Meet the C2S Leaders

Dave, Managing Director of Abbey Business Interiors has paved his way in the industry over the last 29 years, delivering large scale projects and building long-term industry knowledge and relationships. Abbey’s office may be based in Cheltenham but the team

work nationally to deliver small to medium sized projects right through to larger projects that have scale and complexity. The team work across FF&E, hospitality interiors, project management, moves, CAD planning and fit-out and refurbishment with the main aim of creating people, inspired spaces.

Steven Badrock Is the managing director of ABC SERVICES in Cheltenham since 2003, which is the largest independent garage of its kind in the South West. With a team of 30, in 2019 we completed work on over 160,000 vehicles (cars/vans) for maintenance, service, mot, diagnostic and body repairs.
Steven has successfully created an alternative for company fleets and families based in

Gloucestershire. ABC SERVICES has now has attained software for every type of car and
van in the current market. Saving you up to 50% compared to main dealers. For convenience we collect and deliver so your staff are not interrupted.
We successfully already look after several
C2S fleets and look forward to helping others
in the region.

Robert Games is the Managing Director of Albright IP, a professional firm of British and European Patent and Trade Marks Attorneys, based in Cheltenham. As well as being an Engineer and a creative thinker, Robert is an experienced Chartered British Patent Attorney, European Patent Attorney, IP Litigator (Patents), and Trade Mark Attorney.

Having graduated with an Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering, he worked at the UK Intellectual Property Office as a Patent Examiner in the Engineering Division. Robert qualified quickly as a Patent Attorney and worked for two of the of the country’s leading Patent Attorney firms. He founded Albright IP (formerly Albright Patents) in 2007.

Robert is a people person who understands the requirements of busy entrepreneurs and business leaders. He has worked on a broad range of patent and design matters and has experience of handling patent portfolios across many fields within the general engineering sector.

Robert enjoys managing the day-to-day running of the firm, as well as maintaining a very active case-load, regularly meeting new clients to add to the company’s healthy portfolio. He also provides support to our trainee attorneys, encouraging them to gain the experience they need to progress in their careers.

Adrian is a highly motivated and conscientious Chartered British Patent Attorney, European Patent Attorney, and IP Litigator (Patents) with more than 20 years of experience in sectors ranging from general engineering, automotive and aerospace, to medical devices, telecoms and software.

His life in Intellectual Property began in Tokyo where he worked for three years in a Japanese patent law firm. He dealt with technical developments in digital photography and compression algorithms from Pentax, as well as assisting with translation matters.

On his return to the UK, Adrian joined a leading national Patent Law Firm where he trained and qualified as both a Chartered British Patent Attorney, European Patent Attorney, and IP Litigator (Patents).

In addition to being a Patents Director of Albright IP, Adrian handles all aspects of patent and design preparation, filing, and prosecution in all territories globally, particularly in the areas of general engineering, automotive, aerospace, telecoms, and software. Adrian also advises clients on contentious IP matters, such as patent infringement. He enjoys guiding his clients with clear and proactive advice to help their businesses succeed.

Albright IP is a full service patent and trade mark attorney firm. Our first-class attorneys have exceptional expertise and will represent you before the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO), the European Patent Office (EPO) and internationally before the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). We can also obtain patent rights for you in almost any country throughout the world.

Julia House is a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney within Albright IP; a professional firm of British and European Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Julia is an experienced attorney described in the 2022 edition of the WTR 1000 (The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals) directory, as being “Practical and focused, providing top-notch, outstanding trademark prosecution work. She is a pleasure to work with.”

She has experience of all aspects of trade mark practice, which enables her to provide an insightful and commercial approach to brand management and protection, including the complex issues of ownership and licensing.

The specialist attorney teams at Albright IP have many years of experience in invention and brand protection, and work for clients in the UK and around the world. they advise on all aspects of IP protection and enforcement, including drafting, filing and prosecuting Patent, Design and Trade Mark Applications.

Katie Oliver is a Director and Trade Mark Attorney at Albright IP. Katie qualified as a Trade Mark Attorney in 2002 and joined Albright IP in 2009. Today she heads up Albright IP’s specialist Trade Mark team which has been repeatedly ranked by the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (CITMA) in their annual top-filer rankings.

Commercially focused, Katie has extensive experience in all aspects of Trade Mark law, including Trade Mark selection and searching, Trade Mark portfolio management, filing and prosecution of Trade Mark applications around the world, initiating and defending Trade Mark opposition, invalidation and revocation proceedings, and Trade Mark defence and enforcement.

Katie is well known in the IP world and has been named in the latest edition of the World IP Review Leaders as well as the World Trade Mark Review. Katie puts this success down to their attorney led approach which delivers a commercially focused service, helping businesses of all sizes to protect their brands and IP all over the world.

Established in 2007, Albright IP operates with a six-strong trademark team. It employs 35 people across the company and has seen significant growth over the past few years, currently working with more than 2,000 companies across the world, including Europe, the US and China.

Kyle Gordon is the Executive Vice President, Global Sales, Marketing and Commercial Excellence and leads all commercial functions of the AMAG Technology organisation. Kyle began his career at STANLEY Security and worked his way up through regional and national sales roles. Starting in 2013, he held two leadership sales roles focused on education. n 2016, he became the VP of Business Development, Commercial Strategy for Stanley’s parent company, Stanley Black and Decker, Inc.

He was promoted to Global Commercial Transformation Leader and then VP, Sales and Marketing for STANLEY Security. When Stanley was acquired by Securitas and formed Securitas Technology, he led the US sales team for their enterprise and regional channels as Senior Vice President - Enterprise and Regional Sales.

Jody Ross is the Vice President, Sales at AMAG Technology. She leads revenue growth of global customers and major accounts, working closely with them to ensure initial and long-term success. Jody has been at AMAG since 2006. During her tenure, she has held the positions of Vice President of Strategic Accounts and the Director of Business Development along with leading several initiatives to increase AMAG’s revenue and global footprint.

Before joining AMAG, Jody spent over 12 years with Andover Controls / Integral Technologies, where she held the position of National Accounts Manager and Northeast Regional Sales Manager and was responsible for the growth of multi-million dollar accounts, developing new business opportunities to increase sales.

Ewan Abbott is the Director, Global Operations for AMAG Technology, where he oversees manufacturing, supply chain, quality assurance, logistics and customer service and is also responsible for our facilities in the UK and USA. Having spent almost 40 years in engineering and manufacturing, his career has included some of the world’s best-known companies, such as Rolls-Royce Aerospace and Cosworth Engineering. He has led and developed teams in Sales, Marketing, Engineering, Program Management and Operations, and directed the European operations of a large US organization before joining the leadership team of a start-up high-tech business specializing in Lidar to measure wind in the renewables sector.

Passionate about people, teams, continuous improvement, lean methodologies and customer-centric behaviors, he focuses on ensuring that operations deliver maximum customer value through connected operational excellence.

A dynamic UK technology company at the forefront of innovation, crafting cutting-edge, secure solutions for a diverse range of clients, including government and commercial organisations. An engineering leader with extensive experience in the aerospace, automotive, and cybersecurity sectors, Daryl has transformed Amiosec’s engineering function since joining in 2022. He has strategically scaled the team from 25 to over 60 engineers, achieving a retention rate of over 90% while driving high-quality, secure engineering solutions through innovative methodologies and data-driven decision-making. Daryl's leadership is rooted in mentorship, fostering talent through structured career development initiatives, such as a formalised graduate scheme and a new apprenticeship programme.

As a passionate advocate for STEM and mental health in the workplace, he champions both team and individual growth while contributing to strategic business development to strengthen Amiosec’s market position and social value impact.

Following nearly 10 years within the Timber Engineering sector, Jon joined Apex in 2005, gaining his Chartership status during this period and became a Director in 2019.

Whilst working directly with clients, Jon also focusses his time and energy on both business development and the mentoring of staff on their Chartership routes ensuring the high standards are maintained. Jon is always keen to ensure the best solutions are found to each and every project.

With a passion for marketing and identifying client needs, the opening of our third practice in Cheltenham in 2021 was an exciting period for the business, coming off the back of a tough year.

Regarding the new office in Cheltenham, Jon says " This represents a great opportunity for Apex to continue to offer the same high standards to a new client base of both private and commercial clients both in and around Cheltenham itself and of course throughout the Cotswolds and surrounding areas. "

Jon is keen to continue to break down barriers and to further demystify the architectural process to ensure clients really do gain a great understanding of the profess and therefore gain a better perception of the values of our appointment.

Charlie joined the practice in 2006, gaining MCIAT Chartered status soon after and was recognised for his passion in both design and Architectural Technology. Charlie become a Director of the business in 2011.

He was a keen rugby player in his former years, with many seasons at Lydney. Being a Gloucester fan, we are proud to be members of their Business Club, and advertise at Kingsholm.

Charlie’s passion for design, mixed with a pragmatic and commercially sensitive approach ensures best value for our private clients, whilst achieving maximum profit for developers.

Charlie’s energy and focus continues to deliver results to our clients and in more recent years has helped to ensure the strategic growth plans have been successfully implemented.

Richard has been at Apex for over 25 years, he joined whilst studying at UWE Bristol in the late 90’s and gaining his RICS Chartership in the early 2000's.

Richard is responsible for both the Finances and business development of the practice. He is also involved day to day on a range of projects, assisting the team, bringing in his specialist knowledge and skills regarding surveying and legal matters to ensure the best client advice is always provided.

Richard's stewardship as FD has been instrumental in providing a stable platform to allow both growth and clear strategic plan to further develop the business.

Here's to the next 25 Rich!

Lee has 35 years’ experience in Risk Management, serving in both the UK Military, Law enforcement and Government. Working previously as an Operational Commander in the Technical Collections Division at the NCS and Serious and Organised Crime Agency, Lee has a Post Grad Diploma in Business Continuity, Cyber Security and Emergency Management and an MSc in Organisational Resilience. He is a qualified teacher and visiting lecturer in the UK and abroad.
Working as the Digital and Cyber lead at Bamboo Technology Group, the team are creating digital assurance solutions to defeat cybercriminals, while meeting compliance and delivering long-term cyber resilience.

The teamwork to deliver digital assurance services to businesses, with an in-house Cyber Threat Intelligence unit (CTI) and Incident Response Team (CIRT), all delivering high levels of service from the Security Operations Centre (SOC) situated in offices near Cyber Central, the UK’s focal point of activity in cybersecurity, adjacent to GCHQ. Bamboo is certified to ISO 9001 and 27001 BSI standards. They are a NCSC approved Cyber Essentials (CE), CE Plus and IASME Gold certification body.

Camilla Barnes of Better Business. Better World has been a qualified B Leader (or B Corp consultant) supporting businesses on their B Corp journey since 2017.

To date, she has supported 35 businesses on their B Corp journeys, 16 of whom are now B Corp certified, 6 are local to Gloucestershire.

She is co-chair of Gloucestershire B Local, which shares social & environmental best practice amongst businesses in Gloucestershire.

Alongside her BCorp work, she worked for nearly 10 years at Innovate UK/UK Research and Innovation – working on Women in Innovation and Young Innovator programmes as well as business improvement.

She worked for 4 years at a sustainable development charity in a Biosphere Reserve in central Mexico, has a Masters in Latin American Development and a BA in Spanish & French.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/camilla-barnes-71b92539/

For over 20 years Paul has pioneered businesses that are looking to do things better. Whether that’s efficiency, safety, cost, service, environmental impact or all of these. Paul is hugely motivated by not just settling for the ‘old way’ of doing things. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience in relation to Clean Tech and Green tech, having been lucky enough to build at least half a dozen business from Start-up / early stage to multi-million pound businesses, and with a particular interest in surface cleaning, chemistry, process improvement and sustainability. This background served as a solid platform for bringing the German Bio-Circle brand to the UK in 2017, ‘Bio-Circle Surface Technology Ltd’.

Bio-Circle operate in over 15 countries with their own subsidiary organisations and have a presence in more than 65 countries world-wide. The Bio-Circle mission very much aligns with Paul’s - to transform archaic processes into efficient, streamlined processes that are cost and carbon conscious and help organisations fulfil their potential - Bio-Circle call this MAKING GREEN WORK. Paul pours this ethos into a number of areas - through his Board Advisory and NED work, his mentorship with start ups at various Universities and Entrepreneurial Spark, and as Board Member and Trustee at Coventry University, The Cheltenham Trust and Ribston Hall.

Huw has a military background and served in the British army for 20 years.
Up until 2 years ago, Huw was the founding CEO of MPCT, a very specialist award winning training college with 2000 students and 200 staff across 35 locations. It was back in 2015 when Huw and his wife Mel realised that they couldn’t find a uniform provider that was able to supply their staff and students with high quality uniform efficiently.
From this problem, they formed Black Mountain in the basement of their house. Its mission was simple: to deliver on a promise and every individual mattered.

John Workman is a partner in the Corporate team at BPE Solicitors. He advises on corporate transactions and is the firm’s Senior Partner having lead a management buyout of the firm in 2005. John has over 35 years’ experience and is well-known for his specialist corporate knowledge.
In his role as Senior Partner, John is part of the senior management team at BPE, playing a key role in the firm’s strategy as well as being at the forefront of client facing activities and managing key client relationships. In addition to his legal practice, John is an Honorary Consul to Estonia and a director of the Everyman Theatre.

BPE is a full service law firm based in Cheltenham. We provide a range of legal advice to companies from exciting early stage ventures and regional SMEs to national and international organisations. As well as our business offering, we have a strong private client practice advising individuals in relation to wealth, property and family matters.

Sarah supports clients from SMEs to PLCs with day-to-day HR issues, reorganisations and complex employment tribunal claims. She advises clients on the best way to achieve the outcome they’re looking for, rather than simply telling them what the law says. She advises clients in a variety of industries, including charities, healthcare organisations and hospitality clients on complicated or

difficult grievance and disciplinary issues to drafting restrictive covenants to protect a client’s business. She also has experience in family-friendly rights, discrimination and regulatory areas, including DBS checks and data protection.

Kathryn advises on a wide range of transactions, including AIM IPOs, takeovers, placings, company restructures, private equity investments, mergers and acquisitions. Kathryn works with private and public companies,

charities, entrepreneurs, investors and management teams across a broad range of industry sectors, with a particular interest in MedTech and Cyber.

Doug’s main specialism (in addition to undertaking all general areas of commercial property) is the acquisition, management and disposal of large investment properties. Over the past two years alone, Doug has facilitated projects across London, the Thames Valley and as far north as Manchester, Leeds and Harrogate, as well as Gloucestershire.

There is no “typical” transaction that Doug advises on, but it can often include lettings to international brands and global plcs with disposals and acquisitions ranging from £1m to £22m as well as refinance exercises within the same brackets.

Jemma specialises in Family Law. She deals with all of the financial issues that arise on separation or divorce and works hand in hand with clients to achieve the best outcome for them. Her particular area of interest is dealing with the future arrangements for any children of the relationship.
She understands how stressful it is to go through a separation or divorce and aims to help her clients to make well informed decisions so they can take control of their future and provide stability for themselves and for their children.

Hi, I’m Nick and for over a decade now I’ve enjoyed helping some of the biggest names in industry achieve their goals whilst helping small and medium enterprises grow to their full potential. At Brace Creative we started on a local level and have never forgotten our roots, but we’ve always aimed high.

