Our Story & Purpose

Built by Locals. Backed by Community. Built for Everyone.

The story behind Cotswold Grapevine — from a local grassroots community to an accessibility-first guide for Cirencester and beyond.

A local directory with a simple belief at its heart: good information should be useful, welcoming and available to everyone.

Chris Founder, local campaigner and Cotswold resident

The Founder’s Journey

Technology with a human reason for being

Chris grew up in the Cotswolds, with deep roots in Cirencester and a long-standing instinct to help the places and people around him.

As a lad, he raised money for the RSPCA and local schools. Later, his career took him deep into the technical and infrastructure side of the internet, working with BT Business Broadband, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Devon County Council and leading UK internet service providers including Fasthosts.

That experience became a way to give something practical back. Together with close friends, all living with various disabilities, Chris started a Community Interest Company to refurbish technology and manage websites for respected local charities.

There is a personal story behind the work, too. During difficult health battles and some very tough times, local charities became a lifeline — especially Cirencester Signpost. Building Cotswold Grapevine is Chris’s way of giving back to the community that supported him when he needed it most.

Local support can change the direction of someone’s life. This platform is built to make that support, and the local places that provide it, easier to find.

The Grapevine Seed

A small local idea that grew into a shared place

The Cotswold Grapevine began as a small Facebook group — a place for local conversation, recommendations, questions and neighbourly connection.

It grew quickly because people recognised something familiar in it: the value of hearing from people who know the area, understand its character and care about what happens here. That small seed has now grown into an active community of more than 8,000 members.

Chris also wants to give heartfelt, public credit to Julia, a valued friend and community administrator who stepped forward when he was poorly. Julia helped nurture, protect and manage the group with care, patience and a strong sense of what the community needed.

8,000+ local members

Julia’s stewardship

When Chris needed time to focus on his health, Julia stepped up to keep the group welcoming, useful and grounded in the community it was created to serve.

Built on trust, local knowledge and friendship

Now living with mobility challenges, Chris is bringing together technical expertise, local pride and community backing to take that 8,000-strong seed into its next chapter.

Accessibility & Discovery

The next generation of local search should work for everyone

The way people find information online is changing. Cotswold Grapevine is being shaped around the real questions people ask before they visit, call, book or take part.

Designed around real access needs

Very few directories take the time to make accessibility a meaningful part of the experience. We are working towards a guide that respects screen-reader users, people with mobility needs and anyone who needs clearer information before making a journey.

Built for better answers

The platform is engineered with structured information and strict microdata principles so modern search tools can understand local businesses more accurately and return useful answers instead of vague listings.

Questions that matter locally

Whether someone needs step-free access, nearby parking, dietary information or a service that understands their circumstances, the goal is to make those answers easier to discover through search and AI assistants.

From ChatGPT and Perplexity to Apple AI and traditional search, the aim is the same: help people find accurate local information with less uncertainty and fewer barriers.

Fair Membership

A directory should open doors, not put up barriers

Every local business deserves a straightforward way to be found, whether it is just starting out or ready to grow its digital presence.

Every local business can list for free with essential contact details, direct calling and a logo. Businesses that want more visibility can choose a clear growth tier without confusing packages or hidden commitments.

Verified Partner

£99 per year for enhanced search authority and a stronger local presence.

Sovereign Partner

£199 per year for enhanced authority and direct backlinks to help your website grow.

The Unbreakable Charity Pledge

Sovereign Partner membership at £0

Registered charities, non-profits and local support groups receive top-tier Sovereign Partner membership completely free, forever.

Be Part of the Story

The next chapter belongs to all of us

Whether you run a local business, support a community group or simply want better local information, there is a place for you in the Cotswold Grapevine.