2016 is proving a successful year so far for David and Felicity Brown of Hoe Grange Holidays, with double celebrations. Not only are they celebrating 10 years in business offering outstanding self-catering holidays on their working farm, but they have also been selected as finalists in the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2016.

This is the fourth time the business has reached the national finals in what are considered as the “Oscars” of the tourism world, and to top it all this year they are the only business to be finalists in two categories; Access for All and Sustainable Tourism.

Working collaboratively with industry, VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence inspire and motivate businesses to become outstanding leaders in the industry.

“Awards for Excellence finalists exemplify outstanding tourism talent and distinguished businesses throughout England,” said Sally Balcombe, CEO of VisitBritain and VisitEngland. “We received over 400 truly impressive applications this year and there’s absolutely no doubt those shortlisted are a representatives of the best in the industry who place delivering an unforgettable experience to visitors in England at the heart of their business operations. I’d like to congratulate all finalists and wish them the very best of luck for the Awards night.”

Speaking on behalf of Hoe Grange Holidays David said, “Both Access for All and Sustainability are now so engrained into the core of our business that they drive the direction of any development decisions we make. These awards demonstrate that we are a well-rounded business which takes care to minimize its impact on the environment. We love sharing our special place, which we hope is reflected in our warm welcome to all our guests.

The winners of this prestigious accolade will be announced at the Award ceremony on Tuesday 8th March at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, during English Tourism Week.

Felicity added, “A really good omen for the awards night is that it was at the Winter Gardens in 1983 that a certain young farmer caught my eye, and the rest as they say is history! Such an exciting start to our anniversary year with more to come as we are installing two new eco glamping pods, with ensuite facilities, ready for Easter.”