It’s these lofty ambitions we seek to bring to all of our clients. We’ve worked with charities, locals governments and schools, those just starting out, as well as industry giants. We know the online community inside out and we cater every package for you.

Nicki is the owner of Breakout HR. After 20 years working in HR up to Director level, Nicki brings vast levels of experience from her years working with great Gloucestershire companies from industries such as manufacturing (Mira Showers) through to eCommerce (Direct Online Services – Worktop Express). With this wealth of experience, she created Breakout HR with the purpose of providing great HR services and advice to small to medium sized businesses.
During her career she has been responsible for the people aspects of large change projects such as the build and move of a brand new £25M warehouse, planning and leading large restructures and site closures and re-launching the Mira Showers Engineering Apprenticeship scheme.

Now seen as an industry leader, improving company brand awareness and recruitment processes to cut recruitment costs by £80k per annum as well as devising and executing people strategies that support overall business goals.

Key areas of expertise include:
• People Strategy
• Change Management
• Manufacturing
• Organisational Design
• Restructuring
• Brand Awareness/Candidate Experience
• Employee Engagement
• Employee Wellbeing

Brewin Dolphin is one of the UKs leading Wealth Managers Founded in 1762, we are here to help you achieve your ambitions through expert, personalised financial planning and investment management advice.

Paul has worked in the industry since the eighties and has seen many changes over that time. Often driven initially by regulatory pressures but all leading to the high levels of service and care our clients receive. Paul is passionate about ensuring that clients receive the highest quality advice and are prepared for the changes that they face over a lifetime.

I am a Chartered Wealth Manager with Brewin Dolphin and have worked in the investment industry for nearly 30 years. Working with Brewin allows me to have the support and security of a large company whilst giving me the flexibility to offer a very personal service. Building strong relationships and understanding clients’ needs and long-term hopes enables me to help them build a strong

financial plan which is very satisfying and rewarding. Staying with the client as that plan works out over the years and helping to amend it to meet challenges continues to drive my passion for the role.

Brickhampton Court has a reputation for quality hospitality, great service and professionalism with a wide range of facilities that do not just cater for the golfers. Brickhampton Court Golf Complex provides a friendly and welcoming atmosphere to its members and visitors alike.

Meeting the requirements of our clients whether it is; sporting, business or social events serving between; 20 to 120 people by delivering outstanding service. Through our professionalism and first-class service, Brickhampton has established itself as the premier venue in Gloucestershire.

Marcus Gomery is Managing Director of both Brunsdon Financial Services Ltd and its appointed representative Brunsdon Employee Benefits Ltd. Marcus has worked in the financial services industry for nearly 30 years. He has a reputation for motivation and is an accomplished public speaker. Outside of work, Marcus enjoys spending time with family, playing golf and following most sports. He is a regular attendee at Gloucester Rugby (Brunsdon Financial has had a corporate box there for many years) and likes nothing more than the roar of the crowd on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival.

Brunsdon Financial is a long-established financial services organisation. It is committed to providing high quality, focused and holistic financial advice and prides itself on the fact that the business has developed largely through recommendation, long-term client loyalty and relationship building.

Steve has an educational background in health and physiology and specialises in the Group Risk and Health and Wellbeing sector. Steve's role involves meeting with existing and potential clients to discuss and review their current employee benefits offer and then suggesting and recommending solutions that meet their needs, budget and culture. Existing clients benefit from continued dedicated account management, including regular policy reviews and employee engagement initiatives.
Steve says: "‘My enthusiasm and passion is to ensure my clients are educated and utilise all available benefits to support their employees’ health and wellbeing.

Amongst the insured employee benefit schemes on which Steve advises are: group private medical insurance, group income protection, group life, critical illness cover, sick pay insurance, private medical insurance, health insurance cash plans, employee assistance programmes, health assessments, various group insurance policies, for example travel, gadget and dental.
Steve says: "‘My enthusiasm and passion is to ensure my clients are educated and utilise all available benefits to support their employees’ health and wellbeing. I firmly believe that improved wellbeing builds on positive engagement, enhanced physical and mental health and improved reward recognition and retention."

Brian has been in financial services most of his working life, becoming CEO in the year 2000. He is a Senior Financial Adviser with a large portfolio of prestigious individual and corporate clients and is also head of Brunsdon’s marketing and client communications team. As a strategist, his direction has helped drive the company forward.

Brian has a ‘can do’ attitude and rarely takes ‘no’ for an answer. He is a committed family man, loves playing golf, walking his dogs and riding his motorcycle! He is the author of the self-help book, The Little Guide to Your Bigger Future™

Neil is responsible for the management of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

A qualified engineer with a Degree in Mechanical Engineering & Business Studies, Neil joined the Business in February 1998 fresh out of University, developing his career at Burkert over the years.

Bürkert manufactures and sells mechanical and electronic process control equipment in component and customised system solution formats to a very diverse and wide range of industries. Headquarters are based in Germany and UK Ireland sales office in Cirencester, Gloucestershire. A family owned business, the company has offices in 36 countries worldwide and over 3,000 employees.

Neil is passionate about building teams and loves having the opportunity to collaborate with inspiring and talented people every day.

This creates the platform that paves the way towards fulfilling the company’s vision and outlines ways for every employee and every process to contribute to our overall goal.
Neil is a keen sportsman in his spare time, as his town’s local cricket team captain and former football captain, he likes to keep fit and socialize when he can.

Ramona Ray started her career journey in Hotel Management, within a 5-star Hotel located in Muenster, Germany. Ramona relocated to the UK in 2000 where she joined Caring for Communities and People (CCP).
Working from a Full-Time Volunteer, Ramona held several management positions before being promoted to her current role, Director of Community Services, overseeing a diverse and extensive portfolio of Community Based Support contracts.

Ramona is passionate about Early Help Family Support and is a trained Positive Parenting Practitioner, Family Mediator, Master Practitioner in Neuro Linguistic Programming and qualified in ILM Management Level 5.

"Cordell Ray is Chief Executive of the charity Caring for Communities & People (CCP). The charities vision is to prevent the causes and reduce the effects of homelessness, family breakdown and exclusion. Cordell is driven by a desire to create positive social impact, he passionately believes we can all add value by doing something extra, every day.

Cordell is also a Director of The Child & Family Learning Trust and the Chair of Governors with Gardners Lane and Oakwood Federation. He is also a Trustee of the Gloucestershire VCS Alliance. In his spare time Cordell is a keen runner and enjoys spending time with his family."

Charles Russell Speechlys is a law firm headquartered in London with offices in Cheltenham, Guildford, Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong. We have an unusually broad range of skills and experience across the full spectrum of business and personal needs. This gives us a wider perspective, clear insight and a strongly commercial long-term view. We use this approach to secure the growth of our clients as they move confidently into the future. Clients find our more considered and personal approach a refreshing alternative to conventional business law firms.

Claudine is a highly experienced litigator, based in Cheltenham, who acts for corporate and individual clients on a variety of commercial disputes destined for the High Court. Her work has a particular emphasis on contractual disputes, breach of fiduciary duties, shareholder duties, D&O claims, civil fraud, breach of warranty, professional negligence, sale of goods and supply of services, and misrepresentation.
Her Chambers & Partners ranking as Up and Coming reflects her ability to manage complex and technically demanding cases. Commercially astute, she is passionate about pursuing the right outcome for her clients. Claudine has experience litigating through the Courts domestically and internationally. She is also experienced in resolving disputes through mediation and by alternative means.
Claudine is a member of the Firm’s Women in Leadership in Law committee and an active contributor to our Achieving Balance initiative.

Francesca is the Chief Executive of Cheltenham Business Improvement District, a non-profit organisation, and an Executive Board Member of the Chamber of Commerce. She is passionate about placemaking and is committed to working hand in hand with local businesses, communities, and stakeholders to ensure Cheltenham remains a top choice for residents, visitors, and investors. Her journey has been driven by a dedication to driving positive change, having previously led several highly successful projects, including one that influenced national policy.
Francesca’s background is in the events and project management sector. She is a qualified PRINCE2 Practitioner and holds a Level 5 ILM certification.

Eve lived in Malawi, Central Africa, and was educated there at Saint Andrews International High School until 1989, when she accepted a scholarship to the Cheltenham Ladies' College for Sixth Form. After she left school, she studied Engineering Science at Pembroke College, Cambridge. Having worked in industry for a little while, Eve then entered the teaching profession, beginning at Radley College in Oxford, later moving to Epsom College in Surrey where she taught Economics.

In 2005, she moved to Blundell's School in Devon, where she was Director of Studies for six years. She became Principal of Cheltenham Ladies' College in 2010.

She was appointed Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire in 2017.

Clarkson Evans is one of the largest electrical contractors in the UK, with a workforce of over 900 staff and turnover approaching £55m. It specialises in wiring new homes and last year completed nearly 20,000 properties. Thanks to its hugely successful in-house electrical apprenticeship programme, Clarkson Evans has been able to develop the skilled workforce needed to expand from the ‘one-man-bad’ started by Steve Evans in 1981.

Lindsey Young is the company’s Chief Operating Officer and a regular attendee of C2S Leader events. She joined Clarkson Evans in 2001 in an administration role and has progressed within the company, becoming COO in 2018.

As Managing Director of Colour Connection, I have been leading the team through our sustainability vision. The direction of the business has changed significantly over three decades, and the landscape of the industry has evolved, with the heavy environmental focus which is impacting organisations and individuals far and wide.

Colour Connections purpose is to transform the existing story of throw away printed products from one of single use and single purpose print, to a brand-new story of offering a consultative approach to sustainable, reusable and environmentally friendly print products and services.

Along the way, we provide excellent customer service and engagement, whilst excitedly exploring new products and services every day! We look after customers big and small, far and wide. I can say with confidence that our levels of returning customers and customer referrals are truly impressive, this is what reassures us that customers recognise the quality, trust in our products, and trust in our people.

High on my priority list is my team here, on the ground. I’m proud of the collaborative energy and enthusiasm that burns through my team, their passion and desire to succeed with me, contributes to drive the business and paint our own landscape for the future.

For almost 30 years’ Simon has worked in Talent Acquisition. In recent years his focus has been on enabling firms to access untapped, diverse pools of talent (from young people to returners and over 50’s) and then removing barriers to enable talent to progress into work and critically progress when in work.

He was one of the Delivery Partners for a Govt commissioned taskforce with the City of London Corporation (2020-22) which has lead to the setting up of a new membership body Progress Together (in May 2022) to boost socio-economic diversity at senior levels in UK Financial and Professional Services.

He was awarded ‘Freedom of the City of London‘ in recognition for his work.

He is a member of the Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce, and although London focused, impacts all the UK.

He was appointed an ISE Fellow in 2022, (Institute of Student Employers) having been Honorary Vice-President (2017-2020) with a brief to shape the apprenticeship strategy for its’ members, The focus of that work is how apprenticeships can be a powerful tool to address the very real skills challenges facing UK Plc; so to both support the progression into work, as well as the development of future skills and progression when in work.

He is an Honorary Teaching Fellow as part of the ‘Leaders in Residence’ programme at Lancaster University Management School.

He is Deputy Chair for the Apprentice Diversity Champions Network (ADCN). It was launched by the Department of Education, as a network of employers to support the Government’s commitment to Diversity through Apprenticeships.

He used to be a runner (6 half marathons and 1 London Marathon), but now is a cyclist having cycled from London to Paris in 2022 and in the summer of 2023 Gloucestershire to Essex, all for charity.

And because there is always more you can do & give (!), he coaches and runs womens’ cricket for Cheltenham Cricket Club.

Martina Spreckley qualified as a solicitor and worked as an HR manager in Financial Services for many years in London, Paris and Bristol. Martina took a career break to raise her young family whilst also volunteering as a Witness Support at the local Magistrates court.

Martina returned to the corporate world, initially as a freelance headhunter and then joining Connectr in 2015.

Martina is a highly experienced talent acquisition professional and has worked on many high profile recruitment campaigns for partner clients sourcing amazing apprentices, interns and graduates strongly aligned to clients’ corporate culture and values. Recently Martina has been working with pioneering clients looking to hire over 50s talent into the workplace. Martina specialises in Tech, Construction, Legal and Financial Services.

Martina has had the most fulfilling time working alongside incredible colleagues on countless successful and challenging recruitment campaigns for our partner clients.

Anna Hadden graduated from Cardiff University in 2018 with a degree in French & Italian.

Anna worked in the fmcg and retail sector for Lidl where she recruited for store, logistics and office-based colleagues from entry level up to senior management, as well as gaining experience in Supply Chain and core HR.

Anna thrives on the buzz after she’s successfully placed a candidate, especially those hard-to-fill positions. She loves to nurture candidates through the recruitment process, offering support and guidance, be that interview coaching or assessment centre advice. Anna enjoys the personal touch; meeting a candidate at a careers fair or putting the face to a client’s name after building an initial rapport over the phone.

Anna is a keen linguist and now learning Spanish and also trying to get my rusty German back up to A-Level speed. She likes to put her language skills into practice at any opportunity, when speaking to multi-lingual candidates and clients, or with an escape or two to the sunny Mediterranean each year.

Charlotte Chambers graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a BA Hons in Fashion & Knitwear and embarked on an 18-year career in Fashion Buying. Charlotte worked in the UK and the Middle East, starting as a Junior Designer with Arcadia and steadily climbing the ranks. Charlotte’s career journey included buying for Marks & Spencer in the Middle East and culminated in her role as Head of Buying at Principles and later, Austin Reed Group.

After a short career break, Charlotte wanted a new challenge to leverage her skills and experience in a different capacity and joined Connectr in 2015.

Charlotte brings a unique perspective and understanding of the importance of nurturing undiscovered talent and fostering talent pipelines across various sectors with multifaceted expertise with a focus on the rapidly developing over 50's sector, as well as the Retail, Financial Services, and Construction Industries at both apprentice and graduate levels.

Charlotte discovered her calling at Connectr and has never looked back!

Kate Earle-Davis qualified in law, worked in the legal and oil sector and is the Head of Talent Acquisition at Connectr. Kate leads the talent acquisition team and is responsible for internal resourcing for the Connectr team.

Kate helps organisations attract and secure undiscovered and hidden talent and she has been involved in the search for apprentices, graduates, work experience, internships and over 50s work too.

An expert at sourcing extraordinary talent for those hard-to-fill roles, Kate has tenacity, resilience and always finds a resourcing solution. She has worked across all industry sectors with specialism in financial services, insurance, professional services and retail.

Kate is passionate about helping organisations thrive in today's ever-changing business landscape and if you’re looking to shake up your approach to talent attraction, acquisition, management and retention, let’s connect! She’d love to chat about how Connectr can support your organisation's goals.

As one of the original founders and Directors of the award winning Architecture firm, Coombes Everitt, established in 2000, John still oversees all Architectural projects. Leveraging years of expertise in designing and developing open-market residential projects to address diverse housing needs, John directs the business's focus toward sustainable design principles often taking on challenging properties that require listed buildings consent, or situated within conservation areas.

As one of the original founders and Directors of Coombes Everitt, Toby has cultivated a distinguished career post-RIBA, specialising in private, commercial and developer-led projects that have gained award-winning status. Throughout his journey, Toby has remained steadfast in his focus in ensuring that the practice fulfills its mission - to craft beautiful spaces that enhance the way we live, learn, work, and play.

