Cumbrian pub is runner-up in Britain’s Friendliest Business competition
The Pheasant Inn, in Allithwaite, beat off competition from nearly 100 UK companies to be named in the top three in Britain’s Friendliest Business Award, a national competition sponsored by small business funder Liberis.
Run by brother and sister Richard and Charlotte Jones, the Pheasant impressed judges with “the valuable role” it plays in Allithwaite and surrounding area. The company wins free marketing consultancy time from a top London agency.
The pub hosts regular darts and quiz nights for locals, and raises money for the village netball team. In addition, it organises and prepares meals-on-wheels twice a week, and hosts two Age Concern lunches every month.
The judges were also impressed by the fact that holidaying guests would be offered a lift back to their accommodation if they can’t get a taxi.
Customer support
Customers, friends and staff championed the business and posted nearly 500 likes and messages of support on Facebook, which were taken into consideration during the final round of judging.
Comments posted described the Inn as “the friendliest pub in the world” and “a fantastic family run business”.
Other comments included, “the staff go the extra mile to make a customer’s experience nothing short of amazing” and one post described it as “the icing on the cake for me when looking to relocate to Allithwaite”.
Richard Jones said: “We are really pleased and very proud as a team to have achieved so much and got so far in this competition. We've had fantastic support and some lovely comments from customers, employees, friends, and even ex-staff.
“We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who took the time to participate.”
Outstanding contribution
Said Paul Mildenstein, chief executive of Liberis, said: “Without any doubt, the Pheasant Inn is a praiseworthy runner-up and should be very proud."
He added: “Its contribution to the community, especially meals-on-wheels, Age Concern lunches and fundraising is outstanding. The loyalty and affection shown by customers and staff in return is plain to see.”
Helter Skelter Children’s Play Centre in Broadstairs, Kent took the title of Britain’s Friendliest Business and the Commercial Group in Cheltenham was a second runner-up.
Liberis launched the competition to reward hardworking businesses that think of their customers and staff first. The company has provided £70m in funding for small and medium-sized businesses.
