behaviours gained through the apprenticeship.
- Ability to overcome challenges and thrive in their role.
Sponsored by:
Winner: Sienna Kinch (Nordic Lifts)
Sienna is on an Accounts & Finance Assistant Level 2 apprenticeship with Cirencester College at Nordic Lifts.
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Finalists: Eva Purse (Cirencester College) and Eva Etherington (Publica)
Employee of the Year
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Entries were invited from employers who wished to recognise employees that have made an outstanding, year-round contribution to their business or organisation.
Judges considered the following criteria:
- The scope and impact of the nominee’s work.
- Initiative and innovation demonstrated by the nominee.
- How the nominee has made a difference within the business/organisation or community.
- Any obstacles or challenges the nominee has overcome to achieve their results.
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Winner: Ruby Chapman
Ruby joined Holloway Bond in August 2023 on a part time basis, whilst she also worked two other jobs. She was persuaded to join full time in August 2024, initially in a data analyst role before transitioning to an account manager role. Over the past year, despite it being her first job in a sales capacity and a significant portion of the year being worked part time, Ruby has brought in over £220,000 in fees, helping clients to save approaching £1,000,000 in business rates.
Finalists: Jack Wilson (the numbercrunchers) and Tina Simmons (Royal Agricultural University)
Creative & Lifestyle Service Provider of the Year
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This award honours individuals and businesses that enhance our daily lives, wellbeing and creativity through personal, lifestyle, community and creative services.
Judges were looking for:
• Excellence in delivering services that improve the quality of life, wellbeing or
creativity of clients or the community.
• Innovation in services or approaches.
• A strong connection to the community and demonstrable impact.
Sponsored by:
Winner: Kay Ransom
Kay Ransom Photography specialises in all things corporate including events, commercial projects, conferences and exhibitions, offices and locations, studio product shoots, staff headshots/business portraits and organic farming photography.
Finalists: Sophisticated Beaty Co. and The HB Method
Medium/Large Organisation of the Year
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This award was open to organisations and businesses with 10 or more staff that are excelling in their industry. Judges were looking for:
- Evidence of strong revenue growth over the last two years.
- A product or service that stands out from competitors.
- Clear evidence of strategies for longevity, growth, and sustained success.
Sponsored by:
Winner: Jesse Smith
Established in 1808, Jesse Smith & WJ Castle is a retail and wholesale butchers and delicatessen, headquartered in Cirencester with a growing team of over 75 staff. With six stores throughout the Cotswolds, they also have a thriving wholesale division, serving over 150 wholesale clients throughout the local area and a growing events and catering service.
Finalists: Redkite Solicitors and Stratton House Hotel & Spa
Business & Professional Service Provider of the Year
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This award celebrates the vital contributions of the business and professional services sector to the Cirencester economy.
Judges were looking for:
- Evidence of exceptional service delivery and first-class solutions provided to clients.
- Examples of how the business has gone above and beyond to meet client needs.
- Innovation and adaptability in responding to changing customer demands or market conditions.
Sponsored by:
Winner: Kopykat Marketing & Communications
KopyKat Marketing & Communications is a Cirencester-based marketing consultancy helping small business owners take control of their marketing. We offer outsourced marketing management, content creation, strategic consultancy, and marketing training. Known for practical, honest advice and flexible support, we act as a trusted marketing partner for businesses who want expert input without the overhead of an in-house team.
Finalists: Holloway Bond and The Ethical Bookkeeper
Self-employed/Freelancer of the Year
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This award recognises and celebrates the tenacity and drive it takes to succeed as a freelancer or self-employed individual. Entrants had to demonstrate that they are fully self-employed or freelance, operating without employees (beyond temporary or outsourced support).
Judges were looking for:
- Evidence of considerable progression and consistent growth.
- A sound business plan and a strong financial performance.
- A clear understanding of the markets in which entrants operate.
Sponsored by:
Winner: Love You Ceremonies
Love You Ceremonies is an independent celebrant service based in the UK, specialising in bespoke wedding, vow renewal and funeral and baby naming ceremonies. As a self-employed professional, Michelle works closely with clients to craft meaningful, personal scripts that reflect their stories and values. The process involves detailed consultations, flexible support, and ongoing collaboration to ensure each ceremony is truly unique.
Finalists: Africa We Travel and Kay Ransom Photography
Small Organisation of the Year
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This award was open to organisations and businesses with fewer than 10 staff that are excelling in their industry. Judges were looking for:
- Evidence of strong revenue growth over the past two years.