Mike Court is an RIBA Chartered Architect boasting more than two decades of expertise in the field of architecture. Mike has also been a technical advisor to the Department for Education for the last 10 years and has experience ranging from early years, primary, secondary, academy, special educational needs, further and higher education, as well as elder care and leisure sectors. As a member of the Coombes Everitt leadership team, Mike leverages his strategic problem-solving and project management skills to craft sophisticated architectural designs.

Having worked as a heating engineer for the last 15 years, in commercial, domestic, and renewable maintenance and installation services, I have built up a vast knowledge of how our industry works.

I am responsible for the Technical Services division for Cosgrove and Drew Engineering where my team and I look after customers for all maintenance, small projects and facilities management services across the length and breadth of the UK.

I have worked in a number of leadership roles and have been fortunate enough to work with some of the best industry leaders in thought-leadership when it comes to the future of energy and at Cosgrove and Drew, we are very much involved with this from all angles.

Creed Foodservice has grown to become one of the UK's leading independently owned foodservice wholesalers specialising in a comprehensive range of multi-temperature products and services to caterers throughout the country, providing great service through great people.

Martin joined Creed in 2013 with extensive experience in the food industry, including roles in catering management, wholesale and distribution working in a number of senior sales, business improvement and people roles. At Creed, Martin has responsibility for HR and Organisational Development “ the people stuff” and is passionate about creating business success through strong organisational values and culture, employee engagement, wellbeing and development.

Chris specialises in large corporates and manufacturing businesses. He has presented and written articles about global business opportunities as well as the challenges facing the manufacturing sector. Other Partners in Cheltenham specialise in family businesses, property and construction, professional practices, non profits and private wealth.
Crowe UK is a national audit, tax and advisory firm with multi-disciplinary specialist teams providing all-round service to clients of all sizes. The firm is the UK member of Crowe Global, the 8th largest accounting network in the world.

Crowe UK is a national audit, tax and advisory firm with multi-disciplinary specialist teams providing all-round service to clients of all sizes. The firm is the UK member of Crowe Global, the 8th largest accounting network in the world.

Nick Latimer – is the Tax Partner within the Crowe Cheltenham office and advise business owners, entrepreneurs and families on appropriate ways to structure their affairs to make the most of tax allowances and reliefs.

He specialise in income tax planning, capital gains tax planning, partnerships, inheritance tax, and trusts, as well as advising internationally mobile individuals who may or may not be domiciled in the UK.

‘Moreton is the owner/Managing Director of the various businesses that comprise the Cullimore Group of Companies he is the third generation of the family to lead the group, no doubt people will recognise the green lorries driving around the region. The family have a historical origin in the Stroud district both living and business headquarters. Moreton also fronts Cullimore Farms and has branded one of their products ‘Wagyu Chief’ a Gloucestershire born and raised grass fed Wagyu Beef. Nationally Moreton is also the National Chairman of the Road Haulage Association (RHA).

He is the youngest ever person to hold this position and is now only the second to have a second term as chair which will make him the longest serving too. Moreton is therefore a passionate local businessman, keen on technology, road infrastructure, truck driver roadside facilities but also with a farming background a total foodie championing local produce.’

Cyber Security Associates (CSA) provides advice, guidance and a range of managed cyber services to the SME market to help businesses protect, detect and educate against the growing cyber threat.
All these services have been designed to be affordable, tailored to each individual business needs and easy to understand.

Dave, also known as ‘Big Dave’ has been with the company since the beginning as one of its founders and is now the Director for Support. Dave is not a real Cyberman #DoctorWho

Dean Close is a flourishing co educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 18 years, offering outstanding teaching and extensive opportunities, particularly in creative and performing arts and sport; the school has a national reputation for hockey. Dean Close has a strong Christian ethos and pastoral care, guidance and individual support is of paramount importance there.

The Dean Close Foundation has recently expanded with the addition of another prep school in Chepstow, and 5 nurseries. Emma Taylor joined as Warden and CEO in September 2017, after 10 years as Head of Christ College, Brecon. Emma is a champion for co-education, for the benefits of boarding, and for both excellence and inclusivity inside and outside the classroom.’

James has been Head of Brand at Laithwaites since August 2021 and before that he spent 11 years at Waitrose & Partners as Head of Brand Marketing.
Ever since Tony Laithwaite went to Bordeaux in the 60s, family and friendship has been central to their journey. For over 50 years they have been delivering wine the right way – from people who love making it to people who love drinking it. they never overcomplicate things.

Born in Lancashire and now based in South Oxfordshire, Tony Laithwaite founded the original ‘Bordeaux Direct’ company (now Laithwaites) in 1969. he has followed his passion for half a century, working in the vineyards of Bordeaux in the 1960s and now co-chairing the UK’s biggest wine company with his wife Barbara.

Paul heads up Business Development at DRPG - a completely integrated creative communications agency. With 30 years experience in developing and growing mutually successful client relationships with some of the biggest and brightest brands in the UK and beyond, Paul has access to an incredibly creative, innovative and results focussed team at DRPG.

Concentrating on bespoke solutions that centre on objectives and results rather than the media or channel of delivery enables Paul and the 370+ strong team to deliver outstanding and measurable results for their hugely impressive client portfolio.

DRPG has an unrivalled blend of in-house expertise which is illustrated below. Angela, the image I have suggested is also attached

This year, DRPG celebrates its 40th anniversary and continues to grow - now a global organisation and continually delivering on its promise that Anything’s Possible.

Dagmar Mackett – Global Development Director
Dagmar is DRPG’s global development director, addressing clients’ requirements for more internationally focused communications solutions. She has been with the business since 2009 when she joined as board director for film and video, building an award-winning film and animation team that provides creatively compelling solutions for a variety of clients in different industry sectors. Her focus now lies in developing the company’s profile abroad and supporting the global expansion of the group.

Dale left school with just one goal in mind, to run his own business. He has now been in the events and communication industry for over 40 years. DRPG a creative communication agency in the UK, employs over 350 specialists across 5 locations in Worc, London, Windsor, USA, and Germany. Dale is passionate about talent and putting people first.

DRPG appeared in the Sunday Times best 100 companies to work for list this year, coming 16th and was awarded the Investors in People Platinum status. In 2015 presented with the events industry personality of the year and in 2016 honoured with a fellowship award for services to Communication, presented in the House of Lords.

Gary looks after all things sustainable across the Green Britain Group - including Ecotricity, Forest Green Rovers (the greenest football club in the world according to FIFA), Britwind, EcoTalk, Skydiamond and Devil's Kitchen.

Ecotricity is a British energy company based in Stroud, Gloucestershire. Known as a global lead on sustainability. Founder Dale Vince and the team are
passionate about saving the planet and doing everything they can to support this goal. From Forest Green Rovers FC being the only green football club in the world and producing green fuel to innovating technology to produce environmentally produced diamonds.

Lee joined Elmrep in 1993 as a YTS Trainee and then bought the business in 2011. He has taken the business from strength to strength including pioneering the way to manage businesses office printing and scanning needs. A unique one-way monitoring system that allows them to know there is a problem before they do!

Lee is also the President of the Rotary Club of Gloucester Quays which has seen him and his team raise thousands for local charities.

In his spare time Lee likes nothing better than two wheels! Whether that be Mountain Biking, Motorcycling or the even lycra brigade!

For over 15 years, I have been operating my own businesses. During this time, I have been privileged to work with international brands and events across Europe and the USA, including Team USA, the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games, Nike, British Swimming, British triathlon, Ironman, Challenge Triathlon and the European Outdoor Film Tour. My clients have praised me for bringing a warm and enthusiastic personality to the team, paying close attention to the brief, and delivering on time. My goal is not only to meet but also to exceed expectations.

I've mastered the art of capturing life's special moments; be that a vocal or visual narrative. From the initial spark of an idea to the grand finale, I've been there, with my microphone, camera or drone in hand, weaving each unique tale into a visual masterpiece. As a seasoned female videographer and photographer, I bring a touch of elegance and a keen eye for the extraordinary to every shot. As a voice actor & VO I bring live event commentary/MC, VOG and charisma to my voice acting roles, connecting with your audience and delivering your message, your way!
Let's bring your story to life with vibrant photos, videos and voiceover that speak volumes. Trust in my experience, and let's create something unforgettable together!

Evans Jones is an independent firm of Chartered Surveyors and Planning Consultants, advising on all aspects of the acquisition, development and management of Commercial Property across the UK. Founded in 1972 and based in Cheltenham, the team work across the UK and have regional operations in London and Reading.

David Jones is Managing Director and Head of Planning at Evans Jones. David has an enviable reputation for getting results and has particular strength in the residential, education and leisure sectors and deals with larger or more contentious projects. David has over 35 years’ experience and has built in-depth knowledge and lasting relationships in the local business community.

Mark Goucher has been Chief Executive of the Everyman Theatre since 2017. A West End producer with over 30 years experience, Mark has used his connections in the industry to raise the profile of the Everyman nationally and increase the range of high quality work, working with producers and companies who would not otherwise have come to Cheltenham.

The Everyman has acted as an opening venue for many top shows and now co-produces with a range of other theatres and producers, including Bath Theatre Royal, the Northampton Royal & Derngate, Curve Leicester and most recently Love Productions, to host the premiere of Great British Bake Off, The Musical, which is transferring to the West End in 2023, a first for the Everyman.

I have worked in the care sector for several years and have also managed several services. I grew up with both parents being deaf and had a stint where I was the service user. I decided to use my knowledge and experience to give back and help hear the voices of those that may rely on others for a care service. I have my Level 5 Leadership and Management in Adult Care and am currently training to be a BSL Interpreter too. I am a qualified H&SC Trainer, as well as a senior Team Teach Trainer.

Established in the summer of 2020, First Thought Care Services was founded by Jack in response to the care and support staff shortage in the South West region caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Jack, the owner of the company, brings personal experience with mental health issues to his work, having been sectioned twice as a child.

Against all odds, i turned my childhood dream into reality and have committed to providing quality care services that prioritise safety, support, and respect for every individual. First Thought Care Services, collaborate with local authorities and offer both residential and day services.

We have been registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) since January 17th 2023, allowing us to provide personalised care services to individuals in our home. To learn more about our services, visit our dedicated Care Services section or Referrals section.

Recently we opened a new branch in Hereford where we continue our mission to help and support the ones that need our services. We collaborate with various local authorities, including Gloucestershire County Council, Herefordshire Council, Bath and North-East Somerset, CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and private clients.

Nigel Church, Managing Director at First Solution leads an experienced team of technology professionals and manages a range of high value technology partnerships. Nigel launched his career at Xerox, moved to US software giant PTC and then internet business Global Cloud Exchange. Having held senior roles across a broad range of technology businesses he has established a business that is focused on delivering the right outcomes from technology for its customers.

First Solution deliver secure highly available managed technology solutions that enables customers to digitally transform their business, to disrupt their markets or meet demands of the modern connected customer.

Since joining Gloucestershire College as Chief Financial Officer and Vice Principal in 2014, Andy Bates has driven a number of high profile projects. These include introducing a business partner model to improve financial visibility throughout the organisation and Gloucestershire College’s Institute of Technology bid consequently securing £3 million of funding for outstanding new cyber and engineering facilities.

Andy is responsible for leading the financial strategy, employer training and all commercial activities across Gloucestershire College’s three campuses in Cheltenham, Gloucester and The Forest of Dean.

Gloucestershire College is a modern, career-focused college that educates ambitious students and provides employers with specialised training services and support, including professional courses, apprenticeships, traineeships and the government’s new Kickstart Scheme. As the largest provider of apprenticeship training in the county, GC is nationally recognised for its award-winning apprenticeship programmes and is a proud supporter of the local business community.

Matthew Burgess was appointed as Principal and Chief Executive of Gloucestershire College in 2013 having joined in 1998 as Vice Principal for Finance. Supported by the Board of Governors, Matthew proudly leads all aspects of Gloucestershire College including its strategic direction, educational character, student outcomes and financial position.

An advocate for how FE supports local businesses, passionate about helping young people to achieve their potential and an ambassador for apprenticeships, Matthew ensures GC provides choices, pathways and support for all to help the local community thrive.

Committed to equipping students and businesses with the skills required for today and tomorrow, Gloucestershire College forms an invaluable part in meeting the future challenges and demands for skills both locally and nationally. Proudly part of the West of England Institute of Technology, Gloucestershire College is at the cutting edge for digital and technical innovation and education.

Julie Tegg is the Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Training at Gloucestershire College. Awarded ‘Gloucestershire’s Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year 2020’, Julie steers GC’s professional training provision with her senior leadership experience and exceptional knowledge of apprenticeships to provide an outstanding service for employers and apprentices alike.

Having joined GC in 2012 and is passionate about apprenticeships and their positive impact on both the individual and businesses as a whole. Julie and the team at GC are on a mission to change the stereotypes of apprentices and encourage everyone to utilise the scheme to develop professionally throughout their career.

The college is one of the leading providers of apprenticeships in the region and recognised nationally for the quality and impact of its apprenticeship programmes. Committed to providing employers with the right training for their business, Julie leads Gloucestershire College’s vast and experienced team of Business Consultants, Training Coordinators, Assessors, Trainers and Tutors, ensuring quality is always the top priority.

With apprenticeships in Engineering, construction, carpentry, accountancy, HR, marketing, IT, cyber, administration, hairdressing, hospitality and more, Gloucestershire College is the largest provider in the county. Providing training for both new recruits and existing staff members, GC can help all professionals to upskill and bring essential new skills into businesses.

Taking each and every apprentice’s experience personally, employers can expect top-class service and support every step of the way.

Sophie is the Client Service Director for Golley Slater Cirencester and has worked in creative agencies for almost 20 years. Starting her early career in Cheltenham, she has lived and worked in the Middle East, Sweden, Amsterdam and London with a number of high-profile accounts across multiple sectors including Charity, Financial Services, Automotive and Manufacturing. Now settled back into the Cotswolds she is driving the agency’s new B2B proposition forward to bring an end-to-end solution to her clients. Committed to understanding business challenges and goals she thrives on building a team to enable clients to grow their prospects, engage and retain their existing customers and ultimately improve sales and ROI. Committed to understanding business challenges and goals she thrives on building a team to enable clients to grow their prospects, engage and retain their existing customers and ultimately improve sales and ROI.

Chris is a seasoned marketing professional with over 20 years’ experience working in-depth across the entire marketing landscape. He has significant experience in planning, audience-specific strategy, deploying multi-channel campaigns, CRM systems, digital (web, email, social, PPC, SEO) & MI reporting. His diverse B2B and B2C background spans various sectors, including retail, financial services, and renewable energy. As well as extensive agency experience, Chris has worked client-side in multinationals, start-ups and SME's - working directly with business owners and C-suite to help them achieve real, measurable business growth.”

Suzanne heads up the team at Golley Slater Results marketing, based in CIrencester.
She has been delivering effective programmes in the B2B space for over 20 years. She has worked in agencies for her entire career, both in and out of London, and has been an instrumental member and shareholder in the leadership teams of 2 successful start ups which has given her insight into; and empathy with the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in fledgling businesses and those looking to grow at pace. Her sector experience is broad, and in additional to B2B work, spans FMCG, Travel and Tourism, Financial Services and Public Sector. Her main focus in all clients is using marketing to drive sustainable, accountable bottom line gains.

