2008 Business of the Year moves on to further success
VICTORY in The Hunts Post Huntingdonshire Business of the Year Awards last November was the latest of a run of autumn successes for 61-year-old Buckden businesswoman Anne Furbank. First, she was named Female Entrepreneur of the Year in a national competit
VICTORY in The Hunts Post Huntingdonshire Business of the Year Awards last November was the latest of a run of autumn successes for 61-year-old Buckden businesswoman Anne Furbank.
First, she was named Female Entrepreneur of the Year in a national competition for her success in a variety of ventures. The in late October she broke the record for her age-group in the Berlin Marathon.
Most prestigious of all, a week later, her George Hotel and Brasserie in Buckden was voted Business of the Year in the Hunts Post awards, having already lifted the title of Retailer of the Year.
The overall award-winner is chosen from the winners of the corporate categories in the competition.
But the George's win was not just a personal achievement, but an endorsement of the entire team at the historic 17th century 12-room hotel, said general manager Cynthia Schaeffer.
"Winning the Business of the Year award was a fantastic achievement which gave everybody at the George a morale boost," she told The Hunts Post.
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"It motivated everyone, getting them to carry out an even better job with more pride knowing that their skills had been officially recognised.
"Thus, just a few weeks after receiving the award, we were also awarded the coveted Visit Britain Gold Award, which is awarded to only 25 hotels nationwide.
"It also put us at the forefront of people's mind and therefore increased our levels of business. It is a great marketing tool - the award is displayed on our reception desk where it attracts plenty of attention from new and regular guests alike."
In common with most other businesses seeking to attract cash from consumers in an economic downturn, the George is having to adjust to the difficult economic climate.
"We will be looking to consolidate levels of business while maintaining the essence of the George - its style and standards - despite increased costs across the business," Ms Schaeffer said.
"But winning this prestigious award has given us all here at the George immeasurable pride and this makes the sometimes long hours dictated by the industry really worth it."
INFORMATION: The George Hotel and Brasserie is in George Street Buckden PE19 5XA; telephone 01480 812300.
