We are indebted to our main sponsor Redkite Solicitors for their support.
Thanks also must go to British Polo Gin for their generous sponsorship of the pre-dinner drinks and to RAU Events for hosting the evening and to Fern & Ivy for providing suitably themed table centres.
We were also delighted to have Raikes Journal there as our media partner who have devoted this week’s newsletter to our Business Awards. Click here to read all about it!
Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored by:
![McGills logo](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/McGills-Logo.jpg)
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.
Sponsored by:
![McGills logo](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/McGills-Logo.jpg)
Winner: Louis Godwin (Mainstream Digital)
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mainstream-Digital.jpg)
Louis is undertaking a Business Administration Level 3 apprenticeship with Cirencester College at Mainstream Digital who have been providing data and telephony for 32 years. Now in the second year of his apprenticeship his primary role at Mainstream has been for ISO 9001, the internationally recognized standard for Quality Management Systems, and he was instrumental in enabling the company pass the External Audit. His employer and training provider references confirmed that Louis has utilised his work activities to fulfil his portfolio evidence and has developed a wealth of knowledge, skills and behaviours to showcase what he has learnt.
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![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/KayRansomPhotography1245.jpg)
Finalists: Millie Hopkins (Hercules Site Services) and Rory Calvert (Cotswold Archaeology)
Employee of the Year
Sponsored by:
![Air Salvage International logo](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ASI-LOGO-large-jpeg-nov-16.jpg)
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.
Sponsored by:
![Air Salvage International logo](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ASI-LOGO-large-jpeg-nov-16.jpg)
Winner: Charlie Savage
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Conf-Logo-300x169.png)
Charlie joined the RAU as a school leaver initially and in 2018 when he was just 21 a catering review was undertaken and the department was reformed. Charlie had developed his skills, knowledge and delivery such that he was the most obvious choice for the role of Restaurant Manager. His promotion coincided with a new journey for RAU catering where he was working alongside the Associate Director of Commercial Services. Earlier this year he was promoted again to the role of Food & Beverage Operations Manager and has progressed in this role, improving service delivery, departmental cohesion and bringing the departmental strategy to life.
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/KayRansomPhotography1248.jpg)
Finalists: Dom Curnock and Sally Goddard
Manufacturer of the Year
Sponsored by:
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/thenumbercrunchers-scaled.jpeg)
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.
Sponsored by:
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/thenumbercrunchers-scaled.jpeg)
Winner: Kyeburn
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kyeburn.png)
Boasting over 250 years of collective expertise in steelwork and fabrication, Kyeburn’s skilled metalsmiths specialise in manufacturing unique products, with a focus on practical design and durability.
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/KayRansomPhotography1256.jpg)
Finalists: ANI Skincare and Cotswold Labels
Medium/Large Organisation of the Year
Sponsored by:
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/FortemIT_FullColour_150ppi.png)
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.
Sponsored by:
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/FortemIT_FullColour_150ppi.png)
Winner: Core to Cloud
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Core-to-Cloud-300x300.jpg)
Core to Cloud is a disruptive innovator in cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions. Co-founded by James Cunningham in 2015, it provides network visibility, validation, governance and control, and incident response.
In 2023 they were awarded Vectra’s Best Public Sector Reseller Award and a Best Cyber Business award from Techspark. CEO James Cunningham was listed in The Times LDC’s Top 50 ‘Ones to Watch’ list.
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/KayRansomPhotography1258.jpg)
Finalists: Rugrats and Half-Pints and Mainstream Digital
Professional Service Provider of the Year
Sponsored by:
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Perry_Bishop_New-Logo_WithStrap_RGB-8-003.png)
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.
Sponsored by:
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Perry_Bishop_New-Logo_WithStrap_RGB-8-003.png)
Winner: Kay Ransom Photography
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.
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/KayRansomPhotography1263.jpg)
Finalists: Christopher Stanley Architects and Jennifer McDiarmid
Self-employed/Freelancer of the Year
Sponsored by:
![Cirencester College logo](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/cirencester-college-logo-e1698789914425.png)
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.
Sponsored by:
![Cirencester College logo](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/cirencester-college-logo-e1698789914425.png)
Winner: Kate Lloyd-Evans (Kopykat Marketing)
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/THE-logo-KK-300x160.png)
Having been made redundant in April 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, Kate decided to launch her own company, KopyKat Marketing & Communications, offering marketing services to businesses of all shapes and sizes on a freelance, outsourced basis. Over the past 4 years she has built a wonderfully loyal and supportive client base, moved into offices, grown the team in line with customer demand, started an apprenticeship scheme with Cirencester College and launched a successful networking and educational event series.
