Family-run Woodlands Glencoe has been awarded the UK Small Business of the Year at the Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) annual awards.
The land was once an arable farm and has since been transformed into a luxury tourism destination. The business includes an estate, café, activity centre, golf course, and 17 luxury lodges.
Their impressive growth rate and commitment to the local community was the reason for their win. The business grew its revenue from £45,000 in 2009 to £900,000 in 2020 and the firm offers their activities free to local fundraising groups.
Woodlands Glencoe employee 22 members of staff which provides important opportunities in rural Scotland.
Positive result for Highland hospitality
Woodlands Glencoe’s development director James Young said: At our heart, we’re a family firm that’s spent more than a decade building and diversifying our business. Tourism in Scotland has faced huge challenges over the last year, but we know that our business, industry and country will bounce back. By innovating and investing, we can build back the strength of our sector and our local communities.
The FSB’s UK Celebrating Small Business Awards UK Final took place virtually on Thursday May 27, and was hosted by Clare Balding. The ceremony featured an address from Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, who applauded the grit of the UK’s small business community.
FSB Highlands and Islands area lead Tanja Lister said: Being a world-class holiday destination must be matched by world-class businesses. This is exactly what we find in Woodlands Glencoe. The Young family have done a truly amazing job and they are a credit to our region.
In addition to winning the overall UK Small Business of the Year Award, Woodlands Glencoe also won the UK Business and Product Innovation Award.
