Vote for the businesses that help make Gloucestershire great
More nominations than ever before came in for this year’s Believe in Gloucester Awards, giving the judges picking the short list something to think about. Now’s your chance to vote.
Dear readers,
I hope you had a great weekend. Today’s edition is given over almost entirely to this year’s Believe in Gloucester Awards - and letting you know you can now vote on the shortlisted entries.
We were lucky enough to be involved in last year’s relaunch and invited along to report on the event (you can read that here).
This year The Raikes Journal is honoured to appear among an illustrious list of sponsors who are yet again making the Gloucester BID event possible.
It’s a list led by headline sponsors Gloucester Quays and WSP Solicitors. Raikes is backing one of the 15 awards - the Heritage or Regeneration Award, somewhat fitting for a business named after one of the city’s most famous fathers, Robert Raikes.
Another of those 15 awards is for charity of the year, and there are four shortlisted - all of which you can now vote on. We focus on one of those below in our regular charity of the week feature.
If that piece, and the article on the young Chris Hancock who won last year’s young ambassador of the year, don’t move you to realise why awards like this are so very, very special, we have our work cut out.
(A special thanks to Andy Barr, of Season One Communications, for writing the latter article).
Have a great week.
Best regards,
Andrew Merrell (editor).
* The Raikes Journal is a digital magazine and community interest company whose supporters believe, like us, that journalism about Gloucestershire is worth keeping alive. Everything you read here - original stories about our county - is made possible by our incredible Founding Partners: QuoLux, Willans LLP, Gloucestershire+ College, Merrell People and Randall & Payne; our sponsors, Founding Members and wonderful paying subscribers.
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Briefing notes…
🫡 After three decades serving the region, Phil Smith, the managing director of Business West, is to retire. The organisation, which represents chambers of commerce and the voice of businesses across the West of England, said the search for a new chief executive officer was now underway. Interviews are expected to take place in October and November. Colin Skellett, chairman of Business West, thanked Smith for what he called “three decades of outstanding service”.
🍻 A Cheltenham landlord is determined to fend off a second attempt to redevelop his pub. Plans to turn The Bell Inn, in Bath Road, into five homes were rejected by Cheltenham Borough Council earlier this year after hundreds of people opposed the potential loss of the pub. And The Bell has since been granted extra protection as an asset of community value. But now a new attempt is being made to convert the grade II-listed building to provide housing in the spa town. Read more.
👷♀️ Coldstore construction experts ISD Solutions is targeting £1 million turnover growth per year for its new asset protection division after an impressive first few months of trading. The Gloucester firm’s new division, has been run by Jonathan Hibbins, who has now been joined at operational level by experienced senior estimator Natalia Brazier. Hibbins is already targeting £1.2m of business by the start of next year after securing a series of significant projects. The plan is to then aim for £5m of turnover by early 2030. More here.
How the Believe in Gloucester Awards helped shape a young leader’s future
When Christopher Hancock stepped onto the stage to collect his Young Ambassador of the Year award, he had no idea just how life-changing the moment would be, writes Andy Barr.
Just one year on, the teenager has achieved incredible personal and professional growth, thanks in large part to the opportunities created by the Believe in Gloucester Awards.
Christopher’s story is more than just a celebration of personal achievement. It is a compelling case for why the awards matter.
For those thinking about entering this year, or nominating someone they know, his journey shows what can happen when a young person is recognised, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Meeting the right people at the right time
The awards evening was a pivotal moment for Christopher. It was not just about winning, but about meeting the people who would help shape his future.
Representatives from the University of Gloucestershire were in the audience that night and introduced him to new mentors.
Through these introductions, Christopher was able to access professional advice and career guidance that had previously seemed out of reach.
The support he received helped him begin to carve out a clearer direction. He was able to explore different career paths, ask the right questions, and find a sense of purpose.
“Without the contacts I made that night, I don’t think I’d be on the path I’m on now,” says Christopher.
The impact of the award did not stop there. Being named Young Ambassador of the Year gave Christopher the confidence to start believing in himself.
As his confidence grew, so did his network. He met business leaders, educators, and volunteers who shared his values and encouraged him to keep pushing forward.
It was through these new relationships that Christopher began volunteering at a local homeless shelter.
Giving back to the community became more than just a good deed. It became a part of who he is.
“Helping others has helped me understand the kind of adult I want to be,” he said.
One of the most exciting developments has been Christopher’s decision to pursue a career as a professional rugby referee.
Inspired by his experiences on the pitch and the people he met after winning the award, he has fast-tracked his journey through the ranks.
He has already had the chance to work alongside some of the best in the business, including respected referees Chris White and Christopher Ridley.
“I never imagined this path before the awards. But now I know where I want to go and how to get there,” said Christopher.
Ryan and Katie Hancock say they have watched their son grow in confidence, maturity, and determination since winning the award.
“The Believe in Gloucester Awards have given Christopher something truly special,” said Katie.
“He has not just won a title. He has thrived, found his voice, and is growing into a young man we are incredibly proud of.”
Alongside his personal development, Christopher has also managed to balance his studies.
He recently completed his GCSEs and is now looking forward to the next stage of his education with enthusiasm and ambition.
