Gloucestershire is home to a rich tapestry of independent businesses, family-run firms and cultural institutions – many of which have been part of the county's story for decades.
In 2026, a host of standout companies are marking key anniversaries, from Ermin Plant Hire Services turning 60, to Cheltenham-based IT provider System Force marking 20 years in business.
SoGlos shines a spotlight on the businesses celebrating landmark birthdays and reflects on the accomplishments that have helped get them there.
Elmbridge UK
Celebrating 50 years in 2026
From the humble beginnings of a garage in the Elmbridge area of Gloucester, founder David Freeman set out to conquer the engineering market, when he launched Elmbridge Supplies Company in 1976.
Five decades on and Elmbridge UK is one of the country's leading suppliers of industrial and wood coatings, for everything from elements of traditional buildings – like kitchens, bathrooms, furniture, doors and windows – and construction equipment, to musical instruments and the fore-edges of books. The company continues to expand in 2026, acquiring London dust extraction company Minden Systems into its ESC Spinnaker Group earlier this year.
System Force IT
Celebrating 20 years in 2026
Known for delivering expert IT support and consultancy services to businesses across the UK, Gloucestershire-based System Force IT is turning 20 this year.
Offering tailored IT support and services, including 24/7 support, cyber security, cloud solutions, VoIP and consulting, the business prides itself on ensuring seamless operations through proactive, bespoke management. Established in Cheltenham in 2006, the firm is marking its 20th year with a series of free online webinars, offering advice to SMEs on how they can stay ahead of fast-moving cyber threats.
Decibel Fire & Security
Celebrating 10 years in 2026
Serving industries from commercial to education, health, sports, and hospitality, Gloucester-based Decibel Fire & Security is celebrating 10 years of keeping its clients safe from threat of fire and unwelcome intrusion.
Established in 2016, the business continues to build its reputation across services including access control, CCTV, and intruder and fire alarms, for its ability to design, install and maintain systems, priding itself on attention to detail, from the products it provides, to service and aftercare.
Ermin Plant Hire Services
Celebrating 60 years in 2026
Founded in Gloucester in 1966, Ermin Plant Hire Services is a renowned plant provider serving Gloucestershire and its neighbouring counties, offering a comprehensive range of tools, plant and equipment for everything from small DIY jobs, to large scale construction projects.
Established by the Kelly family, the company grew from a single premises to operating across six depots from 2007 – and it continues to thrive after sixty years under the ownership of another Gloucestershire family business, Smiths, following its acquisition in 2022.
Geometric Manufacturing
Celebrating 40 years in 2026
A Tewkesbury business that manufactures complex, custom machinery parts for a range of industries, Geometric Manufacturing is marking 40 years in business in 2026.
Specialising in precision CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, in-house finishing and elastomer moulding, the firm's markets have included aerospace and defence, avionics and secure communications, military vehicles, currency and document handling equipment, and high volume automotive products. It's been based at the same factory, located just off the M5, since 1986.
Clarke Nichols Marcel
Celebrating 80 years in 2026
Long established civil and structural engineering practice, Clarke Nichols Marcel, is seeing in a whopping 80 years of assisting clients across the UK with their building projects.
Founded in 1946, the Cheltenham-based firm has carried out over 11,000 commissions in its time, providing a wide range of services including building design and surveying, across sectors including retail, healthcare, commercial, hotels, residential, and education.
The Cotswold Range
Celebrating 10 years in 2026
The Cotswold Range in Somerford Keynes is celebrating 10 years of helping people of all ages hit the target on a visit to Cotswold Lakes.
Providing instruction in archery, air rifles and crossbows for children and adults, its all-weather range has become a popular activity with locals and holidaymakers alike, since its opening back in 2016.
RRA Architects
Celebrating 40 years in 2026
One of Gloucestershire's most successful architectural firms, Cheltenham-headquartered RRA Architects turns 40 in 2026.
Since its foundation in 1986, the firm has developed a strong reputation as an innovative architectural practice across both commercial and residential sectors, serving clients from its offices in Cheltenham, Cirencester, Hereford, Ludlow and Worcester.
Iron & Earth Equipment
Celebrating 10 years in 2026
Berkeley-based business Iron & Earth Equipment, which specialises in used plant machinery for construction, agriculture and industry, is celebrating its 10th year of trading.
The equipment provider sells everything from used excavators and dumpers, telehandlers and rollers, to new tractors, quad bikes and side-by-sides, from its premises situated between Berkeley and the M5.
MF Freeman Group
Celebrating 60 years in 2026
Headquartered in Drybrook in the Forest of Dean, family-run property group MF Freeman marks 60 years of providing services across Gloucestershire and the surrounding counties in 2026.
Launched as an agricultural contracting business by Mervyn and Jenny Freeman in 1966, the firm has worked on major homes and highways construction projects in the county over the years, launching its homes division in 2003 and diversifying further into commercial and retirement living property, along with strategic land in the years since.
Cass Stephens
Celebrating 60 years in 2026
Founded in 1966 by Mike Cass, Gloucester-based Cass-Stephens Insurances, which specialises in insurance for businesses and landlords, sees in its 60th anniversary this year.
Today, the business is run by Mike's two sons, James and Matt, holds prestigious Chartered Insurance Broker status, and employs more than 20 people, supporting a wide range of firms, property owners and personal clients in Gloucestershire and beyond.
Ultraview
Celebrating 50 years in 2026
Cotswold Windows has rebranded as Ultraview in 2026 – 50 years after its founder Jon Davis first joined the emerging market for double-glazed aluminium and PVCu windows.
Today, the business specialises in high-performance glazing for large-scale, more complex projects, collaborating with architects, designers and homeowners to deliver solutions for high-end spaces.
Heliflight UK
Celebrating 30 years in 2026
Providing exclusive charter, self-fly hire and helicopter training from its Gloucestershire Airport base, Heliflight UK has been in business for 30 years in 2026.
Founded in Wolverhampton in 1996, it has operated at Staverton for more than 24 years and is now fully Gloucestershire-based, offering services including a helicopter training school and flights for weddings and special occasions.