Tom Parsons is an expert in the UK energy market, specialising in helping UK households make sustainable choices, while lowering their energy costs.
Tom has led strategy and sales teams for the past 15 years at EDF, Drax and most recently Good Energy, where he is currently Director of Sales and Origination. He recently gained his MBA from Exeter University in sustainable business management. Tom passionately believes that renewable power is not only the right environmental solution, but also the right financial solution, giving households energy independence and long-term lower costs.

He has been responsible for several product launches that have helped households decarbonise including leading the roll out of Good Energy’s market leading solar export and EV/ battery charging tariffs as well as heat pump and solar installations for businesses and households.

In August 2024, Toni became Grundon’s first Risk and Sustainability Director, as well as the company’s first female board member. She is a long-serving committee member of the WISH (Waste Industry Safety & Health) Forum, focusing on improving standards within the SME sectors, and also a member of the ESA Health & Safety Strategy Group.
Toni joined Grundon in 1996 as Landfill Manager, a role which gradually expanded until she became Compliance Manager in 2008, taking on responsibility for health & safety. A decade later, she was promoted to Head of Compliance and joined the Senior Leadership Team.

Speaking on her new role, Toni said: "As the first director to hold a position specifically focused on sustainability, I feel a unique privilege and duty to lead our collective journey towards a more sustainable and equitable future.”

Dr Polly Pick is Principal Lecturer Business (Marketing, Personal and Professional Development Leadership and Management) at Hartpury University and College.

She is passionate about higher education and its ability to transform lives, believing that vocational education should be useful, applied and focused on developing excellent practitioners. Academically Polly’s discipline is Leadership and Management and Marketing.

Under Professor Andy Collop’s visionary leadership, Hartpury continues its remarkable growth and success. Its economic impact is estimated at approximately £296 million, more than triple the estimated value made in 2018, undoubtedly shaping the future of education and contributing to the growth of Gloucestershire's economy.

Hartpury University and Hartpury College is a thriving educational institution in Gloucestershire. 700 staff members support 4600 students studying a range of courses in areas including A-levels, animal, agriculture, business management, equine, sport and veterinary nursing. Hartpury University is the only university in Gloucestershire to receive triple gold status in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023. This year, Hartpury College retained its Ofsted Outstanding status in all academic and curriculum-related areas.

Scott is head of the Hazlewoods Corporate Services team. He has over 26 years’ experience advising corporate clients, family businesses and entrepreneurs from various industries including manufacturing and engineering, wholesale and distribution and motorsport. The majority of Scott’s clients have an international dimension: importing or exporting goods and services, and many have overseas trading operations. Scott is also head of the Charities and Education team, which provides expert advice to charity and academy clients. He has a Diploma in Charity Accounting and also serves on the National HLB Education team.

Whether your charity is new or long established, or if you manage a school making the transition to academy status, his extensive experience enables him to understand your unique issues from your perspective.

In response to the rapidly changing environment we now live and work in, businesses require support and advice more than ever before. Scott and his team continually produce articles, webinars and insightful top tips to support businesses and entrepreneurs that provide them with ideas to adapt and grow.

I’d rather be a gorilla” said my friends when I told them I wanted to become an accountant. Before I came to Gloucestershire I was working for Mars and that gave them lots of free chocolate – hence their rude comments!

Thirty years on it has turned out to be a fantastic career choice for me. Accountancy can take you in all sorts of directions, whether in practice or within a business. My personal route has been through audit to tax, which I have always found to be challenging and fulfilling. Clients seem to appreciate good tax advice; especially when it leads to tax savings! In the last ten years I have also become a business valuer and an expert witness, primarily for divorce cases and tax professional negligence claims.

It has been a great career as a woman; I have never felt there was a glass ceiling in accountancy. At Hazlewoods, our professional staff are split equally between men and women and we are definitely a meritocracy.

I have also had the opportunity to be able to contribute to the wider Gloucestershire business community. I am a member of the Honourable Company of Gloucestershire, a Visiting Fellow at the University of Gloucestershire and a board member of GFirst LEP, which keeps me pretty busy in addition to the day job!

A gorilla’s life might have its attractions but I would recommend accountancy as a far better career choice.

Having joined Hazlewoods in 2018, I have worked on a large number of private company, family business and corporate audits, and various inbound subsidiaries, and love the challenge and variety that working here provides. I have a particular interest in companies in the food and drink industry and take the lead on working in this industry at Hazlewoods.

Outside of work you can find me cycling, running, and spending time with my young family.

With over 25 years marketing experience across both B2B and B2C, Alison has led growth and brand awareness campaigns in regional, national and international markets.

Alison cut her marketing teeth working for complex global organisations in London - Deloitte & Touche and SITA Airline services. She was promoted through the ranks, using her strong management and communication skills to co-ordinate work across numerous teams and countries. Now as Director of Marketing for Hazlewoods - accountancy and business advisers to regional and national clients – Alison is channelling her marketing skills to continue to grow the firm’s brand presence and its business development capacity.

Moving to Gloucestershire with her family, Alison then headed up marketing teams for local organisations including Nelson Thornes publishers, Cheltenham College and Gloucestershire College. She has a well-known presence in the local business community, and is a strong advocate of the Golden Valley development and all the opportunities it will bring to our region.

Alison’s main passion is enabling teams to excel and cultivating strong and respected stakeholder relationships to strategically grow both business and brand.

With over 25 years in PR, Verity holds the highest level degree from Bournemouth University’s Centre for Excellence in Media Practice.

Building a reputation as a communications specialist, she has created communication and digital strategies for some of the most exciting B2B and B2C brands worldwide including Norton Internet Security, 3Mobile and AXA PPP.

Skilled across multiple sectors including cyber, technology, legal, finance, sustainability, energy and HR, Verity has built HeadOn PR to become well recognised as ‘the ideas people’ – a creative, digital PR consultancy that creates different opportunities that go above and beyond expectations. Verity has also worked client side as the in-house PR lead for some of the world’s leading organisations such as Symantec (now Gen Digital Inc) and Ericsson, so understands the demands of her clients and builds strategies that deliver against KPIs, supporting bottom line results.

Ryan has over 25 years experience in the Home Services and Utilities sector, working across B2B and B2C channels. He demonstrates a rare breed of experience, having been involved and responsible for large scale transformation programmes and projects for companies undergoing significant periods of change where corporate communications are key.

He has delivered large-scale sales and business transformation projects across B2B/B2C sales channels, field operations, call centre and commercial functions for companies such as British Gas and Harvey Water Softeners (Culligan International), and thrives by supporting SMEs to scale, identifying opportunities and developing their sales strategy.

From brand positioning, lead generation to creating bespoke sales processes and tools, Ryan develops stand out strategies which will increase your sales conversion and add value to your company offering to meet your customers’ needs. Ryan holds certificates in leadership, consulting, change management, project and programme management.

Stuart is the CEO of Hewer, and recently took the helm on a management buyot. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, Stuart demonstrates a clear vision for the future and the ability to think strategically, setting long term goals and developing plans to achieve them. Stuart is a strong leader who we feel communicates effectively, is inspiring, and motivating of others.

Stuart is both firm and fair who can articulate the company’s vision, delegate tasks, and provide constructive feedback. In the last 5 years Stuarts team, under his leadership has increased turnover by 200% to circa £5M and Net Profit up by 400%.

A qualified and highly experienced Recruitment professional, Richard founded Hooray in 2017 after moving back to Gloucestershire where he went to school and where his family reside.

Having worked with some large corporate Recruitment firms, Richard has managed large teams and is passionate about building and delivering an agency built on sound ethical principles and good business practices.

With 15 years of Business Development and Account Management experience, Ian has worked in the Property and Recruitment sectors extensively and brings a wealth of knowledge to Hooray.

Ian manages the day to day operations at Hooray, overseeing everything from Finance to Marketing as well as looking after a portfolio of valued clients.

Stephen has a wealth of recruitment experience gained from a career in both agency and RPO environments. Having worked for large consultancy and financial services businesses in London and Birmingham for the previous 10 years, Stephen returned to his recruitment roots and joined Hooray in 2020 and now leads the Professional Services specialist division.

Having been in recruitment since 2017, Dan has spent the last five years specialising in recruitment for the Healthcare + Education sectors.

Covering temporary and permanent vacancies from entry through to Director level, Dan is equally successful finding niche social care specialists as he is at finding business support candidates for the increasingly busy and challenging Healthcare sector.

Tina is passionate about Hope for Tomorrow and the service and benefits it provides to patients. She joined the charity in January 2015, after her mum was treated on the Gloucestershire unit.
It is very different from the world she came from, but she enjoys the variety with each day being different and having to learn so much. She is a tenacious individual who thrives on watching her team develop and succeed.

She is proud of the difference her small team make to patients’ lives and is often extremely touched with the letters that are received in the office from patients’, their families or just supporters. She studied business and management at many levels, gaining her MSc in Management.
When she is not working, she loves being at home in her garden, or cooking and socialising with her friends. She visits her family in Italy often and is a long suffering Arsenal fan.

Howden is a top independent Chartered Insurance Broker trusted by over 100,000 clients for business insurance, risk management, employee benefits and bespoke personal insurance. In a faceless world of indifferent service, our vision is to put CARE back into the broking business. I am a Chartered Insurance Broker with 30 years’ experience at major composite insurance companies and high-performing insurance brokers, advising clients within many sectors about a wide range of commercial insurance products & introducing complementary financial services e.g. risk management, high net worth personal insurance for discerning individuals, employee benefits and financial planning.

My career has progressed from technical insurance roles through sales into senior leadership. I am a “grafter” driven by quality, reputation and continual improvement to consistently deliver high performance, achieve results, meet challenges head-on, identify and seize opportunities in a dynamic environment.

Our expertise and services are wide-ranging but our customer service is always personal. Our staff work within local communities to understand clients and everything in their world. It’s also important for me to enjoy work and have fun!

Imagine your business is perfect. Your employees are engaged, motivated and work to 100% of their ability and at least 85% of their capability. They set their own objectives and achieve them. They recognise their own development needs and implement appropriate personal development plans. Staff are never absent and always turn up for work on time. They never argue, steal, lie, falsify

documents, harass or bully others, turn up to work drunk or use foul, abusive or discriminatory language. Disciplinary and grievance procedures would be unheard of, and dismissals….? It’s a nice thought, but we all know the reality, and that’s why HR Champions exists.

Jon Rathbone is head of the Corporate and Commercial team at Hughes Paddison. Jon joined in 2017 with over 15 years’ previous experience working in private practice for national firms as well as acting as Group Legal Counsel for Mulberry Group PLC. Jon also designed the Pourty Easy-To-Pour Potty, one of the bestselling potties in the UK, establishing a successful business selling children’s products to the likes of John Lewis and Amazon.

Jon draws from his experience setting up his own business and working in house for Mulberry to take a pragmatic approach and help clients to address their risks and optimise their opportunities.

We are a pioneering exhibition design agency based in Wychbold. We work with clients from a wide range of
industries – anything from aerospace to hair & beauty to mobile communications to medical prosthetics! Our work takes us around the world and we regularly deliver exhibition stands in the UK, Europe, Middle East, North America and the Far East. Our company ethos is centralised around

innovation and creativity – delivering the “marmite factor” – alongside an unwavering focus on client relationships. From a personal point of view, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my wife and two young boys. Asides from that I play the trumpet.

Impulse Capital are Commercial Finance Brokers who specialise in Property & Development funding. We have over 30 years experience in the UK Financial Services sector and Property. We provide everything from the smallest of ‘Soft-Refurbishments’ right up to ‘Ground up’ Development funding. So whether you are a Property Developer or an Investor with a portfolio, we can certainly help you with your future projects.

For over 20 years Dave has been a powerhouse of passion in IT sales, providing exceptional customer satisfaction and retaining clients. Having worked with some of the largest vendors, distributors and resellers in the UK, Dave has a wealth of knowledge and an unstoppable desire to provide the best possible service level to his customers.

Since starting the business in August 2020, he has been instrumental in driving the sales growth of the company and establishing a customer service standard that makes Indeloy a trusted supplier of choice.

As a key part of the company leadership team, Stanislava has been pivotal in establishing strong financial controls, industry best practices and exceptional relationships with the company’s customers, suppliers and partners. As a business approaching their third year of trading, Indeloy has established a strong reputation for being fiscally sound, with detailed financial planning, forecasting and a commitment to pay their partners on-time every time.

Stanislava is also a key contributor to the operational management of the team at Indeloy and her passion, commitment and determination to succeed has been essential to the business’s success.

Investec Wealth & Investment offer a complete Financial Planning and bespoke Investment Management Service in Cheltenham for anyone with over £250,000 of investable assets. We have a dedicated team of 28 based at Festival House on Jessop Avenue comprising a growing Financial Planning team and 10 investment managers who between them look after in excess of £1bn of investment assets for our 1,700+ clients. Financial advice is required at various points over time

and a persons savings & investments need to be steered adroitly through the ups and downs of an increasingly volatile economic & geopolitical landscape. We are passionate about helping our clients transition through life as seamlessly as possible, confident that they can achieve most if not all of their dreams for themselves and their family. Please be aware, with investment your capital is at risk.

Debbie is the HR & Facilities Director at ISO Quality Services Ltd, a family owned and run business, specialising in ISO Certification, Training and Consultancy. Debbie joined the organisation in 2014 to assist with the newly formed training division before following her passion for HR in 2019. Working alongside the Leadership Team, she takes the lead on the organisations health and wellbeing initiatives, supports the team on HR issues and maintains the workplace environment. As an active board member she is also responsible for assisting in driving the business forward, alongside her fellow directors.

She draws on a variety of experience from her previous roles in recruitment; housing and hospitality and works hard to support the ISO QSL team both professionally and personally. This has led to recognition with awards for training, wellbeing and employer of the year. She is also known as the chief party planner, birthday organiser, ISO Christmas Elf and all-round spreader of goodwill and cheer!

ISO Quality Services is an ISO Certification, Consultancy and Training Organisation. As a business they work prominently with SME’s to help them improve their business performance through good process management. Jennifer joined her family run business in 2010 and has been passionate about helping UK businesses grow and thrive ever since. The core values of the

organisation being to display positivity, passion and professionalism, be dynamic and deliver and to always be approachable and authentic have allowed the business to blossom and the company are proud of the quality of the clients that they have supported over the 19 years they have been in business.

After 10 years of working in various finance-focused roles, Ben founded Jenkins & Co in 2023 with a view to remove the finance stresses that small business owners experience on a day-t-day basis through accurate bookkeeping, timely accounts and providing a personal service tailored to each clients’ needs.

Throughout his career to date, Ben has leveraged technology to minimise the possibilities of human error, while still manually spot checking to ensure that the technology is carrying out its duties accordingly. This is at the forefront of Jenkins & Co.’s work, having implemented Xero and other tools such as Autoentry, Apron and Pleo to help the automation of finance processes.

Alongside the technology focus, Ben has undertaken Excel projects that were used in two of the UK’s largest banking institutions, worked on audits of Groups turning over ~£100m on an annual basis, worked with a variety of clients covering numerous business sectors from healthcare and education to manufacturing and has worked with board level management while dealing with complex issues.

