SoGlos Gloucestershire Business Awards 2025

The SoGlos Gloucestershire Business Awards 2025 once again brought together some of the county’s most inspiring and innovative businesses.

From exciting start-ups, to long-standing local companies, this year’s finalists really showed why Gloucestershire’s business scene is so special. We were delighted to be part of the celebrations, and incredibly proud to sponsor the Business Leader of the Year award.

Recognising Gloucestershire’s Businesses

Optimising IT were proud to sponsor the Business Leader of the Year award, recognising the inspiring leaders who play a key role in Gloucestershire’s business community.

The award highlights those who motivate their teams, make decisions confidently, and keep their business moving forward, even in tough times.

Our Senior Account Manager, Steve Budding, joined this year’s judging panel. With over 20 years of experience in the education and service industries, Steve has seen how strong leadership and smart choices can make a real difference to a company’s long-term success.

Congratulations to Mark Goucher at Everyman Theatre

Mark Goucher, CEO of the Everyman Theatre, was named Business Leader of the Year 2025. His ability to balance innovation, leadership, and community impact made a lasting impression on the judges.

The judges said: “Mark has led the Everyman Theatre through the most extraordinary challenges, from the complete shutdown of the entertainment industry during the Covid-19 pandemic, into a new era of growth.”

“Blending artistic vision with business acumen, he has helped the theatre achieve strong financial results and the most successful year on record at the box office, alongside inspiring his colleagues; protecting jobs; growing the Everyman’s education and community outreach; and improving sustainability.”

A special mention goes to Brusk Korkmaz, from Hercules PLC, who was highly commended this year. Brusk’s leadership and commitment really stood out, helping Hercules build and sustain world class service and delivery.

You can see the full list of finalists and winners on the SoGlos website.

Why Local Recognition Matters

Behind every successful business is teamwork, persistence and community. Awards like SoGlos remind us that success isn’t achieved in isolation – it’s built through collaboration, shared goals, and the drive to make a difference to the region.

At Optimising IT, we’re proud to play an active role in that community. We believe that when local businesses thrive, the whole region succeeds.

Supporting Growth Through IT Strategy

Optimising IT supports Gloucestershire businesses to grow sustainably through IT strategy consulting, cyber security services, and managed IT support.

Whether it’s modernising systems, improving efficiency, or keeping sensitive data safe, we work with our clients as a trusted partner, helping them focus on what they do best

Strong leadership and smart IT strategy go hand in hand. Both are about making decisions, staying resilient, and keeping sight of the bigger picture.

Looking Ahead

The SoGlos Gloucestershire Business Awards 2025 showed again that the county’s business future is bright. From digital innovators to family firms, ambition and collaboration continue to drive the region.

Congratulations again to Mark Goucher, the Everyman Theatre, and all of this year’s finalists for their achievements.

Here’s to another year of growth, teamwork, and shared success across Gloucestershire.. For more information about the Gloucestershire Business Awards, see soglos.com/business-awards.

Professional images courtesy of SoGlos and Pedge Photography.