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SoGlos’s Business Highlights of 2025 as New Year’s Eve Approaches

As the year draws to a close, SoGlos has curated an extensive overview of the most significant business news stories that shaped 2025. From thrilling new openings to exciting celebrity visits, this summary shines a light on the events that captured the attention of our community. Our editorial team crafted this round-up based on reader engagement, social media buzz, and the influence these stories had on local individuals and organizations. Here are the stories that truly resonated this year—listed in no particular order.

The 50 Most Influential People in Business in Gloucestershire

SoGlos’s annual feature, highlighting the 50 most influential people in Gloucestershire’s business landscape, continues to be one of the year’s top stories for the second consecutive time. This compilation not only honors the commendable achievements of individual entrepreneurs but also recognizes the businesses they represent.

The list has gained substantial attention, particularly after renowned climate activist and Ecotricity founder Dale Vince shared it with his large following. His contribution, among others, has helped to propagate the narrative of Gloucestershire’s vibrant business scene, and we express our gratitude to Dale for his support!

Golden Valley Developments: A Landmark Project

The Golden Valley project continues to serve as a focal point for business discussions in Gloucestershire. Announcements at the government’s annual cybersecurity event unveiled plans for the second phase of this ambitious £1 billion development, which will include two new buildings. Bowmer + Kirkland has been selected as the contractor for the initial phase, with construction anticipated to commence in the spring of 2026.

This landmark project is expected to generate 2,500 new homes, 1.25 million square feet of commercial space, and 12,000 jobs, making it a game changer for our local economy.

Gloucestershire’s First Costco: A Long-Awaited Arrival

Excitement ignited among SoGlos readers as construction finally commenced on Gloucestershire’s first Costco. After nearly a year of delays, shovels hit the dirt in November 2025 at the Eastern Avenue site. When completed, the expansive 13,000 square meter store will offer an array of amenities, including an in-house bakery, butchers, opticians, a hearing center, and a café, all accompanying a 600-space car park and a petrol station. Approximately 250 new jobs are projected to be generated over the next five years.

M&S Cheltenham Centrum: An Enthralling Store Opening

The launch of the M&S Centrum store in Cheltenham attracted a considerable crowd of eager shoppers on its opening day, causing a delightful buzz in the local community. SoGlos had the privilege of an exclusive sneak peek into this striking 15,000 square foot food hall, which is 50% larger than its predecessor at Kingsditch Retail Park. The new store promises a fresh look, an in-store bakery serving aromatic coffee, and even a cheese ‘barge’ — much to the delight of cheese lovers!

Gloucestershire’s Best Places for Jobs in 2025: A Remarkable Recognition

In March, one of the standout stories that captivated readers was the recognition of Cheltenham and Gloucester as two of the UK’s best places for jobs. Notably outperforming London, Gloucester earned the eighth position on the list due to its high employment rate, robust growth, and balanced housing options. Cheltenham came in 17th, noted for its strong job availability, competitive salaries, and numerous high-growth enterprises.

Jude Bellingham’s Visit Brings Star Power to Forest of Dean

This March, England football sensation Jude Bellingham visited the Suntory factory in Coleford, marking a significant moment for both sports enthusiasts and local businesses. As part of his collaboration with Lucozade Sport, Bellingham not only toured the factory but also took time to engage with fans who patiently awaited his arrival. This event further enhances the local business landscape by associating it with high-profile personalities.

Gloucestershire Business Awards 2025: An Evening of Celebration

November saw the exciting announcement of the Gloucestershire Business Awards 2025 winners. The awards celebrated the local business community at a dazzling ceremony held in Cheltenham Town Hall. With 20 competitive categories, Aqua Construction earned the distinguished title of ‘winner of winners’ by clinching the overall Business of the Year award, showcasing the immense talent thriving in the region.

Cotswolds Designer Outlet: A Project to Watch

Anticipation has built for the Cotswolds Designer Outlet near Tewkesbury. SoGlos offered a first look at this outlet before its public opening, despite the rain attempting to dampen spirits. Readers were given a taste of the notable stores expected to feature at the outlet, reflecting the community’s eagerness for this new retail experience.

David Lloyd Bishop’s Cleeve: Exciting Plans Unveiled

The announcement regarding David Lloyd’s second multi-million-pound health club in Bishop’s Cleeve generated plenty of buzz. Officially approved in July, this promising endeavor includes luxurious facilities like indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a state-of-the-art gym, top-notch racquet amenities, exercise studios, a spa, and children’s play areas. The club is expected to open in late 2026.

The Daffodil Transitions: A New Chapter

The iconic Daffodil restaurant in Cheltenham, which was placed on the market in 2024, has transitioned toward becoming a six-bedroom residential home. The planning application for this change of use was approved recently, reigniting interest about the property. While the initial price tag began at £2 million and has since dropped to £1.85 million, the property remains available for sale.

Forest of Dean’s New Developments: Growth on the Horizon

Exciting developments in the Forest of Dean included the approval of plans to convert the historic site of Flaxley Abbey into a vibrant winery, restaurant, farm shop, and events venue. This initiative complements the growing vineyards, positioning the site as a potential gem for both tourists and locals alike. Furthermore, Motorbikes 4 All secured permission for a new showroom, workshop, and café in Newent, breathing new life into a former factory while also creating 50 jobs.

Investment and Sales: Gloucestershire Shopping Village

A notable investment story saw a private investor acquire a popular shopping center just outside Gloucester for £1.9 million. The one-acre site, located near 725 new homes at Twigworth Green, features five fully let retail units and ample parking spaces, described by asset managers as an essential facility for local residents and commuters.

Optimising IT Joins Forces with a Global Leader

In the tech arena, Optimising IT made headlines with their merger with Lyra Technology Group. This strategic collaboration is anticipated to enhance their scalability, continue their innovation, and ensure they remain competitive in the rapidly evolving technology landscape. While founder Gary Smith stepped down, managing director Todd Gifford continues to lead with a vision for sustained long-term growth.

The Top 100 Businesses in Gloucestershire: A Celebration of Excellence

Rounding out our round-up, SoGlos’s showcase of the Top 100 Businesses in Gloucestershire was once again met with overwhelming enthusiasm. The list celebrates a diverse range of sectors, from multi-billion-pound construction enterprises and finance firms to UK-leading cyber specialists and luxury fashion labels favored by royalty. This ongoing celebration underscores the resilience and ingenuity of Gloucestershire’s business landscape.

How AI legalese decoder Can Assist in Understanding Business News

Navigating through business stories can be complex, especially with the intricate legal jargon often involved. The AI legalese decoder aids readers by simplifying dense legal language, making it accessible to everyone. Whether you’re trying to decipher formal agreements related to new openings or understand regulations tied to business developments, this tool can make the information clearer. By transforming complicated legalese into straightforward language, the AI legalese decoder enhances comprehension for business owners and community members alike, enabling informed decisions and fostering a stronger connection to their local business environment.

In summary, 2025 has been a remarkable year for the business community in Gloucestershire, filled with significant developments, celebrated achievements, and promising opportunities on the horizon. The stories captured here not only highlight the progress made but also point to an exciting future ahead.

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