Tourism businesses are in the middle of another busy season, but two of the brilliant winners of the East of England Tourism Awards 2022/23 take time out to tell us what their award means to them. 

Outstanding Contribution to Tourism  
Sponsored by Hoseasons
Winner: Philip Turner of hospitality group Chestnut  


“Hospitality is a passion, not a qualification,” says delighted winner Philip Turner, describing how the Chestnut team was built. 

After moving away from a successful banking career and buying his first pub in 2012, he says getting the right people in the team has been key to the Chestnut story.

East Anglian Daily Times: Philip Turner of hospitality group Chestnut won the Outstanding Contribution award in the East of England Tourism Awards 2022/23 Philip Turner of hospitality group Chestnut won the Outstanding Contribution award in the East of England Tourism Awards 2022/23 (Image: Chestnut Group)

Chestnut is one of the region’s most successful hospitality groups with 16 pubs and inns across East Anglia.

“Surrounding yourself with people who know things that you don’t know is how you build a great team.

“We put the brand first and assemble a team of people who passionately believe in what we do and that’s the number one requirement,” said Philip, adding that he believed being new to the hospitality world had its positives. 

“I think as a young business and having not done it before means we are willing to try different things. This is my second career and every day is a school day. We are learning and are not scared to ask questions.”

Steered by Philip, Chestnut’s achievements range from building the successful group to launching The Giving Tree, which leads not-for-profit community projects including giving 25,000 meals to NHS hospitals, care homes and hospices during the pandemic and since then raising £100,000 for local charities.

There is also the Chestnut Academy training programme, which continually up-skills the team – and encourages future business leaders by developing talent and expertise, encouraging team members to follow their dreams and passion.

While constantly praising his team, Philip is also justly proud of the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award, which is in pride of place in the office.

“It is a real honour. To be recognised by your peers is so rewarding. They really understand it has been a tough 10 years or so.” 

He’s loving his work too: “In hospitality you see the tangible difference that you make to people’s lives; the people that you work with and you are providing the environment for for birthdays and anniversaries, for friends and business deals and family stories, and that is incredibly rewarding.”
 

Self Catering Accommodation of the Year
Sponsored by cottages.com
Winner: The Suffolk Escape

Director Andrew Bryce said every return guest is a mini award, but winning a Tourism Award was incredible too.

The judges called The Suffolk Escape "magical accommodation" and the team has barely stopped smiling at the accolade since.

East Anglian Daily Times: Some of The Suffolk Escape team, left to right; Andrew Bryce, Danni Lynch, Jessica Bell, Kirsha Ryland, Becci Garrod and Becky Tidy Image: The Suffolk EscapeSome of The Suffolk Escape team, left to right; Andrew Bryce, Danni Lynch, Jessica Bell, Kirsha Ryland, Becci Garrod and Becky Tidy Image: The Suffolk Escape (Image: The Suffolk Escape)

Full of praise for the wow factor of the Sheepyard Barn, which sleeps 12, and the four luxury lakeside cabins at The Suffolk Escape, near Hintlesham, Ipswich, the judges praised the outstanding service from the team – and that meant the world to Andrew.

He is over the moon at the accolade: “It’s the greatest recognition for our team and the incredible work they do. They take outstanding care of the accommodation and our guests, and it’s the small details that can really make a difference to a guest’s experience, so this award really does go to them and their amazing contribution.”

The award is kept in the team operations room: “We’re constantly in and out of the room so it gets plenty of views and brightens everyone’s day. It’s a lovely reminder of why we go that extra mile.” 

Andrew said while reviews from customers are invaluable insights from guests’ perspectives, to have industry experts share their view by awarding ‘gold’ at the prestigious awards was the ultimate accolade. 

“We’re passionate about our accommodation and the service we provide guests. We hope this comes through from the moment people start engaging with us,” he said.

“Our aim was to create a setting and service that enabled guests to truly stop, relax and unwind and have a memorable experience so, when people rebook or share their experience with others, we like to think we’ve done a good job in having a positive impact. Each repeat booking or recommendation is like a mini award.”

Andrew added that guests keep telling the team to please don't change a thing.

"We put a lot of thought into the accommodation and service we provide, and constantly talk to and listen to our guests for feedback on improvements or adaptations needed as the world changes around us which, for now, means no big plans for the coming year except to work hard and maintain the high standards we offer.

"However, we are planning to invest in solar panels to help reduce our carbon emissions and generate our own renewable energy source, as well as help with reducing electricity costs."

The East of England Tourism Awards 2023-2024 will launch for entries in July. For details, keep an eye on tourismawards.co.uk