Outside of work, Ben enjoys spending time with his wife, children and dog. He is currently training for a 100 mile race across Scotland, due to happen in 2025.

25 years ago I felt that the recruitment industry required a fresh, new and exciting approach, one that was customer led and focussed on a quality experience for both candidates and clients.
My mission was to create a company that specialised in supplying exceptional candidates that go above and beyond in their passion to succeed in their chosen field. A company that makes its candidates and clients feel welcomed and provides an unparalleled recruitment experience.
What started as a logo and a set of core values of how a recruitment business should operate, has become a well-known and highly recognised and respected business representing many of the South West’s most prolific businesses.

What started as a logo and a set of core values of how a recruitment business should operate, has become a well-known and highly recognised and respected business representing many of the South West’s most prolific businesses.
Think brand, culture, quality not quantity and an attention to detail that extends through everything we do – from the hands-on source and selection process to our second-to-none interview consultation, we are always striving to do the best for our candidates and our clients. .

Craig, who began his career at Mira Showers as a design engineer over 20 years ago, has since occupied a number of roles, including Senior Project Manager: Mixer Showers and New Product Development Director.
His proudest career moment to date was being awarded the Chairman’s Award in 2009 – an

annual award only presented to one of Kohler’s 35,000 associates worldwide. He is married with three boys, and enjoys family time and holidays, as well as training and competing in local triathlons.

I started my career as Mira’s first Finance Apprentice, qualifying as a Chartered Management Accountant in 2007, and was appointed Finance Director in 2015.
Working in a global organisation such as Kohler Co., I have had the amazing opportunity to hold many finance positions across several business units. I’m keen to learn and push myself and drive my development, so last year I enrolled on an MBA course.
Balancing my career, study and being a mum to two gorgeous boys certainly keeps me busy, and I love it!

Working in a global organisation such as Kohler Co., I have had the amazing opportunity to hold many finance positions across several business units. I’m keen to learn and push myself and drive my development, so last year I enrolled on an MBA course.
Balancing my career, study and being a mum to two gorgeous boys certainly keeps me busy, and I love it!

Pete Hoddinott is the Managing Director of L3Harris Technologies’ Intelligence and Cyber EMEA business area. With over 30 years of leadership experience within the defence and security sector, Pete inspires his team, ensures they always feel valued, and is a big advocate for the power of collaboration, communication, and teamwork. Dedicated to driving the business’ substantial plans for growth, he shares its people’s commitment and passion for making the world a safer place. Outside of work, Pete is married with two children and two step-children, enjoys playing golf, skis as much as possible, and has an interest in vintage cars.

Andy Hawker - Head of Logistics for the Laithwaites business on the Gloucester Business Park and the C2S Leader representing the Laithwaites business. Gloucester is the centre of all UK Operations with over 400 staff and is open 7 day a week, including our award-winning Call Centre, Sales Team, Warehouse and most
mportantly our Wine Tasting Shop.

The Laithwaites family are all actively involved in the business still and 2019 celebrate 50 Years since starting. I have progressed from watching my children grow up whilst being at Laithwaites to the birth of my first
granddaughter in 2018 which is bringing a another level of enjoyment for our family.

Not many Leaders can say they have taken a business from £9m to over £1Bn but Bob is one of these exceptional individuals who have innovated within their field of expertise and deserves the description of being an inspiring leader. With a flawless history of leadership success, Bob is one of the UK’s most acclaimed businessmen. He is most famously known for his pivotal role in the rise of Mears Group PLC and now Bob holds numerous executive and non-executive positions.

Since taking control of Mears in 1996, Bob led the business onto the stock market, building an order book value of £3billion and steered the company to its market leading position. Bob is currently holding executive and non-executive roles in several companies where he continues to be instrumental in guiding businesses to make beneficial changes that will not only improve the business itself but will aid communities and have a positive impact on the lives and welfare of others.

Lilian Faithfull Care is a charity caring for 300 residents across our care homes and day centres in Gloucestershire. An elderly care and dementia professional working at the charity for nearly 25 years!

Suzanne is very passionate about her job and she loves seeing every day our remarkable residents and incredible compassionate care team. No two days are the same, with vision and drive we continue to provide the very best in elderly care in the county.

Lucozade Ribena Suntory is a leading soft drinks business in the UK. Our much-loved brands include Lucozade Energy, Lucozade Sport, Ribena and Orangina. We are committed to providing healthier drinks and inspiring active lifestyles.

Tracy broke a Guinness World Record with World Heavyweight Champion boxer Anthony Joshua.

I have over 30 years’ experience in both the property business and the service industry, owning and operating wedding venues, hotels and care homes. My first property purchase, in 1985, was a one bedroom flat and since then I have undertaken a wide variety of property projects in varying locations - from Gloucestershire to Suffolk, various London and Essex boroughs, and Moscow, Russia.

When I passed my driving test two days after turning 17, I became one of the youngest people ever to race at Brands Hatch! My hobbies, when I have time, include collecting classic cars and playing golf.

Nathan established McLoughlin Planning in 2009 focusing on a simple objective: to get results for clients by providing high quality planning consultancy.
Based in Cheltenham, but working nationwide and drawing on over 25 years of experience, Nathan has been pivotal in winning planning permission for a wide range of developments, from strategic promotions and commercial premises to private developments and rural projects.
His reputation for integrity, ability to think innovatively and the respect he has gained has developed a growing business, thriving on personal recommendations from clients and industry colleagues.

This has been achieved through forensically examining planning policy and how they can be applied to support a client’s project.
His reputation for integrity, ability to think innovatively and the respect he has gained has developed a growing business, thriving on personal recommendations from clients and industry colleagues.

McLoughlin Planning is an independent, results focused consultancy and has an expansive experience of many areas of planning consultancy.
Providing the best advice to anyone who asks us is at the heart of what we do. Our approach is always guided by our three principles of Integrity, Innovation and Intelligence.

Jenny trained as an accountant with KPMG and went on to establish McLoughlin Planning with Nathan, her husband. She takes the lead on all aspects of running the business, leaving Nathan to focus on the planning consultancy. Leading not only the work on accounts and HR but also business development, marketing and strategy, Jenny is driving an exciting period of growth for McLoughlin Planning.

Adrian has worked in the Audio-Visual Events industry for over 40years and is well known by clients for his logistical expertise, specifying the right product for the event and being able to deliver within budget. Post COVID he has been working at Mercian Events re-structuring the company after a period that saw several companies, large and small, disappear from the events industry due to the pandemic.

He has worked with a wide variety of clients in different sectors of industry. In his spare time, he takes an active part in Scout activities working with the 14–18-year-old Explorer Scout sections.

Sharon MacArthur, Miss Menopause is also Founder and Leadership Confidence Coach at Red Handbag. Originally started to help women with confidence issues in the workplace, Red Handbag has grown to help businesses at all levels develop brilliant leaders. Miss Menopause has been created to fill the void of educational services needed by women and their organisations as they reach menopause. Most women will tell you that they had “the chat” to teach them what was about to happen to their bodies as they reached puberty. Sadly it is estimated less than 10% of companies across the UK are educating their workforce about menopause and the impact it could have.

At Red Handbag we are passionate about getting rid of poor management behaviours, through coaching, training and mentoring. Everyone can benefit from leadership development getting results from what you do, not just what you know.

Miss Menopause is on a mission to educate employers on the impact of menopause in the workplace and how to support employees.
Standing in the queue at my local store a young woman commented on my handbag. “I love your handbag and I wish I had the confidence to have a red handbag. My Dad got me a cream bag for Christmas and I dare not use it in case it gets marked. I just don’t have the confidence to use it”

“Well”, I said “if I were you I would take your cream handbag out of the wardrobe, put a mark on it yourself, somewhere you can’t see it. Then you won’t be stressed any more about using it, as the thing you are most worried about will already have happened! Then you can use it can’t you?”
“Wow, I never thought of that, I’m going to do it !”

This event, although small and ordinary, is what the spirit of coaching is all about. Helping others to see there is an alternative way of thinking, then taking action. Originally started to help women with confidence issues in the workplace, Red Handbag has grown to help business at all levels develop brilliant leaders.

Born and raised in South Africa, Barry Doak is the Partner and Sales Director at Monatrix, a position he has held since 2007.He has over twenty years' experience in electronic security, with a specialism in Access Control and has worked with companies such as Sensormatic and ADT.

In his role at Monatrix, Barry is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company's sales team and ensuring that the strategic direction of the company remains aligned with its core values. A passionate customer service professional, Barry works closely with Monatrix clients to ensure that the most secure security systems are in place at their sites.

Paul Gillings is the CEO and co-founder of Monatrix Limited. He founded the company back in 2003 and has been instrumental in its success, driving it to become a leading electronic security specialist and integrator. Over the years, Paul has developed an unrivalled understanding of electronic security, which he uses to provide businesses with the perfect security solution for their needs – whether it's a legacy system or a cloud-based security solution.

With over 26 years' experience in the industry, Paul is dedicated to ensuring businesses have the right security in place to protect their people and assets.

Simon is Director of Executive Search at Moon Executive Search and brings over 20 years of experience in the Executive recruitment industry. He was made a Director of the business in 2019 in recognition of his high-level experience, knowledge of the market and utmost commitment to integrity and ethical values.

He manages high level retained search campaigns for C-Suite, Non-Exec and senior appointments, including PE and VC backed entities. He operates across multiple sectors regionally, nationally and internationally. Simon brings a developed network of CEO and Chair contacts within FTSE Plc’s and as well as representing Moon on panel interviews, he is Chair of Babbasa which supports disadvantaged young people in Bristol and the current President of the Old Colstonian Society.

Vanessa co-founded Moon Consulting in 2000, perceiving a need for a return to the personal touch in senior level recruitment and is a firm advocate of the company's core values of being distinctive, ethical and approachable.
Vanessa works with a broad portfolio of clients both in the UK and internationally, ranging from listed PLC’s, private equity groups, SME’s to equity-backed businesses.

Her experience of over 25 years of senior management and recruiting at board level has given her a deep understanding of the talent of the South West and beyond. She is Master of the Guild of Guardians for 2019/2020 and was President of The Dolphin Society 2017/2018.

Zoe is more than just a seasoned professional; she is a dedicated advocate for exceptional client experiences. Known for her people-centric approach, she thrives on building lasting connections and delivering outstanding results. Her market knowledge, cultivated through work in Worcester, Malvern, and Hereford, is a valuable asset that ensures her clients receive the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Lynette is driven by a passion to enable people to realise their potential, from the young adults supported by National Star to the 1,300 employees who work for the charity. Since becoming CEO of National Star in 2022, Lynette has championed employee development, wellbeing support and a wide range of incentives to ensure the charity is an employer of choice. This has resulted in a marked improvement in the retention rate for the £46m turnover organisation. Lynette has worked in Education, Health and Social Care for 27 years, joining National Star in 2001.

She is committed to ensuring young people with disabilities receive quality education and care across the UK and have the freedom to choose the services and support that suits their needs and aspirations. Lynette is a national leader in the sector and is chair of Natspec, the umbrella organisation for specialist further education providers. She has led on national research to understand what happens to young people with disabilities when they leave education and has been working with the Department for Education to look at how to move forward with the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities reforms.

Rachel is a CIPD fellow with over two decades of HR and recruitment expertise. Rachel is the 'HRD without the cost commitment’, and provides flexible HR Solutions, specialising in People Strategy aligned to Organisational Strategy. She has a passion for ensuring that a business knows where it wants to get to, and aligning their talent strategy to get them there.

With her many years’ experience in the spanning wide ranging sectors from Manufacturing to Care, Technology to Charity, she has an understanding of a wide range of challenges and solutions.

Alice Fox is Commercial Director at PBS Ltd, a team of print and signage specialists based in Malvern. Known for their superfast turnaround but without compromising on quality, with a passion for creating bespoke, innovative signage solutions. PBS supply print & signage to both SMEs and national brands such as Morgan

Motor Cars, National Trust, DuPont and Reach Events. Their factories are fully equipped with the latest print and cut technology and an experienced in-house design team to help put your ideas into production. In her spare time Alice enjoys dressmaking, with an ambition of making one item of clothing each month.

Terry Edgell is one of three founding shareholders of Premier Forest Group which was formed in 1993 and he also acts as the groups CEO. Premier Forest is one of the largest vertically integrated timber companies in the UK. The group operates from 15 sites across the UK and Ireland and is principally engaged in the

wholesale importation, distribution, sawmilling, processing and merchanting of timber and timber based wood products. The company has an acquisitive appetite and together with its significant organic growth record; is targeting a turnover approaching £200 million over the next 3 years.

I was 17 when I joined Premier Forest Products Ltd. The company was just going into its fifth year of business and I was starting out as an admin apprentice. That was 23 years ago and Premier has grown to a team of 400, with 16 sites in the UK and Ireland and a turnover of £170M. Meanwhile, I’ve gone from apprentice to company secretary. I think it’s fair to say we’ve grown up together!

As well as being an admin apprentice, I’ve been an admin assistant, admin manager and HR manager before I became Company Secretary in 2019. If you’d told me on that first day in 1998 that this is where I’d end up I’m not sure I’d have believed it.

Starting in such a junior role and working my way up means that I’ve gained a really thorough understanding about how the business works. I’ve seen it from all angles and I know what will work and what won’t.

The last year has been a year like no other I’ve ever experienced. Busy would be an understatement. From those very early days of fear and uncertainty we turned everything around.

We had no choice but to keep going through the pandemic, we had government contracts to fulfil (we supplied products to the government’s Nightingale Hospitals) and to do that we needed to make sure that our brilliant team was kept safe. I worked closely with the Health & Safety Manager to ensure that procedures were followed to the letter.

Of course, the first lockdown also coincided with some glorious weather so our retail sector was incredibly popular as people started to work on home and garden improvements.

There are no two days the same for me and I really love what I do. I’ve seen Premier go from strength to strength and I’m so proud of the part that I’ve played in that success. From the early days as one of the company’s most junior staff members, I’m now in the room when important decisions are being made and the directors really value my input which is a great feeling.

I love working with people and supporting others to succeed. If I had advice for others starting out in their careers it would be to set goals and just keep going until you reach them. Nothing is unattainable if you work hard enough.

Andy Barham, Manging Director Premiere Kitchens & Furniture joined the Markey Group in 2007. Initially delivering modular construction on the construction side of the business, he moved into Premiere Kitchens and Furniture, who at the time were 100% focused on social housing. Andy became Managing Director in 2014 and re-set the strategy and has since

diversified the business, and whilst social housing is at the core of the business, high end developer, student, distribution and modular kitchens and furniture all now make up a broader product portfolio. His hallmark is balancing customer centricity with strong values based, empowered colleagues.

I oversee the finance department and strategic development of the business. I work closely with the board of Directors and senior management team to develop the organisation's systems and processes, ensuring that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Using my years of experience in both the public and private sectors, I have developed a wide range of skills across various industries, including large-scale sport and event catering, as well as project delivery in the UK Civil Service. My experience in project delivery and process improvement has supported the growth and success of Prosperity Care & Wellbeing and helped to establish the organisation as a leader in the care industry.

My experience in project delivery and process improvement has supported the growth and success of Prosperity Care & Wellbeing and helped to establish the organisation as a leader in the care industry.

