Business Awards Winners 2025

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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