Inspirational work done by individuals, businesses and organisations across the city have made choosing finalists for the Believe in Gloucester Awards an incredibly difficult task. But, after much deliberation, 38 lucky finalists have been chosen in 13 categories which all celebrate the work being done to make our city the great place that it is. The finalists will enjoy a glitzy awards ceremony with a Champagne reception and three-course meal at Kingsholm Stadium on November 27, where the winners will be revealed. Judges met earlier this week to sift their way through around 100 nominations and Mhairi Smith, of Marketing Gloucester, who was on the panel, revealed it was no easy task. She said: “It was a very long process and extremely difficult to choose the finalists, but we got there in the end.“It is a shame that we can’t give everyone an award. There were so many positive stories and fantastic achievements within the many nominations that we received.
“I just wanted to vote for them all. All of the categories were equally tough to narrow down. A lot of discussion took place between the judges.”
The Citizen launched its 2014 Believe In Gloucester Awards at the Cathedral’s Chapter House in August to celebrate the start of this year’s mission to search for the very best in the city. There are 13 categories including Business of the Year, New Business of the Year, Best Customer Service, Best Eating Out Establishment, Best Pub/Bar, Ambassador of the Year and Retailer of the Year. Fellow judge Jenny Eastwood, editor of the Citizen, said: “It was incredibly difficult to choose the finalists as we had such a fantastic amount of nominations.
“We have such a wealth of enthusiasm and passion in our city with so many people from all walks of life trying to improve where we live and work.
“These awards help celebrate those talented individuals, businesses and community groups who go the extra mile to promote Gloucester.”
This year, there is a special Lifetime Achievement Award.
Whether it is someone who has raised countless sums for charity, a long-serving teacher who has made a difference to education in Gloucester or a community activist who has remained committed to the city, this new award will recognise contributions made over their entire career and the winner will be announced on the night.
Finalists for the Best Pub/Best Eating Venue are yet to be decided
Citizen readers can vote online at gloucestercitizen.co.uk/polls for their favourites and they have until Friday, November 7, to submit their vote.
Sponsors of the Believe in Gloucester Awards include Marketing Gloucester, Gloucester City Council, Gloucester Quays, WSP Solicitors, Kings Walk Shopping Centre, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Peter Hickman, Prospect Training, Taynton Solicitors, The King’s School, Heather Resource Management Limited and Hatton Court Hotel.
Gloucester Ambassador of the Year (21 and Over)
Alan Myatt
Jamie McDonald
Kevin Tudor
Gloucester Ambassador of the Year (Under 21)
Dan Seamarks
Eli Heathfield
Laura Pearsall
Business of the Year
Linda Gray Bridalwear
Prima Dental
Roberts Limbrick Architects
New Business of the Year
AB Motor Vehicle Services Ltd
Ritch Hill Cycles
Roman Co
Best Customer Service Award
Plantation Florist
Richard Burnham, Cafe Q
Severnside Software Limited
Best Retailer of the Year
Chez Rose
Eastgate Cycles
Woodys Fruit and Veg
Best Eating Out Establishment Award/Best Bar Award
C&W African Experience
Dr Fosters
Portivo Lounge
Best Community Project
Freedom Kids Youth Club
Hollie Gazzard Trust
One Church
Best Community Event of the Year
Gloucester 10k
Gloucester Paint Jam
Sportbeat Festival
Summer Hollie Day
Sports Champion of the Year
Gerry McGarr
Jon Pitman
Tom Webb
Regeneration Award
Gloucester Civic Trust
Gloucester Quays
Kingfisher Treasureseekers
Tutor/Mentor of the Year Award
Janine Smith
Leanna Wisbey
Luke Stokes