My Job Highlights: I am passionate about creating a supportive environment for our staff, allowing them to focus on delivering outstanding care to our clients. I am totally committed to ensuring that our operations are efficient, effective, and compliant with all regulatory requirements.

My Leisure Time: In my free time, I enjoy returning to the beaches of my native Wales where I can soak in that sea air – as well as eating lots of Welsh cakes!

My Responsibilities: Overall business development strategy and regulatory compliance. I am dedicated to ensuring that the organisation delivers the highest quality of care and support to our clients, and I work closely with the team to achieve this.

My Skills & Experience: As an experienced leader within the care industry, I continue to provide the compassionate, high-quality care that has helped establish Prosperity Care & Wellbeing as a leading provider of care and support services.

My Job Highlights: I am totally dedicated and passionate about the care industry. This stems from my belief that everyone deserves access to high-quality care and support, regardless of their background or circumstances. I am committed to creating a positive impact on the lives of those who rely on our services, and I take pride in the amazing feedback we receive from our clients.

My Leisure Time: I enjoy travelling to new and interesting places, and I love painting and creating interesting sculptures

I was born and bred in Gloucester and have strong values for the county and the business that thrives in it. My background saw me serving in the armed forces for a lengthy period from the age of seventeen and upon leaving I entered, like most soldiers do, in the security sector. For the last 18 years I have been involved with vehicle GPS products, working for some of the country’s leading telematics providers however for the last 10 years this has been in my own business as the

MD of what I believe is one of the best innovative fleet software and telematics systems in the UK today. We have diversified from basic track and trace software to App based solutions, electronic driver checklists, compliance testing and bar code scanning to job scheduling, electronic signature capture and automated resources. I am extremely proud to be the Group MD of The Protrack Group.

Paul Dyer is the Managing Director of QBD, a full-service digital marketing agency that helps growing businesses of all sizes to reach more, attract more and achieve more.
Paul is an experienced entrepreneur with a strong track record of starting and building successful online businesses. He’s a highly skilled digital marketing and SEO professional, with vast expertise in sales & marketing strategy, sales management and strategic partnerships.

He also specialises in helping other businesses identify how they can grow through having a great website and a digital presence that ranks well and generates new business.

Paul has enjoyed a long and successful sales career, holding senior roles at Sony UK and Samsung UK, where he was General Manager, responsible for large teams and budgets.

He first got involved with QBD, as a client, in 2001, and worked with its then owner to help shape its strategy around the ecommerce products it was developing. At the same time, he was also running several multi-million pound businesses created from start-up.

He bought QBD outright in 2010 and has since overseen its growth and transition from a traditional web developer to a full-service digital marketing agency.

Paul’s strengths lie in being authentic and having an inherent understanding of how to grow a business with proven success.

He lives in Evesham with his wife and has two grown up sons. Away from work, he enjoys relaxing with ‘boys’ toys’, photography, drones, flying model aircraft and helicopters. He’s also learning to play the piano.

Dan Bullock is a director of QBD, a full-service digital marketing agency that helps growing businesses of all sizes to reach more, attract more and achieve more.

An experienced creative and business development professional, Dan has worked for QBD since it started 11½ years ago and worked for its predecessor for 2½ years prior to that.

Dan joined the firm as a junior programmer and has worked in a variety of roles across the business to develop his knowledge and understanding of the industry, including marketing manager and business development manager, becoming more engaged and involved with our clients and the delivery of their projects.

His main roles are working alongside his business partner, Paul Dyer, to look after the operations side of the business to make sure things run smoothly. He also liaises with clients and oversees the delivery of their projects and ongoing services to help them achieve their objectives.

Dan came straight into the role from university, where he studied graphic design and then new media design. He’s always been interested in the research and development side of design and the bigger picture, in terms of how creative and technical teams fit together to bring ideas to life, which is what the QBD team tries to do with every project they work on.

His strengths lie in being able to bridge the gap between the technical and creative worlds and look at how that can be applied to business to help clients solve their challenges.

Dan lives in Derby with his wife and three children. Away from work, he enjoys spending time with the family, sport and exercise, getting outdoors and travel. He is also a keen photographer and videographer and likes mixing his passion for creativity with his lifestyle by capturing people, places and memories.

Kate began her career in accountancy in 2004, after a 10-year career in Retail Management. She trained at a practice in Malvern as an Auditor, and within just 7 years became a Director at a practice in Cheltenham. In 2013 she founded Beacon Accountancy and Tax, with the aim of supporting businesses in the Malvern area.

The practice was an immediate success and in 2018 Kate partnered with Mike Newnham to form Quantum R&D Tax. A company that educates small business owners about the benefits of the R&D Tax Credit scheme and whether they would be eligible or not.

In her role as an accountant, Kate could see how poorly many businesses were initially set up and to help them in 2015 she founded The Business Pod, an online resource for start-ups to get their businesses up and running on a sound footing. The Business Pod’s Start-Up-Hub deals with all the issues that face a new business, from choosing the right structure for the business through to goal setting, marketing, sales, and much more. Kate’s book ‘The Small Business Guide to Setting Up A Business’ is now available on Amazon.

Kate is passionate about giving back to the community. Part of the profits from all her businesses go to supporting projects in line with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development goals, via B1G1. She also supports various other charities such as the RSPCA, and Midlands Air Ambulance.

Mike is a founder and director at Quantum R&D Tax ltd, a specialist R&D Tax Credit consultancy. At Quantum, Mike heads up the technical aspects of the claims process. The company has SME clients across all sectors, including engineering, IT, food, construction, and agriculture.

A Materials Engineer by background, Mike has worked in R&D and innovation throughout his career, having held senior positions at Rolls-Royce Aero-Engines, and ABB Power Generation, and was Engineering Director Bowman Power Group, where he led the design, development and introduction of the UK’s first micro-turbine based Combined Heat and Power system.

The company focuses 100% on R&D and is passionate about helping companies to innovate and thrive. Mike has a deep knowledge of the scheme, having been claiming since the scheme started in 2000.

Alongside Shaun, Nikki manages the Accounts team at Randall & Payne and has an impressive portfolio of clients, with specialities in agriculture, charities and pubs. Day-to-day, she’s always on the other end of the line when clients need advice and guidance, and is proud to work for a highly regarded local firm with a long standing history. In her free time, she enjoys her annual skiing trip – or two if she can fit it in!

Randall & Payne are a leading independent firm of chartered accountants offering a full range of accountancy & audit services, specialist tax advice and bespoke business problem solving to clients across Gloucestershire, throughout the UK and internationally. Tim started as an apprentice and is now responsible for the leadership of the firm. His primary area of expertise is Tax, but he looks after everything from accounts and tax to business advice for clients. Tim’s mission for the firm is simple; ‘We make your success our priority’ and by using the team’s wide range of knowledge and experience, they help businesses and individuals achieve their goals. In his spare time, Tim is treasurer of the Friends of Gloucester Cathedral, enjoys travel and running, and is a lifelong (forever suffering) Leeds United fan.

and tax to business advice for clients. Tim’s mission for the firm is simple; ‘We make your success our priority’ and by using the team’s wide range of knowledge and experience, they help businesses and individuals achieve their goals. In his spare time, Tim is treasurer of the Friends of Gloucester Cathedral, enjoys travel and running, and is a lifelong (forever suffering) Leeds United fan.

Will is partner and head of Management and Business Advisory Services at Randall & Payne. Helping business people achieve success by bringing clarity and commitment to their plans, he works with many sectors to develop and implement strategy. With over 25 years’ experience in practice he is passionate about helping clients solve problems and ensuring they, their teams and their businesses are the best they can be. A dedicated MAMIL he can be seen cycling the highways and byways of Gloucestershire and further afield most weekends.

Alongside Nikki, Shaun manages the Accounts team at Randall & Payne, has a substantial portfolio of clients and meets with new prospects to understand their business goals. Shaun works closely with clients to prepare financial statements, year-end planning and identify key tax-planning opportunities. Any free time is spent with his two boys, going on adventures and playing games – generally boys being boys.

Ryan is Head of Audit and Assurance at Randall & Payne and works closely with executives in organisations across a number of sectors, including Charity Boards and Academies. Having trained in audit at the Big 4, Ryan joined as the firms’ Responsible Individual and draws on his experiences to help clients create value and develop their business ambitions. He is also a member of the Disciplinary and Regulatory Committee for the ACCA. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys spending time with his growing young family and can often be found riding the waves on his surfboard!

Rob oversees Randall & Payne’s Tax department and its specialisms, with his own being VAT. Rob helps clients to meet their obligations, will seek to minimise their tax burden and reduce the risk of any tax investigation, and works heavily within the construction, property, education and charity sectors. If you’re a keen runner like Rob, you might spot him pounding the streets or taking part in a parkrun event.

With an eye for a promising opportunity, Ollie leads Randall & Payne’s Corporate Finance team, securing futures for ambitious businesses and their owners. He handles company acquisitions and sales, financing, due diligence and valuations.

Ollie is also heads up the Payroll department, working to help provide payroll solutions that relieve the frustrations of an in-house system. Out of the office, he loves spending time with his two children – their artwork is often proudly on display at his desk.

James Geary, Client Director
James is Randall & Payne’s lead in corporate tax and specialist in R&D tax credits. He also specialises in corporate restructuring, employee share incentives and investment tax reliefs. He ensures a high standard of corporation tax compliance is maintained for clients. He also volunteers for the Chartered Institute of Taxation on one of their technical committees with direct links to policy makers in the government, as well as chairing the local members’ branch. He can be found playing table tennis with colleagues in his lunch break and out of work he’s a keen stage performer and musical director for stage musicals.

Will joined the Renishaw graduate scheme in 1996. He holds a degree in physics from Oxford University and an MBA from Bath University. He became Director and General Manager for the Laser and Calibration Products
Division in 2007 and subsequently Director and General Manager of the Machine Tool Products Division in 2014. He was appointed Director of

Group Sales and Marketing in 2015 and became a member of the Executive Board. In 2016 he was appointed to the Board as Group Sales and Marketing Director and in February 2018 he was appointed Chief Executive, taking over from Renishaw’s co-founder Sir David McMurtry. Will is responsible for product divisions, overseas sales subsidiaries and human resources.

Jacqueline advises and gives guidance to the Board and senior management on legal and governance issues and leads the legal function. Prior to joining Renishaw in 2019, she spent 12 years with Vodafone in a variety of roles within the group legal and corporate secretariat team,

latterly as Group Risk and Compliance Director. Prior to that, Jacqueline had worked across private practice, in-house and government, both in Australia and in the UK, specialising in Intellectual Property law.

In over 30 years with global engineering business, Renishaw, Chris has held a variety of commercial roles, gaining experience in areas including global branding, international exhibitions, international marketing communications, sales administration and distribution logistics. He is also a Six Sigma Green Belt.

His current responsibilities include corporate communications, internal communications and investor relations.

Chris is also a company spokesperson and Vice-Chair of the company’s Charities Committee.

He is a Board member of the Manufacturing Technologies Association and Chair of the association’s Exhibition Committee, which is responsible for overseeing the organisation of MACH, the UK’s national show for the manufacturing technologies sector.

Jonathan is Finance & HR Director at the Robert Hitchins Group which has extensive land interests and commercial property holdings throughout Gloucestershire and the South West. Robert Hitchins are active supporters of the local community and are major contributors to the Gloucestershire Community Foundation, of which Jonathan is a trustee, who support a wide range of charities in the county.
After graduating from Cambridge University, Jonathan gained his accountancy qualification at Ernst & Young in London and after a couple of roles in media and luxury jewellery found himself at Grosvenor Estates where he developed his interest in property.

His first director role was at South Kensington Estates before moving to Cheltenham in 2012 with his wife and two daughters to join Robert Hitchins. Outside work Jonathan and his family are passionate about classical and church music.

Robert Hitchins Ltd is an active member of the Gloucestershire business community with extensive land interests and commercial property thorough the region. Simon leads an experienced team of property professionals. He is looking to strengthen and add to the Robert Hitchins property portfolio and is always keen
to speak to companies wishing to explore their

future property strategy. Robert Hitchins, work closely and build lasting relationships with businesses to enable them to fulfil their property aspirations, whether that means expansion, relocation, remodelling of their existing property facilities or maximising the financial returns that can be made through development or refurbishment.

Justin is a defence, intelligence and security expert with 20 years' service with the British military. CEO, global strategic advisory firm
Author, "Corporate Security Intelligence and Strategic Decision-Making" Board Member and 2021-2 President, Association of International Risk Intelligence Professionals He continues to serve in the UK Reserves . He is CEO of Sibylline Ltd, the intelligence consultancy he founded in 2010, and also serves as Head of Intelligence for The ANVIL Group. Specialties include: Al-Qaeda and the global jihadist movement; global terrorism; Middle East, North Africa and South Asian affairs; defence and security issues; social media; transport and maritime security; intelligence and crisis management.

We have a team of nearly 200 with our principal hubs in London, Singapore, and New York. The Global “Insight Team” is collectively based in London, covering seven regions plus Cyber.

We also have staff in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Dublin, Mexico, and Brazil. Our main US locations include Seattle, San Jose, Phoenix, Washington DC, Chicago, and Austin as well as an extensive global correspondent network

Maurizio Preziosa, took over as Managing Director Steam Specialties from 1st January 2021 and became a member of the Group Executive Committee. Maurizio will be based at the Group Headquarters in Cheltenham, UK. Maurizio joined the Group in November 2011 as General Manager for Spirax-Sarco Italy, progressing

to the role of Regional General Manager for Southern Europe in 2014, before becoming Divisional Director for Gestra in May 2017 where he led the successful integration and growth of the Gestra acquisition.

Jim Devine joined Spirax-Sarco Engineering in 2016 and has been an instrumental part of the group executive team that has accelerated the organic and acquisitive growth of the group in recent years. He has a wealth
of experience across a number of industries spanning manufacturing, financial services, resources and engineering; having previously worked for Chemring, British Gas, Centrica, Ford

Motor Company and BAE Systems.Since joining Spirax-Sarco Engineering Jim has transformed the HR function and has actively encouraged the business to consider the people agenda a key enabler of corporate strategy. Jim is passionate about attracting the best business talent to develop careers in HR, and is a strong believer
that HR is a key commercial discipline as opposed to being a ‘partner’ of the business.

David has twenty-five years of experience in the Telecom’s Industry. With a clear passion for providing customer service and results that are not only best of breed but cost effective and easy to use for all stakeholders. David has been at the forefront of delivering fantastic Telecom’s solutions to companies across the Southwest and the United Kingdom.

Many of the Region’s companies have trusted David to provide Telecom services which have been fundamental to delivery business essential communication needs. An independent Telecom expert, David has advised and delivered unified communications, contact centres, collaboration, mobile and IT solutions to medium and large enterprise companies.

As a Director at Square One Network, David would never ask a colleague to attend to a task that he is not willing to do personally. David is supported by a fantastic in-house team who have years of experience in providing a one stop shop for all our Square One Customers. David is passionate about upskilling his colleagues with an ambition of building a Team of Industry experts who are at the forefront of delivery Business Telecoms.

In his personal life, David has participated in several events to fundraise in recent years, and these include the London Marathon, The MacMillan Longest Day Golf Challenge, and the Three Peaks Challenge. His most ambitious and thrilling adventure was a 3-week trekking adventure to Everest Base Camp. David is never too far away from a golf course or searching for the complete single malt whisky.