- A product or service that stands out from competitors.
- Demonstrated sustainability and plans for long-term success.
Show us how your small but mighty organisation is making a big impact
Sponsored by:
Winner: de Lisle Financial Planniing
de Lisle Financial Planning is a small directly authorised financial advisory firm based in Northleach, Gloucestershire. Established in 2021, it is led by Chartered Financial Planner James de Lisle Wells. The firm specialises in providing personalised financial planning services to small business owners and professionals approaching retirement.
Finalists: Holloway Bond and The Cotswold Cardillo Range
Team of the Year Award
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Entries for this award were invited from teams of two or more in any business or organisation. We were looking for teams where collaboration has been instrumental to success. This could have included the day-to-day running of a complex organisation, working on a production line, or achieving goals through a specific campaign, event, or product launch.
Attributes like teamwork, creativity, adaptability, and going above and beyond were what we were looking for.
Sponsored by:
Winner: CTC- Land & Property Team
The Town Council Land and Property Team plays a vital role in managing and enhancing the town’s open spaces and community buildings. They are responsible for the upkeep of award-winning Green Flag parks and work year-round to ensure spaces are clean, safe, and welcoming. In partnership with Phoenix Gardeners, they help keep the town centre vibrant with beautifully maintained flowers and plants and their efforts preserve Cirencester’ s heritage, promote biodiversity, enhancing everyday life for residents and visitors.
Finalists: RAU - Catering & Hospitality and The Churn Project
Retailer of the Year Award
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This award recognises outstanding local retailers that are the heartbeat of Cirencester and its surrounding areas. It recognises independent retailers—whether operating from a physical shop, online, or both—who deliver exceptional products, customer experiences, and service.
Judges were looking for retailers who:
- Offer a diverse, high-quality product range and embracing innovative practices.
- Deliver exceptional customer service, customer experiences and inspire loyalty.
- Make a significant contribution to the vibrancy of the local economy.
- Evidence of growth, achievements, or improved performance.
Sponsored by:
Winner: Walter Bull & Son
Walter Bull & Son is a fifth-generation family jewellers, established in 1815, selling both new and vintage fine jewellery. Their workshop specialises in restoring and repairing jewellery, as well as creating bespoke pieces, blending heritage craftsmanship with modern innovation. They also have an online store and pride themselves on exceptional service, trust, and timeless design that brings people back generation after generation.
Finalists: ANI Skincare and La Mesa
Start-Up of the Year
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This award recognises outstanding new businesses that have been trading for less than 18 months, start-ups that have demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit, a clear vision, and significant progress during their initial trading period.
Judges were looking for:
- A clear and compelling business idea.
- Evidence of growth, success, or early achievements.
- Innovation in products, services, or approaches.
- A plan for sustainability and long-term success.
Sponsored by:
Winner: Petscribers
Petscribers is the trusted platform for veterinary prescriptions. Their portal simplifies the process of obtaining a written prescription and helps the UK’s 16 million pet-owning households compare and purchase medication online.
Finalists: MKT Lab and Atlas Cyber Network
The Force for Good Award
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The Force for Good Award celebrates businesses and organisations making a meaningful impact across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) areas. This award recognises high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
Judges were looking for:
- Evidence of progress and innovation in governance, employee wellbeing, community impact, environmental responsibility, or customer stewardship.
- A holistic approach to sustainability and responsible business practices.
- Demonstration of how your organisation is using business as a force for good to create long-term value for people, communities, and the planet.
Sponsored by:
Winner: The Pennycress
The Pennycress is a purpose-driven café in the Cotswold Lakes, rooted in the belief that better daily choices lead to healthier lives and a healthier planet. Their mission is to inspire happier, more sustainable living while building a closed-loop food system. From our zero-waste ethos to local sourcing and community events, they are a village café with a global vision: to use hospitality as a gentle but powerful force for good.
Finalists: Fire & Flow and The Numbercrunchers
Cirencester Business of the Year
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This award acknowledges the entry with the highest score across the following categories:
Business & Professional Service Provider of the Year
Creative & Lifestyle Service Provider of the Year
Medium/Large Organisation of the Year
Retailer of the Year
Small Organisation of the Year
The Force for Good Award
Sponsored by:
Winner: Jesse Smith
Congratulations to Jesse Smith whose high-scoring Medium/Large entry earned them the title of Cirencester Business of the Year.
