03/06/2026
One Year On From Winning Double Gold
It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since Sunnyside Guest House was awarded Double Gold at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, winning both B&B of the Year and Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Business of the Year.
Looking back, we could never have imagined where those awards would take us.
As a small, family-run guest house, our focus has always been on looking after our guests and supporting Southport and sustainable tourism. The recognition was incredible, but the last 12 months have been truly life-changing for our business.
We’ve been honoured to attend events at the House of Lords and have now visited 10 Downing Street twice, most recently for the launch of English Tourism Week. We were also delighted to welcome Andrew Stokes OBE Director and Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitEngland, and the VisitEngland team to Sunnyside, an unforgettable moment for us as a small business.
These experiences have allowed us to represent not just Sunnyside, but Southport and independent accommodation providers on a national stage.
The past year has also brought significant media coverage. Sunnyside has featured on ITV News, recently appeared in the Daily Mail, and been covered across regional press including the Liverpool Echo, Southport Visiter (front page), and the Lancashire Evening Post, as well as many others. We’ve also appeared on BBC Radio Merseyside on four occasions, sharing our story and promoting Southport as a year-round destination.
We were proud to take part in “Southport for a Holiday in Wintertime”, celebrating the town’s heritage and encouraging year-round tourism.
Another highlight was being named in the Small Business Saturday UK Top 100 Small Businesses, recognising the work of independent businesses across the UK.
This evening, the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence take place once again. Best of luck to all the incredible businesses involved.
If we could offer one piece of advice to tonight’s winners, it would be this: make the most of your award.
The recognition is just the beginning. Some opportunities will come to you but many you must create yourself. Share your story widely. Contact local and national newspapers, radio, TV, and industry media. Don’t wait to be noticed shout about what makes your business special.
A VisitEngland Award gives you a platform. It’s up to you to use it.
We’ve learned that people genuinely want to hear positive stories about independent businesses, and every interview or article can open unexpected doors.
To tonight’s winners, enjoy every moment. This could be the start of something extraordinary. 🏆
Southport BID Your Southport Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Visit Southport
