ONE of the spectacular stars of recent Hunts Post Huntingdonshire Business Awards ceremonies has been TP Golf Management, now renamed, after extensive expansion of its Hemingford Abbots activities, as Cambridge Golf and Conference Centre. The company, fou

ONE of the spectacular stars of recent Hunts Post Huntingdonshire Business Awards ceremonies has been TP Golf Management, now renamed, after extensive expansion of its Hemingford Abbots activities, as Cambridge Golf and Conference Centre.

The company, founded in 2003 by Peter Durham and partner Teresa Neeson, exploded onto the stage at the 2005, when it was judged best in both the Retail Business and Small Business of the Year categories and went on to win the overall Business of the Year Award.

It won the Small Business category in 2006, only the second company to have taken the accolade in successive years, and last year managing director Peter Durham lifted the coveted Business Person of the Year Award 2007 in the face of stiff competition.

"Winning Business Person of the Year meant an awful lot to both myself and the business," he told The Hunts Post. "It is reassuring to know that you are heading in the right direction and making a difference and that your efforts and hard work are recognised and appreciated by other people.

"In business, it is often a lonely place, where you are expected to make big decisions on a daily basis and get all of them right. Well, the reality is very different. When things are going well, it's a great feeling and very satisfying. When things are not going well, everyone looks to you for answers - and that can be quite daunting."

The last year has seen the company investing £1.5million in new facilities, including a restaurant, conference facility and high-tech golf academy.

"With very few venues in the local vicinity, we identified a need for good conferencing space in the Huntingdon area with ample free parking, good food and leisure attached. Now businesses can conduct meetings locally, in comfortable surroundings and include golf tuition in their schedule.

"This makes the day more interesting for their delegates and introduces more people to the sport. With air conditioning, integrated audio visual equipment and great food, the conference centre is quickly being established as one of the best venues for miles with the Police Federation, councils and local businesses making regular use of the facilities.

"The Abbots restaurant and bar are quickly gaining in popularity, with customers loving the quality and presentation of our food. All the major online restaurant sites, such as top table, restaurantguide.com and local secrets rate it as one of the best in Cambridgeshire."

Peter said the centre's free courtesy coach was especially popular with customers taking advantage of the collect-and-take-you-home service.

"Now everyone can have a drink while enjoying our food. Customers simply book the coach and we come and pick you up if you live locally." (Further details of this service and the facilities are available on at www.cgcc.co.uk.)

"We are currently extending our car park to cope with Christmas and also designing a new entrance to the restaurant to accommodate weddings and parties, so things are progressing well," Peter enthused.