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kate-L-E.jpg)
Finalists: Kay Ransom (Kay Ransom Photography) and Claire Wardell (You, Me and the Menopause)
Small Organisation of the Year
Sponsored by:
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/TheSteadings_MasterLogo_Stone.png)
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.
Sponsored by:
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/TheSteadings_MasterLogo_Stone.png)
Winner: ANI SKincare
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aniskincare-logo-300x300.png)
ANI Skincare manufactures, wholesales and retails natural skincare. All the products are naturally plant derived as well as being vegan and vegetarian friendly and are luxuriously enhanced by multi-tasking fragrant essential oils.
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/KayRansomPhotography1277.jpg)
Finalists: Cotswold Retreats and Jungle Boutique
Team of the Year Award
Sponsored by:
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Rangeford-new-logo.jpg)
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.
Sponsored by:
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Rangeford-new-logo.jpg)
Winner: Aura Care Living
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Aura-Care-LIving.jpg)
Aura Care Living provides exceptional elderly care at Stratton Court Care Home in Cirencester, focusing on comfort and enrichment. Their dedicated team includes skilled caregivers, a diligent housekeeping team and supportive administrative staff to create a family-like atmosphere.
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/KayRansomPhotography1278.jpg)
Finalists: Indian Rasoi and Parkinson's UK (Cirencester & Stroud)
The Ethical Business Award
Sponsored by:
![Bathurst Estate](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Bathurst_Estate_Logo_Blue__Dark_Grey_Pantone_294C-1.jpeg)
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.
Sponsored by:
![Bathurst Estate](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Bathurst_Estate_Logo_Blue__Dark_Grey_Pantone_294C-1.jpeg)
Winner: diptribe
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/JPEGwebsite-title-logojettytrademark-cropped-300x56.jpg)
diptribe® is a sustainable outdoor fashion brand for people who love rivers, lakes and seas. We are based in Cirencester and use a renewable energy powered factory on the Isle of Wight to print our 100% organic products.
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/KayRansomPhotography1282.jpg)
Finalists: Cirencester Friendly Society and the numbercrunchers
The Going for Green Award
Sponsored by:
![The growth gub](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/growth-hub-logo.jpg)
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.
Sponsored by:
![The growth gub](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/growth-hub-logo.jpg)
Winner: Cotswold Lakes Brew Co.
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Cotswold-Lakes-Brew-Co-2.png)
An independent craft brewery that seeks not only to create the best-tasting beers they can but wants to make a positive difference, both in their local community and more widely, to help address some of the bigger challenges around them. It’s what they call “Beer. With Purpose.”
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/KayRansomPhotography1288.jpg)
Finalists: The Cotswold Range and Raw Energy
The Innovation Award
Sponsored by:
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Conf-Logo.png)
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.
Sponsored by:
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Conf-Logo.png)
Winner: addSQUIRREL
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Add-Squirrel-Logo-300x300.png)
addSQUIRREL brings a fresh, modern twist to card and gift-giving. These affordable innovative QR smart stickers let users upload videos, photos, or voice notes to personalise any card or gift, making them interactive and unforgettable for less than a price of a first-class stamp.
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/KayRansomPhotography1292.jpg)
Finalists: Rugrats and Half-Pints and You, Me and the Menopause
Cirencester Business of the Year
Sponsored by:
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/redkite2.png)
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
Sponsored by:
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/redkite2.png)
Winner: diptribe
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/JPEGwebsite-title-logojettytrademark-cropped-300x56.jpg)
Congratulations to Paul Flynn of diptribe whose high-scoring Ethical Business Award entry earned him the title of Cirencester Business of the Year.
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/KayRansomPhotography1316.jpg)
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/redkite2.png)
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/thenumbercrunchers-1024x626.jpeg)
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/FortemIT_FullColour_150ppi-1024x268.png)
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Rangeford-new-logo-1024x483.jpg)
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/TheSteadings_MasterLogo_Stone-1024x739.png)
![Air Salvage International logo](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ASI-LOGO-large-jpeg-nov-16-1024x526.jpg)
![McGills logo](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/McGills-Logo.jpg)
![Bathurst Estate](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Bathurst_Estate_Logo_Blue__Dark_Grey_Pantone_294C-1.jpeg)
![Cirencester College logo](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/cirencester-college-logo-e1698789914425.png)
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Perry_Bishop_New-Logo_WithStrap_RGB-8-003-1024x250.png)
![](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Conf-Logo-1024x576.png)
![The growth gub](https://www.cirencesterchamber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/growth-hub-logo.jpg)