Matthew is Headmaster of St Edward’s Senior School in Cheltenham, a post he has held since April 2020. Prior to working at St Edward’s, Matthew spent two years with the Inspired Learning Group, before which he was Head of St Martha’s in North London, having previously held leadership roles at a number of other Independent Schools. Matthew is passionate about education and the aim at St Edward’s to ensure that all students are provided with an outstanding educational experience, which will lead to happy and successful futures.

St Edward’s School comprises two independent day schools, both located in the heart of Cheltenham. We are a Catholic foundation welcoming students of all faiths and none, who benefit from our outstanding pastoral care and excellent teaching.
Situated on two sites, approximately five minutes from each other, and enjoying over forty-five acres of wonderful grounds, together the two Schools provide academic excellence and a nurturing community for boys and girls ages 1 – 18.

Gemma is Head of Merchandising for both Menswear and Womenswear at Superdry, with a demonstrated history of working for the biggest retail groups from Value chain to Mid market to Brand. Driving all the key product areas from Womenswear to Accessories, Kidswear and Menswear.
Superdry is a global digital brand, our product offering is diverse and evolves significantly every season. We have built our brand by creating distinctive, affordable, high-quality contemporary products with authentic vintage washes, unique vintage detailing, world leading hand-drawn graphics and tailored fits with diverse styling.

Superdry is a genuine British success story. From our inception in 2003 we have grown into a global business with over £1billion of Superdry product sold across the world each year. We sell on a truly global basis through a broad range of channels, including owned retail stores, franchise stores, our own ecommerce websites, partner ecommerce sites, large multi-brand store chains and smaller independent retailers. There are well over 500 Superdry branded retail locations in over 50 countries, and via our ecommerce and wholesale markets we have enabled the Superdry brand to reach almost every country in the world.

Support Connect are more than a learning support company.We specialise in providing comprehensive assistance and resources to apprentices and learners with disabilities or additional learning needs with a focus on enhancing their experience, social mobility, and prospects.

Whether it's through personalised guidance, targeted resources, or effective strategies, we are here to help learners overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.
In short - we exist to connect people with the support they need.

Jack has dedicated over 15 years to the health insurance industry, culminating in the founding of Switch Health Limited in 2015. Starting with just £750 and operating from his garage, Jack's vision was to revolutionise the health insurance landscape. With determination and a commitment to excellence, he utilised data-driven strategies to grow the business and better serve his clients. Fast forward to 2024, Switch Health has transformed into a thriving enterprise with a dedicated team of 25 professionals. Now headquartered in a beautiful office on the Promenade in Cheltenham, the company continues to prioritise customer satisfaction and innovative solutions.

Jack's journey reflects the power of perseverance and visionary leadership, demonstrating how a small idea can blossom into a successful business that makes a significant impact in the health insurance sector. Outside of work, Jack enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the great outdoors.

System 15 is an agile and innovative IT solutions company, proudly based in Gloucestershire. Since 2015 the company has been providing services and support to help organisations solve their IT problems.
Founded by director Nick Rowntree, Gloucester-based System 15 have quickly expanded to become a leading provider of managed IT services, cyber security consultancy and IT projects. The company has built a reputation upon honesty and trust, taking the time to consult carefully with clients to fully understand their organisation's requirements before advising on cost-effective IT solutions.

Chris Tarren is the founder and managing director of Tarren Production, a company he set up since 2008. With over 30 years experience in the events industry, Chris has worked on over 2500 separate events with over 3000 live event days for over 70 different clients in the UK, and Europe providing event production and management support.
Chris has been instrumental in the start up of, several festivals and consumer events, and won several awards.
With a background in theatre, Chris has a wealth of expertise in technical production and event management and with his team, he supports clients big and small to mitigate challenges, eliminate hassle and offer solutions to realise their vision.

More recently, Chris has led the diversification of the business to expand into retail brands with catwalks and product launches and FMCG companies with brand activations as well as ownership of Winter Glow the West Midlands largest Christmas experience at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern.

Jenna Marks is the Commercial Director at Tarren Production, with over 15 years of sales and marketing experience in the retail and charity sectors. Jenna has a proven record in strategy, commercial sales, customer engagement and retention and project and team management. Jenna has managed account portfolios from concept to delivery, event management, marketing campaigns,

Since joining in 2024, her role at Tarren Production, Jenna is responsible for the day to day operations and commercial management of the business, as well as looking after the growing team. Her infectious energy and tenacity to support positive change sets to support the business and team to achieve sustainable growth for the future.

She has a passion for putting the client at the heart of what she does, supporting local businesses, to building good working relationships as well as creating an environment for collaboration and support both internally with the team and externally with clients. With her many years of experience, she has an understanding of a wide range of challenges and relishes the opportunity to problem solve and find solutions with clients.

Janis is the Managing Director of TasteTech Ltd, a niche manufacturing company based in South Bristol, specialising in the design and manufacture of controlled release food flavourings and functional ingredients.
She founded the company with her husband in 1992 when they built their first pilot plant in their garage at home. 27 years later TasteTech has 65 employees and annually ships product to food manufacturers in over 40 countries globally.

Janis took over the reins from her husband Roger, following his sudden death in 2007, Along with her son Rob, Janis is still instrumental in the continued growth and success of the company which will include designing and building a new factory over the next few years. Their plan is to remain an independent business and for Rob to take over from Janis when the time is right.

Rosie Runciman is a co-founder of TeamDoctor and Sound Doctor, with a mission to make health education more accessible, interesting and effective. She worked at the BBC for more than 20 years on Radio 4's Today programme, Newsnight, Radio 5 Live and at The World Service- where she was Editor of the flagship current affairs programme, Newshour . She also won Sony awards for programme content for 9/11 and the fall of the Berlin Wall.

TeamDoctor specialises in workplace health, wellbeing and productivity, with award winning content – nationally accredited courses and an extensive, well-evaluated film library with some of the UK’s leading experts contributing.

Tim Thurston, co-founder of TeamDoctor and founder of Team-i. Tim is a business leader with experience as Managing Director of five different businesses including magazines, newspapers, radio, and local TV stations. During Tim’s career he has led and developed teams to achieve consistent success. With Team-i, Tim has created several Leadership and Team development models that are integrated into TeamDoctor’s line management training programmes.

TeamDoctor specialises in workplace health, wellbeing and productivity, with award winning content – nationally accredited courses and an extensive, well-evaluated film library with some of the UK’s leading experts contributing.

I started Tewkesbury Printing Company in 1985, expanded to 3 factories within 5 years and gained national contracts for printing, from workshop manuals, company stationery and colour brochures to direct mail. Due to
high growth we built our factory in Tewkesbury allowing us to operate double shifts and weekend schedules. We now have 43 staff, run a 24-hour

operation and continue to grow and service clients from across the country, with multinational companies, some of which have been clients for over 30 years. My son Andrew works in the business and shares the day to day production and sales. We offer a complete service from high end brochures/magazines and printed envelopes to digital and lithographic.

Ria Heap is the Fundraising Lead at The Chamwell Centre Charity. Ria has worked in the charity sector since 2015, specialising in facilities, services, awareness and inclusivity for children and adults with disabilities and additional needs. This is very personal to her and she is incredibly passionate about them.

From personal experience with my daughter, who had severe, complex disabilities and care needs, I know just how important the Chamwell Centre is, with its accessible therapies, facilities, activities, and the wonderful community that it offers. Unfortunately, Chamwell Centre was not here in my daughter’s lifetime, so now that it is here, I am passionate about letting everyone know about it.

Laurie recently joined The Cheltenham Trust as its new CEO. The Cheltenham Trust manages Cheltenham’s most iconic and historic buildings including The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum, the Town Hall, Pittville Pump Room,
Leisure at and the Prince of Wales Stadium. As a registered charity, the Trust contributes to the social, cultural and economic value of the town. The iconic venues offer unique and exclusive space for meetings, events, social banqueting, concerts, entertainment and conferences in the heart of Cheltenham. The trust now in its fifth year delivers a programme of arts, leisure, sport and cultural events and activities.

The iconic venues offer unique and exclusive space for meetings, events, social banqueting, concerts, entertainment and conferences in the heart of Cheltenham. The trust now in its fifth year delivers a programme of arts, leisure, sport and cultural events and activities.

Barry Preece has had a love of aviation ever since he was a boy. Now he is Director of The Little Jet Company which is based at Gloucestershire Airport and provides a personal and comprehensive executive jet service for business and leisure.
Barry is supported by a carefully selected team who have an in-depth knowledge of the aviation industry and go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction.
The Little Jet Company provides a wide range of aviation services incorporating luxurious privately owned executive jets for charter, aircraft management and ground handling services. The company flies to European destinations and also has access to a global jet fleet.

Travel can be arranged from the UK to destinations around the world and private jet travel can also be arranged for clients when they are abroad. The Little Jet Company was set up in 2014 by Barry and Jason Bishop who met at school in Gloucestershire.
When he left school Barry became a professional water skier and represented England. He coached rugby teams in America, and he went on to become commercial manager of Gloucester Rugby Club.
Barry never forgot his love of aviation and in his early thirties he learnt to fly, obtaining a private pilot licence and then an airline transport pilot licence.
Barry and Jason worked around the clock to get The Little Jet Company off the ground, and it has been fantastic for them to see the business grow.
The Little Jet Company has a continuing commitment to Gloucestershire Airport, which is the perfect gateway to the Cotswolds, Oxford, Bristol and beyond. Recent growth has also seen the company open a base in Brighton and Bournemouth.
The company can arrange executive jet travel for anything from a worldwide or European business trip to a special occasion with family or friends, or an international sporting event.
Barry has travelled around the world, but for him Gloucestershire will always be home.

Cathy Andrews joined Orchard Trust in 2014 as Finance Manager and was promoted to CEO in 2017. Cathy is passionate about improving the lives of people with disabilities and supporting people to reach their full potential, leading Registered Managers to provide person centred tailored support to each individual client. Cathy leads with passion, dedication and a strong vision. She successfully led the Trust through the difficult Covid 19 period by working closely with the senior management team, effective internal communications and a commitment to client and staff wellbeing.

As a former Finance Manager Cathy has an excellent head for figures and has led the Orchard Trust to commercial success, even during the current difficult financial period with Local Authority spending restraints and rising minimum wage payments. She has overseen the build up of reserves and empowered teams to secure alternative sources of funding to ensure the Trust is financially stable.

Cathy’s strong vision for the organisation ensured that our Learning Centre remained open after the loss of Local Authority funding by leading its transformation into a Day Service and Therapeutic Smallholding, providing valuable services to disabled adults in Gloucestershire. Cathy is continually seeking to improve services to ensure the Trust continues to meet the changing needs of clients.

Cathy leads with compassion and empathy, truly listening to and empowering colleagues. She led an employee-integrated process to articulate new values for the Trust and is leading ‘Project Why’ to develop a clearer articulation of our Mission and Vision. Due to employee engagement there is strong buy-in from staff and we are now a values led organisation. Cathy has set up Wellbeing Champions and Menopause Champions in each of our services and plans to further develop the Employee Wellbeing Support Groups and resources. Despite sector wide difficulties with recruitment, Cathy has effectively built strong and united teams, creating a happy, impactful and successful workplace.

Cathy is committed to ethical practice and environmental sustainability. She has begun our journey to net zero having set up Environment Champions in each of our services. She has commissioned an energy audit and developed a Sustainability Plan to improve our building stock, enhance biodiversity on our smallholding, and reduce waste.

Under Cathy’s leadership the Orchard Trust has a bright, ethical, profitable, sector leading future, with disabled people right at the heart of everything they do.

The Value Innovator was founded in 2013, a “me-only-company” to support ambitious businesses with my transformational experience and expertise, specifically in the areas of leadership, strategy, and growth. Which was taught, tried, tested, and tuned over 30 years whilst working in British, French and American owned blue-chip companies, from bars of soap at Procter & Gamble, to bars of gold at the Cookson Group.

Where I walked the talk and got the grey hairs from having to live with the consequences of my decisions and the actions of my teams, day in and day out, over many years, in many situations.

This unparalleled experience enables me to walk in my clients' shoes, and quickly add value to their businesses and their people.

Having worked in companies with revenues of hundreds of thousands, to hundreds of millions, I found that the challenges tend to be the same - how to improve the performance of their people, the profitability of their products, and the productivity of their processes - just with a few more or a few less noughts attached.

To see what people, say about working with me take a look at my LinkedIn recommendations or visit https://thevalueinnovator.co.uk/testimonials/

"Michael was very helpful in teasing out key issues and giving me a new perspective on the project. He is quick to grasp new information, breakdown the figures and ask reflexive questions."

"Michael’s business acumen, intelligence and vision are second to none. His passion for brand strategy and instinctive understanding of what is required to differentiate and drive a brand mark him out as an outstanding talent."

Its been a long, and eventful career that spans:
Business integrations, exits and turn-rounds (e.g., £7m loss to £17k profit in 2 years).

Profitable product innovation (e.g., tripling price points).

Improved process productivity (in administration, production, distribution, sales, marketing).

AND of course sales growth (adding 19.3% GfK market share).I have grown existing sectors, and created new sectors, launched new products from the basic commodity to the highly innovative. Led multi-disciplined, multi-cultural teams to deliver strategic, operational & behavioural change in the UK, Europe, and Asia - even selling into China, for China to sell onto the UK and USA.

My experience and expertise enable me to offer client businesses a valuable perspective on how to successfully address the leadership, strategic and growth challenges facing them. If you'd like a conversation call me on 07817 305 122 or email me at michael@thevalueinnovator.co.uk

Clare's work centres around community healthcare, including the installation of 78 defibrillators, (72 of which have been in the last 2 and a half years) through not-for-profit community campaign Public Hearts Defib Campaign CIC. As Founder Director of high-quality Ofqual regulated training providers specialising in first aid, Tidal Training Direct Ltd teaches the skills and knowledge to help someone when they need it most. Clare advocates community engagement, collaboration and the benefits of great people working together to do good for those around us.

Tidal Training Direct Ltd is an Ofqual regulated training and education centre specialising in the delivery of high quality, precise and engaging First Aid training throughout England and Wales. As the sister company to Tidal Training Ltd, all trainers are highly qualified medical professionals including former Army/RAF medics & State Registered Paramedics sharing a wealth of experience and knowledge in workplace andwider First Aid, CPR, Defibrillator and Anaphylaxis skills. We also hold a monthly open course in Cheltenham for businesses to have their staff trained by a State Registered Paramedic, gaining a Level 3 qualification.

TTidal Training Ltd is a national leading provider in the delivery of Mental Health, Medical and Clinical, Health and Social Care and Learning Disability training courses to businesses in the UK through our team of highly qualified medical professionals. We support businesses, charities, limited companies and public bodies across the United Kingdom. Offering over 100 courses, we train in areas including Epilepsy, Autism, Acquired Brain Injury, Dementia & Alzheimer's, Catheterisation, Syringe Driver, Venepuncture, Care of Medication, Wound Care Management, Self Harm Awareness, Rescue from Ligature.

