Local hotel crowned ‘Community Champion of the Year’ at Buckinghamshire Business Awards
“Winning Community Champion of the Year means a huge amount to everyone at Horwood House because supporting our community is part of how we want to do business”
The team at a local hotel are celebrating after being crowned ‘Community Champion of the Year’ at the Buckinghamshire Business Awards.
Horwood House Hotel, a 4-star country house hotel and conference venue in Little Horwood, near Milton Keynes, took home the accolade at a recent ceremony held at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre.
The category recognises businesses that go beyond their day-to-day operations to make a positive contribution to their communities, with Horwood House selected ahead of fellow finalists Radley Aylesbury and Seymour Taylor.
The award follows several years of work by Horwood House to embed community support into its operations, with long-term partnerships including Willen Hospice, Crisis UK, Urban Bee-lievers, Medical Detection Dogs and Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT). The hotel also works closely with local schools and colleges, including Furze Down School, MacIntyre School, and Milton Keynes College, through educational projects and wider community initiatives.
Its Crisis Coffee Lounge and hotel initiatives has donated more than £27,500 to Crisis UK, while its partnership with Milton Keynes social enterprise Urban Bee-lievers includes a £7,500 three-year commitment to support young people through beekeeping and environmental projects. Horwood House is also a Corporate Platinum Partner of Willen Hospice, supporting fundraising initiatives including the Midnight Moo walk and providing prizes for raffles and auctions.
Caroline Morrone, General Manager at Horwood House Hotel, said: “Winning Community Champion of the Year means a huge amount to everyone at Horwood House because supporting our community is part of how we want to do business.
“We’re fortunate to have a team and resources that can make a difference, whether that is helping charities raise funds or creating opportunities for young people. This award is a real reflection of the time, skills and commitment our colleagues give throughout the year, and we’re incredibly proud to see that recognised.”
Every permanent Horwood House team member receives two paid charity days each year, with colleagues volunteering for causes including Crisis UK, Medical Detection Dogs and Willen Hospice. The hotel’s chefs have also worked alongside Urban Bee-lievers students, while its senior team supports schools and universities through hospitality careers talks and work experience opportunities.
Its wider community programme includes environmental projects across the estate, including the continued development of its ‘Butterfly Resort’ and work to create and protect habitats for local wildlife.
Horwood’s owner Karim Kassam has made community involvement a key part of the hotel’s development, with the estate increasingly used to support local initiatives alongside its role as a hotel and events destination.
The Buckinghamshire Business Awards are organised by Buckinghamshire Business First and celebrate the businesses, organisations and individuals helping to drive success across the county.
For more information on Horwood House Hotel, visit www.horwoodhouse.co.uk.