Pictured above: Steve Ogan and Phil Chambers from
Blakelow Farm Holiday Cottages, Winster receive the Gold Award for
Self-Catering Holiday of the Year at the Enjoy England Awards for
Excellence 2010 in Brighton. The Award was presented by Chris
Webster, Visit England Board Member (left), and Master of
Ceremonies Tony Hawks (right)
Champagne corks are popping as two Peak District accommodation
providers celebrate news that they have scooped top awards in a
prestigious national competition highlighting England's top tourism
businesses.
Blakelow Farm Holiday Cottages at Winster have struck gold by
winning the Self Catering Holiday of the Year category in
VisitEngland's Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2010, announced
in Brighton on St George's Day (Friday April 23).
Underleigh House B&B of Hope also scored silver in the Bed
& Breakfast/Guest Accommodation category in the annual awards,
which aim to recognise organisations or individuals who have had an
exceptional impact on English tourism.
"Congratulations to both Blakelow Farm and Underleigh House for
winning these high-profile and well-deserved accolades," said David
James, Chief Executive of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, the
area's official tourist board.
"We work very closely with as many Peak District &
Derbyshire tourism businesses as possible to encourage them to
offer the very best standards and experiences for their visitors,
right from the smallest teashop or café to large attractions
welcoming more than 100,000 people a year.
"Both these award winners exemplify the high levels of quality
we are striving to achieve as a world-class destination, and are a
great example to other businesses keen to raise their game and
improve their performance in a very competitive market."
Added Steve Ogan, of Blakelow Farm: "Being proud of our
cottages, protective of our environment and passionate about
quality is what we do. We strive to be the very best in everything
we undertake. The accolade of offering the best self catering
holiday in England is brilliant, and helps fly the flag for the
magnificent Peak District & Derbyshire."
Vivienne Taylor of Underleigh House was equally delighted: "We
are thrilled to receive recognition for - and to be able to
represent - the Peak District & Derbyshire at such prestigious
awards. Being able to do our bit to promote tourism is an honour,
and we trust that the spin-off will be advantageous to the area as
a whole, not just to our specific businesses."
Pictured above: Philip and Vivienne Taylor of Underleigh
House, Hope Valley, Derbyshire, receive their Silver Award for Bed
and Breakfast/Guest Accommodation of the Year from Master of
Ceremonies Tony Hawks (left) and Lady Cobham, Chairwoman of
VisitEngland (right) at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence
2010 in Brighton
Both Blakelow Farm and Underleigh House achieved success at
regional level in East Midlands Tourism's Enjoy England Awards for
Excellence before progressing to the final.
"Entries are now being accepted for the next East Midlands
Tourism Enjoy England Awards for Excellence in October, so I would
urge any Peak District & Derbyshire tourism businesses wanting
to receive the recognition they deserve and to spread the news
about the first class service they offer to submit their
applications as soon as possible," added David.
"Not only is it an excellent way of recognising their efforts
and rewarding them for their hard work, it's also an ideal platform
for them to raise their profile, build their business and attract
new customers in the future."
Businesses can compete in more than one category, and
applications must be submitted by Tuesday June 1 at 5pm. Anyone
interested in entering should contact Lindsay Rae, the tourist
board's Quality, Skills and Business Support Manager, on 0845 833
0970 ext. 4865.