The shortlist for the 2025 Believe in Gloucester Awards has been revealed, and the excitement is building across the city.
Fifteen categories are packed with incredible finalists, each reflecting the passion, resilience and creativity Gloucester is known for. From small independents to community champions, the awards once again showcase the very best of the city.
The awards are run by Gloucester BID, with support from headline sponsors WSP Solicitors and Gloucester Quays. The event celebrates the people and organisations who make a real difference. This year’s 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. 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. https://www.gloucesterbid.uk/believe-in-gloucester/