For the organisers of the Believe in Gloucester Awards, Gloucester BID, Christopher’s success is a shining example of what the Believe in Gloucester Awards are all about; they are not just a celebration of the city’s best and brightest, they are a launchpad for the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers.
“The Believe in Gloucester Awards helped me decide what I want to do with my life. They showed me that people believe in me, and now I believe in myself,” said Christopher.
Charity of the week: Sunflowers Suicide Support
Apparently September sees a spike in suicide rates, which is why nationally it is also Suicide Awareness Month.
Chloe Webb, operations manager at Gloucestershire charity Sunflowers Suicide Support, told us no one really knows why there’s a spike, but there is.
“Perhaps it’s the shorter days drawing in, the end of the holidays, the stress of a summer as a family?” said Webb. “We’re seeing a rise in referrals in Gloucestershire generally too.”
Some of that, she suggested, might not be because the rate of suicide is rising here, but because our ability to talk about it is getting better. Or perhaps because organisations like Sunflowers are no longer hidden in plain sight.
The county charity offers a myriad of support for people who have been impacted or bereaved by suicide – from families to individuals, young people and children.
“What we offer is completely bespoke for each individual,” said Webb, the charity’s operations manager.
That support can be counselling or training - within schools, to help individuals return to education, or work places. It might be support for the newly bereaved or for someone who only after years feels able to talk.
It runs sessions in Stonehouse and in Gloucester, but helps anyone county-wide.
The September spike is why the charity marks the month with its now annual gathering where staff and those it supports gather to watch the sun set, light a candle and remember a loved one (see the image above from last year’s event).
Why include Sunflowers Suicide Support in an edition given over to celebrating the Believe in Gloucester Awards? Because it’s one of four charities shortlisted in this year’s event.
Find out more below and more about Sunflowers Suicide Support here.
Finalists revealed for the 2025 Believe in Gloucester Awards
More nominations than ever before came in for this year’s Believe in Gloucester Awards, giving the judges picking the short list something to think about. Now’s your chance to vote.
The shortlist for the 2025 Believe in Gloucester Awards has been revealed, with finalists listed across 15 categories.
From small independent businesses to community champions, the awards aim to showcase the very best of the city and are backed once again by headline sponsors WSP Solicitors and Gloucester Quays.
The event, which is organised by Gloucester BID, which represents the city’s business improvement district, celebrates the businesses, people and organisations that make the city special.
And in the second year since their return after a hiatus of four years, the public response has been bigger than ever, with hundreds of nominations received in just four weeks.
Camella Cephas, managing director at WSP Solicitors, said: “Seeing the final shortlist shows just how much talent Gloucester holds.
“These are people and businesses that work hard every day to support our community. They deserve to be recognised and celebrated.”
Owen Acland, centre manager at Gloucester Quays, added: “This year’s finalists show how much pride we have in our city.
“The list is full of inspiring names from every corner of Gloucester. We’re proud to support an event that puts them in the spotlight.”
Emily Gibbon, manager of Gloucester BID, said: “This is what the Believe in Gloucester Awards are all about.
“They celebrate passion, commitment, creativity and community spirit. Every finalist on this list makes Gloucester a better place, and that deserves real recognition.”
Finalists now go through to the public voting stage and this is your chance to have your vote. The winners will be announced at the awards evening in November.
2025 finalists by category
Business of the Year (sponsored by WSP): Fasthosts, F.Hinds, Cass-Stephens
New Business of the Year (sponsored by Kara Hair and Beauty): Faeluna, Café Elm, Gloucester Willow Coffin Company
Food Business of the Year (sponsored by Gloucester Food Dock): Social Source, Bella Mia, Bake & Brew
Bar or Pub of the Year (sponsored by Gloucester City Safe): The Thirsty Pine, Blue Bamboo, The Fountain Inn
Sustainability Award (sponsored by Gloucester BID): Cass-Stephens, Gloucestershire Resource Centre, Saintbridge Allotments
Community Project or Organisation (sponsored by King’s Walk): We Are Project Grow, Longlevens Mixed Ability Rugby, Sailing4Disabled.
Charity of the Year (sponsored by Eastgate Shopping Centre): Gloucestershire Academy of Music, Rotary Clubs of Gloucester, James Hopkins Trust, Sunflowers Suicide Support.
Small Business of the Year (sponsored by Gloucester City Council): Mister’s, Vinyl Vital Signs, Café Elm.
Hair or Beauty Business of the Year (sponsored by The Local Answer): The Colour Room, Ashley Paul, Black Letter Tattoo Company
Retailer of the Year (sponsored by Gloucester Quays): The Fragrance Shop KW, Waterstones, The House of the Tailor of Gloucester
Best Customer Service Award (sponsored by Cass Stephens): The Lock Keepers, The Fountain Inn, Mister’s
Heritage or Regeneration Award (sponsored by The Raikes Journal): Llanthony Secunda Priory, University of Gloucestershire (City Campus), Gloucester Civic Trust, Elijah Willow
Event of the Year (sponsored by GMS Group): Gloucester Goes Retro, Gloucester Day, Santa Fun Run, VE Day Celebrations
Voting is now open and will run throughout September. Winners will be announced at the black-tie ceremony this November.
To vote, visit the Believe in Gloucester website and choose your favourites.