Devon hotel and Cumbria pub make final of ‘Britain's Friendliest Business'
A boutique hotel and restaurant in Devon, and pub and restaurant in Cumbria have both made it to the finals of a national competition to find Britain's friendliest business.
The businesses are two of 20 finalists in the competition, sponsored by small business funding provider Liberis.
The eventual winner will be crowned ‘Britain's Friendliest Business' and its owners will receive a cash award of £10,000.
The Belfry in Yarcombe (pictured below), run by husband and wife team Neil and Sarah Jane Martin, impressed the judges with its "strong entry" making the case as to why it should win the award. The Belfry source as much food as possible from local suppliers in the South West, supporting local businesses and host regular events for locals as well as guests including weekly coffee mornings and a monthly "Knit and Natter" group.
The Pheasant Inn in Allithwaite, Cumbria, run by the Jones family (pictured below) also impressed the judges with their customer and community approach. The Inn hosts regular darts and quiz nights for locals, organises and prepares Meals on Wheels twice a week, hosts two Age Concern lunches every month and raises money for the local netball team. They also give their holidaying guests a lift back to their accommodation if they can't get a taxi.
Paul Mildenstein, chief executive of Liberis said: "We've been bowled over by the quality of entries and the obvious passion and devotion that Britain's small businesses give to make sure their customers get the very best service. They should all be celebrated."
Each finalist now has to get as many Facebook Likes as possible as part of the final stage of the competition. The number of Likes received will be considered by the judges when they make their final decision on the winner.
The businesses can be supported either by tweeting Tweets by LiberisUK using the hashtag #BFBiz, or on Facebook at facebook.com/BritainsFriendliestBiz.
The winner and two runners up of Britain's Friendliest Business competition will be announced at the end of February.