We are continuously developing new courses to keep pace with market developments and to offer training in highly specialised fields. Guaranteed up to date, fit for purpose training courses, designed and delivered onsite in your own environment to enable and empower your organisations workforce to provide the highest standards of care and support. We are a member of the UK Register of Learning Providers and are an approved accredited Centre with Qualsafe Awards.

Lord Bichard, who has been associated with the University of Gloucestershire for many years, succeeds Baroness Rennie Fritchie, who stood down as Chancellor at the end of 2021 after serving the University with distinction for more than a decade. Lord Bichard’s inauguration ceremony which took place in October 2022 was attended by around 100 invited guests at the Gloucestershire Business School at the University’s Oxstalls Campus in Gloucester. Lord Bichard has had a very distinguished career, largely in the public services. He was made a member of the House of Lords in 2010 as a cross-bench peer.

Dame Clare Marchant, DBE, is Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of University of Gloucestershire. She joined the University in September 2023, following six years as Chief Executive of UCAS. Clare is passionate about transforming individuals and our wider society through education. She is delighted to be working with so many brilliant colleagues, building the University’s reputation as a facilitator of lifechanging connections between employers, learners and the wider community.
Clare started her career within manufacturing, before moving to management consultancy with Deloitte. She then worked in central and local government, latterly as Chief Executive of Worcestershire County Council.

She graduated from Hull University in 1993 and gained a MSc from the Open University in 1998. She has lived with her family in the region for nearly 20 years and loves running.
Clare feels privileged to lead the University during this time of considerable change in the education sector.

Viper Innovations Ltd, was founded in 2007 by co-owners and Directors Max Nodder and Neil Douglas. Today Viper is a high-tech, innovative & disruptive SaaS model business serving the subsea oil & gas, rail and other industrial sectors with proprietary, award winning technology and products. As part of planning for that growth the founders decided to appoint a new managing director and Edward Davies joined the business as MD in June 2020. Edward brings 20 years of experience working with fast growing businesses as a consultant, non-executive and executive director.

A solicitor by background, he most recently acted as advisor to the founders of engineering company Adey from start up in 2003, before taking on the full time, executive position of Chief Operating Officer in 2015. He was pivotal in developing and overseeing a strategy that saw a transformation in the business to position it for further rapid growth, international expansion and to undertake strategic acquisition work. Viper is proudly filled with incredible people and bright minds, it is agile, pro-active and disruptive.

Since starting the company in 2007 Viper Innovations have produced a series of award winning and disruptive products and services within the subsea oil and gas industry. Viper are now diversifying into the rail industry, employing over 60 staff and have managed to turn a profit in every year of operation. Starting out as an apprentice, graduating as an engineer and progressing through

to numerous senior management roles in both the UK and Norway, Max developed his business acumen and strategic thinking on the back of large corporate businesses and has learnt to take the good from corporate practice and leave well behind the bureaucracy in shaping the ongoing success.

Founded by Neil Douglas and Max Nodder in 2007, Viper Innovations is a Portishead based company that designs and supplies electrical cable integrity monitoring equipment and analytics software for the subsea and rail industries. A high level of investment in R&D has resulted in an average annual growth rate of 25%. Export sales account for over 50% of revenues. Neil is a direct descendant of Sir Isaac Newton’s grandfather and so science and engineering runs in the family.

Cheryl Luzet is the CEO of award-winning digital marketing agency, Wagada Digital which has offices in London, Cheltenham and St Albans. Wagada Digital offers digital marketing, employer branding, website development and HubSpot services. They make the complex simple and have digital specialists who develop strategy-focused, data led digital marketing campaigns.
They have a team of experts that work with in-house marketing teams to allow them to take their digital marketing to the next level. As part of their work, they support clients to ensure that their marketing also attracts and retains the best staff, helping them to develop engaging campaigns to develop their employer branding.

Daniel Jenkins is the Commercial Director of award-winning digital marketing agency, Wagada Digital. In 2021, under Daniel's leadership, Wagada Digital expanded its presence by opening a second office in Cheltenham. The agency provides a comprehensive range of digital marketing solutions for businesses, employer branding, website development and they are also HubSpot Platinum Partners.

Wagada Digital’s aim is to make the complex simple and develop data-led digital marketing campaigns that build a community of loyal customers for brands and achieve business objectives.

Heather Westgate has been a marketer for over 30 years.

In 2014 recognising the changing needs of clients, she created We Are Marketing, a dynamic project-based marketing hub which delivers effective marketing strategy, planning and marketing support and mentoring. From creative concepts right through to collateral execution for large, mid-sized corporates and SMEs.

Working closely with clients to help them really understand who their audiences are, developing relevant messages and communicating through the most appropriate channels. Providing marketing expertise, knowledge and experience to deliver integrated marketing strategy to support client’s business objectives.

Pioneering the idea of the portfolio career, Managing Director of White Light Hosting Mitch Bracey is compiling all of his skill-set for success. White Light Hosting is your go-to hub for hosting - it’s what makes your website visible on the internet. Without hosting you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. They provide fast and reliable plans that is tailored to you. White Light Hosting also provide endless arrays of domain names to give your business a home online. This is one of your best opportunities to get your brand out there with a website domain name to remember.

fast and reliable plans that is tailored to you. White Light Hosting also provide endless arrays of domain names to give your business a home online. This is one of your best opportunities to get your brand out there with a website domain name to remember. It’s the driver to help direct your customers to your website and of course your business. And, when you’re in need of a marketing plan for your business once you’ve got the essentials covered, then Mitch can assist with that too along with the expert help of team Brace.

Many will know Mitch from Brace Creative Agency who have gone from strength to strength in digital marketing for over ten years in Gloucestershire, but he has another arm to his enterprise.

Lucy McCallum is an Associate Solicitor and Head of WSP Solicitors Residential Property Team.
Lucy qualified in 2013 and joined WSP Solicitors in 2016. She gained a Law Degree from Bristol University and worked as a paralegal for a number of large national firms. She has been working in conveyancing since she qualified and specialises in a wide range of residential conveyancing services. These include sales and purchases, new build properties, shared ownership and Help to Buy, re-mortgages and equity release mortgages, transfers of equity and probate sales. She has helped thousands of people move home, sell and purchase investment properties, transfer ownership and remortgage their properties.
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Lucy works proactively to solve any issues arising and keeps in regular communication with both clients and agents regarding the progress of a transaction. She prides herself in providing a personal service. This earns her many recommendations from satisfied clients, agents and other third parties.

Peter Mardon is Commercial Director at WSP Solicitors and manages the Company Commercial Team. He has over 25 years of experience advising businesses from initial concept, through start-up, growth, consolidation and exit.

Peter is himself a director of a successful international manufacturing group and so knows from first-hand experience the value of expert advice and building long term relationships with trusted advisers who know and care about your business.

Judi Bonham qualified as a Solicitor in 1996. She has over 20 years’ experience specialising in all aspects of Family Law. Judi is a member of the WSP Family Law team as well as being the Managing Director of WSP Solicitors.

As well as being a member of the Law Society’s Family Law and Children Law Panels Judi has undertaken training as a collaborative lawyer with Resolution. Judi is recognised by her clients for providing clear, pragmatic advice and understanding what is important to them.

Joseph Mullis is Director and Practice Manager at WSP Solicitors. Joseph has worked in the legal services sector as a Practice Manager since he graduated from university. He is keen to ensure all clients receive an excellent service, which he feels is supported by forward looking people management.

Joseph’s commitment to people management is reflected in his membership to the Chartered Institute of Personal and Development, and he is also a student member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

Ashley Wallace-Cook qualified as a solicitor in Scotland in 2001 before also qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales in 2003. He joined WSP’s Wills, Trusts and Probate team in Gloucester in 2013 on the merger with Whitemans Solicitors.
Ashley became a Director of WSP in 2017, and is Co-Head of the Wills, Trusts and Probate team.

Ashley is a Full Accredited Member of Solicitors for the Elderly. He advises clients on the preparation of Wills and powers of attorney, setting up and administering trusts and on estate administration. He also advises on Court of Protection applications and on contentious probate. Ashley’s aim is to offer clear and straightforward advice in a sympathetic manner.

Demelza is Head of the WSP Solicitors’ Personal Injury Department and was made Director in 2018.
She has over 15 years’ experience in handling personal injury cases. In recognition that she has expertise in all areas of law she has been accredited Senior Litigator of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).
Since qualifying as a Solicitor in 2003 Demelza’s breadth and depth of knowledge within this law has no boundaries. Successfully dealing with and winning accident cases for injured individuals from a wide range of causes. For example, work related injuries; road traffic incidents and dog related wounds.

In addition to her recognised and respected professionalism Demelza understands the stress related to those who have been injured. She offers empathy and understanding to all of her clients.

Beth Evans is the Head of the WSP Family Team and has over 20 years’ experience working in family law.
Beth has a wide ranging expertise. She works with her clients to address family related issues from cohabitation and pre-nuptial agreements, to divorce and dissolution proceedings. As well as protecting victims of domestic abuse and resolving financial matters and arrangements for children arising from relationship breakdown.
Beth qualified as a solicitor in 2007 after gaining a First in History from the University of Plymouth. She undertook the Legal Practice Course at the University of the West of England. A member of Resolution, and a Resolution Accredited Specialist, Beth is also a Collaborative Lawyer.

Beth is based in the Dursley office, and is a Director at WSP. She supervises 5 Solicitors as well as the support staff within the Family Team.
Known for her clear, sensible and practical advice, Beth has a sympathetic and understanding approach. A passionate advocate, Beth works in partnership with each of her clients. She helps them to work out what they want to achieve and to then find solutions which reach the best outcome.

Catherine Green is the Head of WSP Solicitors’ Litigation team and has 20 years’ experience in litigation work, specialising in business and property disputes.
Catherine has been working in this area since she qualified and has helped many individuals and a great deal of businesses of all sizes. She qualified as a solicitor in 1998 after attending Cardiff University. Catherine completed her training contract with Stevens and Bolton and then worked for various firms. She moved on to join WSP in 2008, and became a Director in 2012.

Catherine has completed several professional development courses in property and civil litigation. She also chaired Stroud Businesswomen’s Network, one of the largest women’s networks in Gloucestershire, for over 7 years. Having lived in Stroud for the last 10 years, Catherine feels that she is firmly rooted in the community.
Passionate about achieving the best results for her clients, Catherine is on hand to advise whenever it is needed most.

Robert Selwood started his legal career as a trainee solicitor with Morrison & Masters in Swindon. Following completion of his training contract, Robert worked for 8 years at Winterbothams in Stroud. He took a break from practising law to work as a Procurement Specialist and was awarded a Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply Diploma.

Robert returned to WSP’s Wills, Trusts and Probate team in 2017 based in Stroud. In 2021 Robert became Deputy Head of Wills, Trusts and Probate at WSP Solicitors. He advises clients on the preparation of Wills and powers of attorney, setting up and administering trusts and on estate administration. Robert greatly enjoys interacting with, and advising, his clients.

Amy Leivers qualified as a Solicitor in 2003 and specialises in Commercial Property. She received a Commendation for the Legal Practice Course at the Oxford Institute of Legal Practice and a 2:1 Law Degree from the University of Hertfordshire. Amy moved to Gloucestershire in 2007 and joined the WSP Solicitors Property team in 2017, becoming Head of Commercial Property in 2019.

She has completed thousands of property transactions and is particularly skilled at dealing with complex commercial property transactions.
Amy likes to build good relationships with clients and contacts, and is able to provide clear and practical advice.

Kirstie qualified as a Solicitor in 2004. She joined WSP’s Private Client Department in Dursley in 2016 and became Head of the department in 2021.
Outside of the firm Kirstie is an ultra-runner. To celebrate her 40th Birthday in 2018 she ran two double marathons and an ultra-marathon within five weeks.

She has just completed her fourth 100-mile ultra in the last 10 months with the fifth coming up in 7-weeks!
Kirstie’s aim is to build detailed and lasting relationships with clients and to offer them prudent and practical advice.

Silas Miller is Head of Marketing and Business Development and a Board Director at WSP Solicitors. He joined the business in June 2019, after working as a Marketing Account Manager developing youth and student marketing strategies for national and global brands. Silas became a Board Director for WSP Solicitors in July 2022.

Focussing on improving the digital marketing and presence of WSP Solicitors in the first instance, Silas has aided in the growth of the business and the brand throughout the county and now contributes, alongside the board on strategic direction.

Originally from London, Silas moved to Cheltenham in 2009 and graduated from the University of Gloucestershire in 2012 with a BA Hons in Media Industries Management. He is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and is currently back at the University of Gloucestershire studying towards an MBA.

Silas lives in Cheltenham and in his personal life is a keen fitness enthusiast and musician, playing in a variety of bands in the county. He is aiming to attempt the Cheltenham Half Marathon for the second time in 2023.

Born in Hong Kong, Helena has lived and worked in Tanzania, Kenya and the UK and brings that cultural diversity and experience to her role as the Head of Wycliffe Prep. Helena embodies the pioneering spirit that Wycliffe Prep strives to inspire every individual to become global citizens (from Nursery through to Year 8).

Her infectious energy and positivity have led the school through the challenges of Covid while relentlessly driving academic rigour and increasing the broad and varied range of extra-curricular activities Wycliffe Prep pupils can enjoy. Helena drives positive change, with pupils at the heart of every decision. 'Courageous Leadership' * is a term that resonates strongly with Helena. She strives to instil these values in her team. 9 out of 10 parents recently rated her Leadership as Very Good or Good, reflecting the positive impact she has had since joining in September 2020.

Dr Jayne Nation is the Commercial Director at Wynne-Jones IP, a firm of intellectual property attorneys with offices in Gloucester, London, Cardiff, Malvern and Telford. An expert in IP strategy, R&D and invention harvesting, Jayne began her career as a scientist. She’s a named inventor in five Unilever patents for popular household brands such as CIF, Domestos and Dove – she knows what it takes to deliver to market.

Jayne later became Global R&D Director for Unilever’s Household Division and won several awards for innovation. Jayne ensures that Wynne-Jones IP deliver clients the service that they need, in a way that works for them.

Dave’s grandfather, Ronald Collette, was the person who inspired him most. He instilled a passion in Dave to be curious and have a thirst for learning. Ronald was a great mentor and role model. His legacy is why Dave focuses on helping people become more self-aware, to overcome obstacles, acquire knowledge and

skills, achieve goals and to be happy, confident and fulfilled. Hence Zentano was born to serve as many people as they can through coaching, mentoring, consultancy, training and facilitation. Everyday Dave asks himself “What can I do for others to help them be the best they can be?”

Curiosity is why Rich is here today as a Director of Zentano. People are often surprised to hear about Rich’s move to coaching given his successful career in IT leadership. But, after an offer to be someone’s “coaching guinea pig” Rich decided IT wasn’t his passion and he made the leap to coaching.

Rich’s curiosity is matched by his desire to support and help people gain insight and achieve their purpose. Rich bought into Zentano’s mission and knew he had to be a part of it. He believes that everyone should try to be a little more curious every day.

Beryl is an internationally known provider of management learning methodology and founder/author of the innovative 26 Steps Toolkits. Beryl brings a rare balance of academic and practical insights. She is adept at diagnosing, designing, and delivering director, senior leadership, and middle-management programmes, linking them to tangible projects with measurable returns. Most significantly, she has used some of the profits from her work to improve the lives of those less fortunate than most of us in society via her Be Your Own Boss programme