Business Awards Winners 2024

This award celebrates the diverse and outstanding apprentices in Cirencester and the surrounding area, highlighting the significant value apprentices bring to organisations and our local employment market.

Judges were looking for entries which showcase the impact an apprentice has had on the organisation they work for, as well as being able to show growth and commitment to their own personal development and progression.  Entries needed to demonstrate an exceptional contribution to the work of their organisation, and high levels of passion and motivation to develop their own workplace skills, knowledge and behaviours.

Recognising the invaluable contributions of our employees throughout the year, this award celebrates dedication, initiative and innovation in our workforce.

Our judges have considered the following criteria:

• Scope and Outcome of Work: Evaluating the impact and achievements of the employee’s efforts.
• Initiative and Innovation: Recognizing exceptional initiative and creative thinking.
• Making a Difference: Assessing the positive impact on the team and organization.
• Overcoming Obstacles: Considering challenges faced and overcome to achieve success.

This award is all about recognising excellence in the design and production of goods for retail or wholesale, as well as the manufacture of component parts.

Entries were invited from businesses of all sizes. Judges looked for evidence of recent improvements in business performance, operational efficiency, profitability, and customer responsiveness. They also evaluated what differentiates the business from competitors and gives it a leading edge.

This award recognises the remarkable achievements of organisations with 20 or more staff members who are truly punching above their weight.

Entries were invited from organisations that demonstrated exceptional performance and stood out in their respective industries. Judges meticulously reviewed each entry, looking for evidence of strong revenue growth and the delivery of a product or service of superior quality, setting these organizations apart from their competitors.

This award is all about celebrating the service sector of the Cirencester economy. The judges were looking for providers that explained their approach, demonstrated how they have gone above and beyond to deliver first-class services and showcased their ability to adapt to meet the challenges of their customers’ needs. The judges were particularly interested in providers who have consistently delivered exceptional customer experiences, displayed innovation in service delivery and shown a commitment to continuous improvement.

This award recognises and celebrates the tenacity and drive required to go it alone, and it is open to freelancers and the self-employed who have shown remarkable determination and success.

Entries were invited from individuals who have demonstrated considerable progression, a sound business plan, and a clear sense of purpose. Our judges looked for evidence of consistent growth backed by a strong financial performance, as well as a deep understanding of the markets in which they operate.

This award highlights that size doesn’t always matter when it comes to business success.

Entries were invited from organisations with fewer than 20 employees who are truly punching above their weight. Our judges sought evidence of strong revenue growth and a product or service of outstanding quality that sets these small businesses apart from their competitors.

This award recognises outstanding collaboration and teamwork. Entries were invited from teams of two or more working in any business or organisation. Our judges looked for teams whose strength, rather than size, played an integral role in the overall success and achievements of their business. These teams might have been involved in the day-to-day running of a complex organization, worked together on a production line, or collaborated on a specific campaign, event, or product launch.

This award celebrates businesses and organisations that make a positive impact through their activities and genuinely recognise their stakeholders, not just their shareholders.

Entries were invited from organisations that participate in initiatives supporting their local community, highlight significant sustainability achievements, or make a positive impact through employee-led activities. Our judges looked for evidence of businesses that have been set up to support the community, help through donations and resources, or drive wider progress in the green economy.

This award recognises businesses and organisations that are on their journey toward a greener future. It celebrates those who are taking meaningful steps towards environmental responsibility, regardless of whether they have achieved Net Zero perfection.

Our judges looked for a variety of efforts, such as:

• Starting to compost teabags or switching to more sustainable coffee options.
• Introducing recyclable packaging or measuring the company’s carbon footprint.
• Transitioning to electric vehicles or launching a ‘bike to work’ scheme.
• Installing solar panels or making daily efforts to preserve the environment.

This award celebrates the creators and thinkers who drive our local economy forward with their groundbreaking ideas and visionary approaches.

Entries were invited from businesses and organisations that offer either a groundbreaking product or service or use an exciting new approach to improve or disrupt a traditional market. Our judges sought evidence of how innovation has fundamentally transformed their business model, leading to remarkable achievements and progress.

This award acknowledges the entry with the highest score across the following categories:

Manufacturer of the Year

Medium/Large Organisation of the Year

Professional Services Provider of the Year

Self-employed/Freelancer of the Year

Small Organisation of the Year

Team of the Year Award

The Ethical Business Award

The Going for Green Award

The Innovation Award